A South to North traverse of Wales taking in its mountainous spine including many of its highest peaks and most remote areas.
Described as the "Mountain Connoisseur's Walk", this route through upland Wales involves nearly 70,000ft of ascent and requires much stamina to complete. It is a tough, high-level route which should not be underestimated. Navigational skills are of paramount importance.
From the south coast, it follows a meandering northerly route over the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, Carmarthen Fan, Plynlimon, Cadair Idris, the Rhinogs, the Snowdon massif and the Carneddau to reach the north coast. In places there are route options.
Tony Drake, now sadly deceased, pioneered the route, and his guide was reprinted in 2016. Cambrian Way Trust now has a comprehensive website with maps and details to compliment the route guide. A new guide has been published in July 2019 by Cicerone.
Details:
Waymark: Welsh Hat on white with name in green; lowlands only, not mountains
Attributes:Very Challenging
Moorland
Mountain
Start: ST181764 - Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Finish:SH782775 - Conwy Castle, Conwy
Official website: http://www.cambrianway.org.uk
Details taken from LDWA UK
https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?menu_type=S&path_name=Cambrian+Way
Submitter: Taff Williams
Comments
New FKT from route website (https://www.cambrianway.org.uk/) of 9 days 19 hours by Mike Greenleaf.
"Although he was not aiming to break any records, it appears that this is currently the fastest known time (FKT) for the walk at 9 days and 19 hours, which he achieved by long walking hours rather than fast walking. Although it was not noted at the time, his walk in 2018 at 10 days and 6 hours was the FKT at that time, the previous FKT being by Stephen Poulton in 1971 at 10 days 12 hours."
In August I'll go for the FKT from North to South, if you have any tips I'd really appreciate them 👍
Hi Gareth, good luck! I'm happy to give you more details on a channel easier to connect on, maybe I'll try to find you on Instagram. But essentially be prepared for a lot of route finding with some trick sections in the middle. The second day from nantmor to Barmouth was very tough, don't underestimate the Rhinogs! I used a poncho tarp but ended up relying on a lot of shelters too. The national trust car park shelter in nantmor, a fishing shed around half way, a derelict church near Abergavenny. Food resupplies are also mixed, with some southern sections like llandovery across the beacons being a little sparse for a day and a bit.
Have fun!