Cardiff to Conwy 440km/275 miles CHALLENGING
A spectacular coast-to-coast route across Wales from north to south via the Brecon Beacons, Cader Idris and Snowdonia, devised by Ramblers volunteer Tony Drake. Described as the "mountain connoisseur's route", it traverses some of the highest and wildest parts of Wales, with double the ascent of the Pennine Way. Though considered several times in the past for national trail status, it remains for the time being an unofficial route.
The Beacons Way/Ffordd-y-Bannau is a 161km/100.5-mile route running east to west across the Brecon Beacons national park from Y Fenni/Abergavenny to Llangadog, promoted as linking the Holy Mountain with Bethlehem. The Way partly follows the same route as the Cambrian Way through the Beacons. Though still a challenging route in parts, it offers a number of easier options than the Cambrian Way, and is signed except on open hilltops. It was devised by Brecon Beacons Park Society in partnership with the national park authority in the aftermath of the 2001 foot and mouth outbreaks, and launched in 2005.
Connects with
Parks and countryside
Local authorities
Tourist Information
- Abergavenny 01873 857588
- Barmouth (seasonal) 01341 280787
- Blaenau Ffestiniog 01766 830360
- Caerphilly 029 2088 0011
- Cardiff 029 2022 7281
- Conwy 01492 592248
- Dolgellau 01341 422888
- Llanberis (services) 01286 870765
- Llandovery 01550 720693
Accommodation
Accommodation booking
Holiday providers
include Celtic Trails, Hillscape, Llanerchindda Farm
Maps
OL12,
OL13,
OL17,
OL18,
OL23,
151,
152,
187,
213,
215 Landranger maps 115, 124, 135, 146, 147, 160, 161, 171 Publications
Classic guide by pioneer of the route, with detailed maps and accommodation listings.
-
The Beacons Way: The Holy Mountain to Bethlehem by John Sansom and Arwel Michael, ISBN 1902302354.
Official colour guide with OS maps and breathtaking photos.
- A Cambrian Way by Richard Sale, ISBN 0863816053
Alternative 416km/260 mile route with route guide, background and sketch maps
Contacts
