(Thanks to the Cambrian Way website for the use of this map of the path).

Having completed the Wales Coast Path in September 2015, the obvious question was “what next”? It was surprisingly easy to answer. Despite having lived in Wales since 1987 I still feel like I am getting to know the place – very slowly. When I have been driving in mid Wales my eyes are always drawn to the hills, imagining that there must be a fabulous walk on that ridge or simply wanting to be up there, enjoying the view.

The Cambrian Way was conceived by Tony Drake in 1968. Tony died in 2012. Recognition of the route as an “official” long distance path has met with resistance from several quarters but it is listed on the LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) website and it is now being waymarked (despite this there are many sections where the path is not obvious and walkers will need to keep a close eye on the map at times – I advise having the route on a GPS enabled smartphone).

Tony produced a guide to the route but this was much improved by the excellent  “Walking The Cambrian Way” by George Todd and Richard Tyler.

It is a long walk – 288 miles coast to coast from Cardiff in thwe south to Conwy on the north coast. And it does not go anywhere like the most direct route, heading north-east towards Abergavenny, then traversing west along the Brecon Beacons before taking the Cambrian Hills north, then the Rhinogs, followed by a route through Snowdonia. The website describes the path as “A high level walk traversing the highest and wildest parts of Wales”. It is not a route for the feint-hearted!

If you would like to know more at this stage, follow this link to the website.

I started the walk in June 2015 – and I still haven’t finished. Mostly I have been doing day walks (usually with a friend) but with some sections we have done several days in a row. Mostly we’ve stayed in pubs with a little wild camping. The Covid virus has set things back somewhat but I hope to complete the walk in 2022.