CEUNANT HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Lakes, a Bard and a Scandal: Pilgrim Trails and Summits above Conwy
A gentle, guided 7.5‑hour walk from Rowen through woodlands, ancient sites and upland summits — a concise guide to route, suitability and kit.
Lakes, a Bard and a Scandal: Pilgrim Trails and Summits above Conwy.
Explore ancient sites, lush woodlands, and mountain peaks on a gentle, guided walk through Snowdonia’s rich history and stunning scenery — a route arranged to suit all abilities with expert leaders and memorable views.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Standing stones, stone circles and burial chambers
The route threads past ancient standing stones and a stone circle before visiting the Maen y Bardd burial chamber that looks down over the Conwy valley, offering a tangible sense of layered human history.
Pilgrim paths and a 6th‑century well
Beginning in Rowen, the walk follows a pilgrim trail through lush woodland to the medieval church of Llangelynnin — notable for its high perch above Conwy and a 6th‑century well.
Tal y Fan and wide panoramas
An ascent to Tal y Fan—the northernmost 'Nuttall' in the Carneddau—rewards walkers with panoramic views across the Menai Straits, Anglesey and northern Eryri.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
The route begins in the village of Rowen and follows a pilgrim trail through woodland to the medieval church of Llangelynnin, then climbs past an ancient standing stone and an abandoned quarry up to Tal y Fan. From the summit the walk continues to Foel Lwyd and along Bwlch y Ddeufaen — an old Roman road and drovers’ path — passing more prehistoric stones and a stone circle before visiting the Maen y Bardd burial chamber and returning towards Conwy.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The walk is planned as a 7.5‑hour activity. Meeting location is Trefriw; a precise central meeting point is decided upon booking.
Correct footwear and clothing for walking on rough mountain tracks (sturdy walking shoes or suitable boots), a small day sack for food and drink (up to 25Lt ideal), and waterproofs and layers for changeable mountain weather.
All staff are fully qualified mountain leaders with remote emergency care first‑aid certificates; working ratios on Snowdon in summer conditions are 12 walkers to 1 mountain leader.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the walk?
The trip is 7.5 hours in duration.
Where do we meet?
Meeting location is Trefriw; the central meeting point is decided upon booking.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes — the minimum age is 13 years; anyone under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Do I need to be super fit?
No — the walk is led at a gentle but steady pace. A good level of general fitness helps you enjoy the mountain scenery.
What should I bring?
Bring correct footwear (sturdy walking shoes or suitable boots), layered clothing and waterproofs, and a small day sack for food and drink (up to 25Lt recommended).
What do guides provide?
All staff are fully qualified mountain leaders carrying remote emergency care first‑aid certificates; standard working ratios on Snowdon in summer are 12 walkers to 1 leader.