Tal y Fan 'Base Camp'

A trail route which takes in the lower slopes of Tal y Fan. This is a great route for those who a looking for a relatively long and challenging trail run/hike. Whilst almost entirely on trails they are not overly technical nor too steep which means that even though over 500m of vert is achieved, much of it is very runnable. The downhill return leg is an absolute beauty to run - a great reward for the uphill efforts out! NB. Reverse route if a strong Westerly wind (see end of directions for details).

Directions:

1. Head up the Conwy Ridge Route up Conwy Mountain via the small path on the right off Mountain road. 

2. Head over the summit complex and head towards Alltwen (straight ahead to the left). After crossing the stream and track head left along the track to Sychnant Pass.

3. Go across Sychnant Pass road and turn right before the wall on the small footpath. Follow this along the traverse below Maen Escob with views across the bay to Puffin Island. 

4. Follow this stunning path along the traverse until you reach a wall line. At the wall line turn left uphill, follow this until you join the North Wales Path. Follow the North Wales Path in a South Westerly direction. 

5. Continue until your reach the sheep folds. Go to the left up the sheep folds uphill along a small footpath which joins a wide path heading to the South West.

6. . Eventually this turns left up a steep grassy climb. Climb up here and follow the track. As you crest the summit of this climb you will find yourself at the base of the main route up Tal y Fan. Follow the track straight ahead and begin the long descent which then undulates downwards all the way back to Conwy.

7. When returning, shortly after passing Maen Escob on your left, follow the track which forks to your right. This will drop you downhill, at the bottom of this track follow it to the right past the house and down until you hit the road in Llechwedd. Turn right onto the road for about 50m or so.

8. Turn left down the passageway. At each of the upcoming gates head straight ahead and walk across the fields until you reach the tudor-style houses. Pass these, until you reach a road. Here turn right, then immediately left across the fields, follow this down to the new Oakwood estate. Exit the Oakwood estate downhill, then turn right and follow Sychnant Pass Road back to the YHA.

Route tip: In strong Westerly winds, reverse the route. When it's very windy the route out (essentially 4.5 miles uphill) becomes an absolute slog. If you reverse it you get some shelter on the way out from the mountain and then can enjoy the tailwind home.