Rhayader walks

A Ceredigion walk in the Cambrian Mountains that takes you to the summit of Pen y Garn. The walk provides some wide ranging views across some wild country. The route follows good tracks and paths for the most part.

Except for the final 1km (½ mile), the walk from Rhyd-y-benwch to the source of the river and back is almost entirely within the confines of the Hafren Forest. So, perfect on a fine day, not so good in the rain.

This is a short walk in the Snowodnia National Park, easily manageable in about a couple of hours making it suitable for families, for an evening excursion or for the remains of a day curtailed by bad weather. It is rewarding and enjoyable, in a land of Arthurian legend, providing varying interest and ever changing panoramas from coastal to more distant mountains.

A fascinating route which circumnavigates Foel Cae’rberllan and passes through the village of Abergynolwyn. You then walk along a valley with the Afon Dysynni hemmed in at its base before veering off above Coed Cae’r-berllan and approaching Castell y Bere, prominent on a rocky outcrop to your left. After visiting castles, you then make your return along the cwm of Nant-yr-eira, initially through woods and then along an open trackway.

From Rhydyronen Station, there is a splendid walk up the steep-sided valley of Nant Braich-y-rhiw where, after crossing the stream, you turn sharp left to return to the station to start the second part of this route. If you have the stamina and help with transport, you could continue in a south-easterly direction to cross into Happy Valley. However, to continue this walk you then accompany the railway for an easy walk back to Pendre, passing an area of Open Access Land (Tir Cymen) at Hendy.

Starting from Rhydyronen, you are soon presented with a stunning vista of the sea and the valley as you climb gently up the lower slopes of the south-western extremities of the Tarrens. A steep descent brings you back to the railway at Brynglas Station, an alternative starting point. You then pass a fine converted mill and the handsome house of Dolaugwyn before making your way through woods and beside Nant Rhydyronen back to the start.

Following quiet lanes and pretty riverside paths down to the Afon Dysynni, this is an easy walk which offers expansive views towards the sea in the west, and the mountains to the east. Your return route passes Ynysymaengwyn on its way back to the station.

Leave Abergynolwyn Station and, after a short stretch of road, you are soon walking along a steep gorge defined by the Afon Dysynni, which squeezes through this narrow gap before reaching Dyffryn Dysynni, where it turns south-west and heads for the sea. A very quiet lane is then joined at Pont Ystumanner and this is followed for a short way to Llan llwyda, with the craggy hulk of Bird Rock directly ahead.

This Gwynedd walk is full of interest with a section across the hills, an historic chapel and a ruined castle. The final section is through a gorge. This is a surprisingly beautiful part of Snowdonia.

An easy, level walk which visits St Cadfan's church before making a bee-line for the Afon Dysynni.After a walk beside the river, you turn inland, passing a fine dovecot and what remains of Ynysymaengwyn, once a stately home. A short walk along the road brings you to the ancient Croes-faen, where you turn left to either return to the start along quiet lanes or make a short diversion to Hen-dy Station and a ride back in the train.

This is an up and over route between two car parks in the Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve a range of mountains in the south of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Walk along the south side of Cadair Idris on the ascent, and descend down its north side.

This is the Beacons Way "the other way" from West to East. The prevailing wind comes from the west, so I prefer to have it at my back than in my face. However, there are a lot of North-South headings along this route and even an occasional westerly path. The scenery is fantastic either looking forward, back or to the side. A route to be enjoyed either way.

This is a short walk to begin the Brecon Beacons Way, going from west to east. You might need a few hours to get to Llangdog Station at the start of the walk or you might choose to stay in the village before setting out on the trail. Either way, this route is an easy way to break into your stride without any strain or stress.

This Powys walk starts from Cwmgwdi and visits Corn Du passing the monument to the Lost Lad before continuing to Pen y Fan, the highest point in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Continuing, the walk then visits the summits of Cribyn and Fan y Big before returning to the start along the western side of Cwm Cynwyn.