Hike the highest, wildest and most beautiful trail in Wales — Cambrian Way

The first stage of the Cambrian Way begins as a leisurely hike through Cardiff before rising above the city and then descending to finish by the Rhymney River.



The main points of interest along this route are the castles. Right at the start, you stand in the shadow of Cardiff Castle, which has a 2,000… read more

This stage takes you high into the hills for epic views over Newport, Cardiff and the Bristol Channel.



With over 1,000 feet (305 m) more climbing than Stage 1, this hike certainly ups the ante. However, the views from Mynydd Machen and Twmbarlwm alone are worth it. The latter peak is topped with an Iron… read more

You step into the Brecon Beacons National Park on this stage and climb the first mountain on the Cambrian Way, the Blorenge.



From Pontypool, the trail rises steadily north for the majority of the route and eventually summits the Blorenge, which affords glorious views over the Usk Valley. The trail then… read more

Expect breathtaking panoramas and challenging climbs on this hike through the Black Mountains.



The testing 3,450 feet (1,052 m) of ascent on this stage leads you up two of the most iconic peaks in the Black Mountains: Sugar Loaf, a neat conical hill with one of the best vistas in the Brecon Beacons; and… read more

Stage 5 takes you to the highest peak in the Black Mountains, Waun Fach, and visits plenty more spellbinding summits.



You begin with a steep climb out of Capel-y-ffin and soon summit Twmpa. Here, the trail near-u-turns and takes you south over the peaks of Rhos Dirion, Waun Fach, Pen Allt-mawr, Pen Cerrig… read more

This challenging hike takes you deep into the Brecon Beacons where peaceful peaks, technical trails and endless views await.



With 21.3 miles (34.3 km) of distance, 4,425 feet (1,349 m) of uphill and 3,250 feet (991 m) of downhill, this stage is the toughest in the itinerary and will really test your… read more

This stage takes you to the summits of Fan Fawr and Fan Gyhirych and passes Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, the deepest cave in the United Kingdom.



After a seriously tough previous hike, Stage 7 is more leisurely with almost half as much distance and climbing. However, the glorious mountain scenery is unabating and… read more

Classic ridgewalking, rugged summits, beautiful views and abundant wildlife combine on this hike



Upon the completion of this stage, the Brecon Beacons chapter of your adventure is over. However, you depart in characteristic fine form. The summits of Fan Hir, Fan Brycheiniog, Picws Du and Waun Lefrith… read more

You visit a nature reserve that is home to all manner of birdlife and see a cave that was home to the ‘Robin Hood of Wales’ on this hike.



RSPB Gwenffrwd Dinas provides a habitat for many bird species including red kites, pied flycatchers, redstarts, common sandpipers, dippers and grey wagtails. Whilst… read more

This stage takes you to a medieval monastery where generations of Welsh princes are buried and winds past stunning llyns nestling in remote scenery.



From Ty’n Cornel, the trail heads north through wild upland scenery, over the peaks of Esgair Cerrig and Garn Gron, before dropping into the greener lowlands… read more

You explore breathtaking waterfalls in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains on this hike and pass plenty more pretty llyns.



The trail takes you past Llyn Du, Llyn Fryddon fach and Llyn Fryddon fawr and over the summit of Domen Milwyn before dropping to Afon Ystwyth. You then hike through farmland and woodland… read more

Stage 12 takes you to the highest point in the Cambrian Mountains, a wild landscape that is perfect for the solitude-seeking hillwalker.



At 2,467 feet (752 m) above sea level, Pumlumon Fawr is the highest point of the Cambrian Mountains and the highest point in Mid Wales. From the summit, you are afforded… read more

This stage takes you into the southern tip of Snowdonia National Park, a wonderfully-diverse landscape of river gorges, green valleys, woodlands, coastline and, of course, mountains.



From Dylife, the trail zig-zags north through rugged upland, farmland and woodland. At 23.2 miles (37.3 km) long, and with… read more

You wind through the deep south of Snowdonia on this stage to experience a landscape of glacier-cut valleys, contours and hanging cwms.



This might be one of the shortest stages at 9.7 miles (15.6 km). However, in that distance you cram in 2,800 feet (853 m) of climbing as you traverse the peaks of Foel… read more

Stage 15 traverses Cadair Idris, a magnificent mountain reserve composed of rugged peaks, glacial lakes and a wooded gorge, to the Welsh coastline.



Legendary among hikers for commanding cliffs, enticing ridges and pretty tarns, Cadair Idris is a place that is rich in myths, legends, folklore, beauty… read more

You climb over the Rhinog mountains on this stage, a place where staggering beauty and exhilarating hiking go hand-in-hand.



With a whopping 4,550 feet (1,387 m) of uphill, Stage 16 has the most amount of climbing of any in this Collection. The rewards are abundant, though; breathtaking panoramic views… read more

Action-packed scrambling over some of Snowdonia’s rockiest peaks combines with sublime views and stone circles on this stage.



A steep climb from Cwm Bychan eventually levels for some scrambles over Craig Ddrwg, Moel Ysgyfarnogod, and Foel Penolau. You then drop to Moel Y Gyrafolen, descend to Llyn Trawsfynydd… read more

Stage 18 explores perfectly-formed peaks with enchanting views over Snowdonia National Park.



You begin with a steady ascent from Maentwrog before a steep climb to Moelwyn Mawr, a surprisingly little-visited peak that affords views over Cnicht’s ridge, Snowdon, Yr Aran, Lliwedd, and 15 lakes. The trail… read more

You summit the highest mountain in Wales and the namesake of the national park on this stage, Snowdon, via a particularly fun scramble.



From Beddgelert, you follow the course of the Afon Glaslyn to Lyn Dinas, a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains. You then ascend Snowdon from the south via Allt Maenderyn… read more

The penultimate stage is packed with technical ascents, rocky scrambles, rugged scenery and spellbinding views.



Stage 20 might be the shortest in the Collection. But with 2,775 feet (846 m) of climbing packed into its 7.1 miles (11.4 km), don’t expect an easy ride. Scrambles to the summits of Glyder Fawr… read more