Conwy Valley Way

This long distance trail explores both sides of the part-wooded Conwy Valley, one of the most beautiful areas of North Wales, lying on the eastern edge of Snowdonia National Park. From the Great Orme, a stunning limestone headland protecting Conwy Bay, the trail follows the river from the mouth of the estuary down the eastern side of the valley and on to its source at remote Llyn Conwy, high in the Migneint moors. It then returns along the more rugged western side of the valley, passing through Gwydyr Forest Park containing various upland lakes, to eventually finish at the medieval fortified walled town of Conwy, a World Heritage Site.

The meandering, undulating trail passes through a diverse landscape of estuary, wooded river valleys, upland pasture, hills, moorland, forest, woodland, scenic upland lakes, waterfalls and dunes. It visits classic viewpoints, nature reserves, picturesque towns and villages. Also many places of historic interest, including ancient bridges and churches, a Roman fort, Neolithic burial chambers, Iron Age hillfort and lead mining relics.

The Conwy Valley Way can be undertaken as a continuous walk of up to 102 miles, with a choice of routes; as two separate walks, south and north; or as a series of short linear day walks linked by easily accessible public transport, details of which are provided in the guidebook by David Berry. The book also provides a fascinating insight into the history of the valley and the communities the trail passes through. The route is described in ten sections as follows:

Llandudno to Glan Conwy - 12.5 miles
Glan Conwy to Llanrwst - 13 or 14.5 mile route options
Llanrwst to Betws-y-Coed - 9 miles
Betws-y-Coed to Ysbyty Ifan - 7.5 miles
Ysbyty Ifan to Penmachno - 12.75 miles, or 3.75 mile shortcut
Penmachno to Betws-y-Coed - 5.5 or 8 mile route optons
Betws-y-Coed to Trefriw - 8.25 or 12.75 mile route options
Trefriw to Pontwgan - 8 or 9 mile route options
Pontwgan to Conwy - 6.75 or 11 mile route options
Conwy to Conwy Bay - 5 miles

The actual distance walked and time taken will depend upon the route options that are chosen. This is a very flexible long distance route.

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