Alltwen returning via Conwy Mountain

Whilst only being 5 miles or so, this walk pack in some tough pockets of climbing. An excellent route if you're short of time but want some tough climbs and stunning views.  

Directions:

1. Head downhill from the YHA. Immediately turn left onto Cadnant Park Road. Take the next left turn and head up Mountain Road and then promptly right to go down the path which takes you down and over the train tracks. Join Bangor Road and follow this until you reach a style on your left.

2. Cross the style and then head the steep climb, you can either make a direct ascent or follow the route that bends to the left and up. Ultimately they both are hard work and lead you to Conwy Mountain Ridge. Turn right and head up the ridge following the track up and over onto the summit.

3. Near the top you'll have a choice of clambering up the boulders to the summit or following a path to the right. My preference is to clamber up the rocks.

4. Follow the rocks along the top to the summit which once was an old mountain fort and continue straight ahead. Descend Conwy Mountain towards Alltwen.

5.  Follow the track till you descend to a a gate with a stream/ford at the bottom, with a farm track beyond. Alltwen is the mountain directly ahead of you.

6. Turn left onto the farm track and follow it as it bend round towards Sychnant pass round the base of Alltwen. 

7. When the track bend sharply left, turn 90 degrees to the right up the steep rocky Alltwen climb. Follow this path up a tough climb and get the rewards of amazing views from the summit.

8. Head off the summit in an easterly direction (towards Conwy Mountain) and follow the path that follows the ridge line down. This will bring you out at the ford/gate you came through earlier.

9. After this gate, follow the main track. After half a mile or so, follow the sign for the North Wales Coast Path on your left. This will take you onto Conwy Mountain Traverse. Follow this route for another 500m or so and look for the track on your left. Turn up this to re-ascend Conwy Mountain.

10. When you reach the top, turn right onto the Conwy Mountain Summit. Go across the summit and clamber down the rocks at the far side (nearest to Conwy).

11. Descend down the Conwy mountain ridge. Eventually you will rejoin Mountain Road, follow this down to Cadnant Park road, turn right and follow this up to the YHA.