A Walk from Conwy

Leader: Steve Edwards

Total Distance:            11.5 Miles

Total Ascent :              2325 ft

Est Time:                      4:30

And where are they? I pray you tell."
She answered, "Seven are we;
And two of us at Conway (Conwy) dwell,
And two are gone to sea."
William Wordsworth, We Are Seven (1798)

Conway is a beautiful area for hill walking. This walk starts in front of Conway Castle. The height of Conway Mountain is 809ft / 247m.The views from this mountain

are magnificent with its panoramic views inland and over the coast and estuary.

The maps required for this walk are: ORDANANCE SURVEY MAPS- Llandranger 115 (Snowdon) or Explorer OL17(Snowdon-Conwy)

Once you climb over the ladder-stile and enter the Conway Mountain Reserve, the beginning of this walk is fairly steep, however it levels out for you to enjoy a pleasant and comfortable walk. There are views West to Anglesey, South down the Conway valley and East to Clwydian Mountains, on a clear day you may see gas rigs and wind turbines far offshore the North-East in Liverpool Bay. The best time to visit Conway Mountain is August-October where you can view the beautiful colours of the heathers on the mountain but April is still good. There is a wide stony path that runs along the ridge top through the remains of the Castell Caer Seion hill fort. The views around the mountain are breathtaking even before you reach the summit. Once we do reach the summit you can enjoy the panoramic views.

From the summit, we follow the path and head SW towards "PENSYCHNANT",Gwarchodfa nature and farm reserve. From the nature reserve we follow the path which takes us down to the Sychanant Pass / Bwlch Sychanant. We then cross the road and through the 5 bar gate heading South towards the ancient Church and Holy Well of Llangelynin.

This magnificent old Church is situated high above the Conwy valley in the shelter of Tal y Fan, it was founded in the 7^th century with the spring of water in the corner of the churchyard once used for baptismal purposes, and its 16^th century porch. There are still occasional services held here.

From the Church we walk around the rear to descend through deciduous woodland with occasional glimpses of the valley below and wind are way back to Conwy and the finish.

Although not a difficult walk, it is long and therefore a reasonable pace will need to be maintained to allow time for a brew at the finish.