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5 Highlights of the Cambrian Way

Spring has sprung and the days are getting longer! Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer adventures. Looking for an awesome challenge? Let me introduce you to the Cambrian Way.

Starting at Cardiff Castle and finishing at Conwy Castle in the north of Wales, effectively creating a coast-to-coast epic, the Cambrian way is no mean feat. At almost 480 kilometres and nearly 24,000 metres of ascent, the route goes over many of Wales's major mountains and takes in some of the country's finest scenery. This is certainly no walk in the park; it is regarded as being the most challenging trail in the UK. Strong navigation skills are essential as much of the trail is upland, remote and unwaymarked.

Here are five of the many highlights waiting for you on the Cambrian Way.

 Pen y Fan
1. Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

The Cambrian Way route doesn't try and cut through Bannau Brycheiniog as quickly as possible, it weaves you around the National Park across the majority of ridgelines, and guides you in almost every direction. The Cambrian Way makes a point of showcasing the wonders of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

The highlight here for some will inevitably be Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales at 886 metres tall. The summit affords stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Nantymaen post and phone box
2. Nantymaen post and phone box

A phone box might seem like an unusual highlight, but trust us-this one is special. Arriving at this phone box will stay long in the memory. After trekking through some of the wildest, most remote landscapes in Wales you have a slight descent where bright red splashes of colour are unveiled and pierce the earthy tones your eyes have become accustomed to.

For the unprepared, it's a quirky surprise; for others, it's a welcome checkpoint on the journey north. Though out of order, the phone box still offers a tiny but much-needed refuge from the wind and rain. You might even find fresh eggs in the honesty box! The post box is still fully functional, so drop in a postcard and give the local postie a good reason to make the trip out here!

Devils Bridge/Pontarfynach
3. Devil's Bridge/Pontarfynach

The halfway point of our two-map set is Devil's Bridge. This is more than enough reason to have a break in your journey. This legendary spot isn't just famous for its breathtaking waterfalls-it's home to three bridges stacked atop one another, each built in a different era. According to legend, the first was constructed by the Devil in exchange for the first soul that crossed it.

If you're craving more adventure, take one of the circular walks (for a small fee) to get up close to the thundering falls and soak in the dramatic scenery. A certain highlight before continuing your journey!

Barmouth Bridge
4. Barmouth Bridge

This historic, Grade II listed viaduct stretches 702 metres over the stunning Mawddach Estuary, offering breathtaking views upstream of Eryri National Park and the chance to spot dolphins gliding through the waters below.

Both a railway crossing and footbridge, it is a rare and unique bridge where the Cambrian Way briefly joins with the Wales Coast Path. Its picture-perfect charm has even earned it a spot on the cover of our Wales Coast Path 2 map.

Snowdon
5. Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon

Certainly, a high point on this trail - literally! This legendary trail crosses many breathtaking peaks, including Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan, but none stand taller than Yr Wyddfa. Rising to 1,039 metres, it is the highest summit in Wales and is waiting for you in the final stages of the Cambrian Way.

Summiting Yr Wyddfa alone is an impressive achievement; you can reward yourself with a well-earned hot drink at the summit café. But don't get too comfortable - you're not in Conwy yet!



Hit the trail ...

The Cambrian Way is covered by two 1:40,000 Trail Maps from HARVEY. Cambrian Way South takes you from Cardiff to Devil's Bridge, and Cambrian Way North completes the route to Conwy Castle. The maps are waterproof, weigh just 50g each and the route is clearly marked in red to help you on your way.




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