Capelulo and Fairy Glen

Distance: 6.46 miles       

Ascent: 384 metres

Surface: Off road

This loop takes you out via Sychnant pass before dropping you down the awe-inducing gorge. You then climb up alongside the quaint Afon Gyrach to beautiful village of Capelulo. A tough climb follows out from the fairy glen to take you onto the slopes high above Capelulo. A traverse offering stunning views takes you back to Sychnant pass. From here you head back through the rural fields above Oakwood back to the YHA.

Directions:

1. Leave the YHA and head down Sychnant Pass Road and down Cadnant Park Road. Turn left up Mountain Road and follow the track uphill. Follow the mountain track for a couple of miles all the way to the base of Alltwen. Follow the track round to the left of Alltwen to Sychnant Pass.

2. Turn right to descend off-road down the gorge below the cliffs of Alltwen.

3. Follow the road down hill at the bottom of the gorge before turning left up a track alongside a bubbling stream up to Capelulo. 

4. At Capelulo head straight across the road and up the fairy glen, head left across the bridge to a footpath which takes you up a steep climb.

5. When you reach the wall line follow the path left which heads back towards Conwy. Follow this narrow path with steep slopes off to the side until it drops you out at Sychnant Pass. At Sychnant Pass, head through the gate and follow the path along the wall line. 

6. Stay on this path until you until you head over a style and past a lake. Join the gravel track heading to the right first climbing slightly then descending the steep slope until you arrive at the road.

7. Turn right then turn left through the kissing gate into the narrow passage after 50-100m or so. Go down the passage then continue through the gates and across the fields back towards Oakwood. 

8. Follow the road past the old golf club house until you reach the road. Turn right after the large Tudor-style houses and then immediately left to head across the fields to the new Oakwood Estate. Go down the road to Sychnant Pass Road and turn right, follow this back to the YHA.