Tal y Fan Summit

In the far north of Snowdonia, hikes up Tal-y-Fan lead to the most northerly Welsh 2,000-footer. In fact, this mountain sneaks over the line at 2,001 feet (610 m).Thanks to its near-coastal location, the views from the summit hold the peaks of Snowdonia to the south and the expanse of the Irish Sea to the north. 

Tal-y-Fan’s summit is supremely accessible with parking available close by. This makes it a perfectly doable Marilyn if you’re short on time or light, or if you want to take children up their first mountain. Linked to its fellows in the Carneddau range, you can equally make this peak part of a considerably longer and tougher adventure if you wish. 

A shapely peak between Snowdon and the sea

In Tal-y-Fan’s neck of the woods, Snowdonia National Park transforms from jagged, rocky behemoths to more undulating summits, rolling down from Snowdon all the way to Conway Bay and the Irish Sea. Tal-y-Fan is a lumpy-looking mountain with moorland terrain and clear trails. 

You can get onto the hiking trails up Tal-y-Fan from all around, depending on how long you want your hike to be. There’s a car park to the south west of the summit and opportunities to leave your car to the south east and make the most of the numerous paths. Otherwise, you might want to start further afield, nabbing some of the other Carneddau mountains on the way. For a full Carneddau adventure, serious hikers can even begin in the Ogwen Valley on a one-way traverse. 

No matter how you arrive, the summit of Tal-y-Fan is rocky with a trig pillar and fine views over the Carneddau. The peninsular hill of the Great Orme stretches out to the north, with Llandudno and Conwy whirring away below. 

Campsites and youth hostels are scattered around nearby, with good bases found in Conway, Bangor and Llanrwst.