The Cambrian Way is one of Wales’s most scenic long-distance walks. It runs for 298 miles (479km) from end to end, crossing the highest peaks in the Cambrian Mountains and hugging some of its wildest coastal edges. It’s a remote trail with some challenging sections, so it’s not for everyone. But if you enjoy getting away from it all and seeing just a few fellow hikers along the way, this may be just the walk for you. The Cambrian Way in Wales was started in 1968, with the first guidebook published in 1984. It covers all the main mountains across Wales.
The views from the top of Pen-y-Fan and along the way are incredible.
The views from the top of Pen-y-Fan and along the way are incredible. You’ll be able to see over to the Black Mountains in the South and even take in the Wrexham and Shropshire Hills in the North. When you get to the top of Pen-y-Fan, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the Cambrian Mountains and the surrounding areas. This is the highest peak in the Cambrian Mountains and you get to the top by climbing about 1,000 steps through the Fan Gyhffyn forest. The trail becomes incredibly remote as you move towards the West, with only the odd sheep farmer’s house in sight. At times, you may not see another soul for a few days.
You’ll get to see remote parts of Wales you may otherwise miss.
If you have the time and are happy to take a few days off work, you could easily miss out on the remote areas of Wales you’ll pass through on the Cambrian Way. You can walk the entire trail in about 12 days, but you may want to add a few extra days to your itinerary if you want to explore some of the lesser-known areas, like the Vale of Rheidol or the Gwydir Forest. If you’re after a challenge, you can extend the Cambrian Way even further by adding in the Plynlimon portion. This section of the trail is one of the more challenging routes in Wales, and it will take you into some of the most remote parts of the country.
You’ll find some beautiful spots for camping along the way.
The Cambrian Way is a long-distance trail, so you’re not likely to find a hostel or B&B. But that also means you can find some quiet, remote spots to pitch your tent. You can camp anywhere on the Cambrian Way, but be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles and be respectful of the ecology of the area. Many walkers will find a quiet spot near a river and spend their evenings watching the sunset over the mountains. Most walkers prefer to camp near a water source, so you’ll have easy access to water for washing, cooking, and cleaning.
You’ll find some beautiful spots for wild camping along the way.
There are a couple of places along the Cambrian Way where you can find some secluded spots for wild camping. One of these areas is the Preseli Hills, where you can find a few wild camping spots tucked away. The Preseli Hills are the remnants of an ancient volcano and offer stunning views of the countryside. When you pass through the village of Llanfarian, you can find some nice spots along the River Rheidol to pitch your tent.
It’s not as crowded as other trails in Wales.
The Cambrian Way is a long-distance trail, so you’re not likely to have much company along a lot of the sections. It’s a long walk covering a lot of different areas that may not be much used, so there are places where you may not see any other walkers on any given day. You could easily walk some sections of the trail and see no one but sheep and cows along the way.
You can explore remote areas without backtracking.
If you want to explore some of the more remote areas along the Cambrian Way, you may have to backtrack a few miles to find a path that leads back to the main trail. You may have to reverse your steps to get to some of the places you want to visit. This is part of the challenge of hiking a long trail, but it can also be a bit frustrating. Fortunately, you can avoid the occasional backtracking by following these offshoot paths, whenever they exist.
The rewards in the end are well worth the effort.
If you love the idea of walking through some of Wales’s most stunning landscapes, you’ll enjoy every step along the Cambrian Way. It’s a challenging trail, but the spectacular views and quiet moments along the way are well worth the effort. Besides, the only way to end the walk is to walk it!
And now, here are six reasons you shouldn’t walk the Cambrian Way…
If you like hiking in a large group, the Cambrian Way is not for you. You may see just a few fellow hikers along the way. The Cambrian Way is an isolated trail, but that’s one of the things that makes it so appealing. Just be sure you know what you’re getting into and come prepared for a long and challenging walk. If you’re prone to getting blisters, you may want to think twice about walking this trail. You’ll have to walk on some pretty rugged terrain, and you may have to navigate some slippery slopes. Unfortunately, there are no clear spots along the Cambrian Way where you can take a break from the trail without risking injury.
You’ll have to walk through some challenging terrain.
If you love long-distance hikes, you’ll enjoy the Cambrian Way. But if you’re just starting, this trail may be a little too challenging for you. You’ll have to walk through some fairly challenging terrain. Drystone walls, wetlands, and sometimes steep uphills make for some slippery walking. You’ll want to keep your footing during all seasons, as the Cambrian Way travels through remote areas, where snow and ice may not melt away until summer.
There are no services or facilities along most of the route - so come prepared!
The Cambrian Way travels through some remote areas, so you’ll have to come prepared for the walk. There are no shops or restaurants along the way, so you’ll have to pack everything you need for the trail. The nearest place to stock up on supplies is probably either Welshpool or Aberystwyth. You’ll have to be ready for some heavy rains, so remember to pack your umbrella.
For more see the official site for the Cambrian Way.