An Introduction to The Cambrian Way

How long is the route?

The Cambrian Way is 479km (298 miles) in total with around 22,500m (73,700ft) of ascent.

How difficult is the Cambrian Way?

Tempting as it may be, the Cambrian Way should not be the first outing attempted by the novice trekker. It's nearly 300 miles long and much of the route is in open access country, requiring good navigational skills. Some sections are long and remote, and accommodation can be rudimentary. While the mountains are not high, reaching a little over 1000m, the isolation and the challenge of the highest peaks require good mountain walking experience.

How many days are needed to complete the route?

The route takes around 3 weeks to walk, although it can be made shorter or longer depending on your timeframe and fitness.

What accommodation options are available?

There is a wide range of accommodation along the Cambrian Way, from youth hostels, bunkhouses, bothies and campsites to expensive hotels. There are many B&B establishments on the route. There is a detailed accommodation list on the Cambrian Way website. Note that wild camping in Wales is only allowed with the landowner's permission.

With often quite long distances between accommodation it is unwise to arrive without booking in advance. It is safest to book for the whole route or the part of the route you’re walking before setting off so that you can be assured of a bed for the night.

When is the best time to go?

The route can be attempted at any time of the year but the higher mountains of the Snowdonia area are best avoided in the middle of winter due to wind, ice and snow. Some hostels close for the winter, but it is possible to find B&B accommodation throughout the year – although this of course should be checked in advance. Wales is renowned for its rainfall so walkers should always be prepared for wet weather.

Can I use public transport to travel to and from the route?

Getting to Cardiff at the start of the Cambrian Way and from Conwy at the end is easy by road or rail. Cardiff is on the South Wales Main Line which offers connections with stations across the UK and a direct link with London. Conwy is on the North Wales Coast Line which runs from Crewe to Holyhead, Crewe being a major junction with good connections to both the north and south. The National Rail website and Trainline allow you to compare options and make rail bookings, and both train and bus information can be found at www.traveline.cymru.

There are good bus services in the urban districts and on main roads in the countryside, should you want to leave the route in order to take advantage of wider accommodation options. If walking the route in sections rather than in one go, railways can be used to reach many spots along the Way.

What should I take with me?

• Pack weight should be between 7 and 10kg, depending on whether camping gear is being carried. It is well worth investing in lightweight equipment, as some of the mountain sections are difficult to negotiate with a large pack.
• Although much of the southern section can be walked in good mountain shoes, boots are advisable for the later sections, as well as gaiters for the peat bogs in the mid moorland areas where streams will also need to be waded on occasion.
• Sun cream and insect repellent are advisable. Trekking poles can be very useful for the more mountainous and boggy sections. Safety items such as a first aid kit, torch, whistle, map and compass are essential.
• Sheets are not usually required for hostels but it is wise to a carry light silk inner lining and pillow cover. For bothies, a sleeping bag and mat will be needed.
• The logistics of washing and drying clothes over a three-week trek will need to be considered; liquid soap and a drying line are recommended, although many accommodation businesses will provide laundry services at a charge.
• A few remote sections require enough food to be carried for a few days.