Cambrian Mountains

Welcome to the Cambrian Mountains, the formidable and majestic geographic core of Mid Wales. You are standing on the central highland spine that connects the rugged peaks of Snowdonia in the north to the rolling hills of the…

As we step onto the initial incline of the trail, you will immediately feel the uneven, resilient turf beneath your boots. We are entering the lower moorlands, the expansive transitional zone that leads into the high peaks of the…

Notice the dramatic shift in the terrain as we arrive at this exposed outcrop of jagged, grey bedrock. The thin layer of moorland soil has completely eroded here, revealing the structural skeleton of the Cambrian Mountains. …

As we round the contour of the hill, we step into a startlingly different environment. Welcome to the damp, moss covered forest edge, a sheltered crease in the mountainside that hosts a unique and thriving microclimate. …

Look carefully at the ground stretching out before us. You will notice that the path we are now walking is distinctly different from a natural animal trail; it is flatter, unnaturally straight in places, and deliberately cut into…

We have now intersected with a legendary thoroughfare of medieval Wales. You are standing on a section of the Monks' Trod, an ancient and remarkably engineered pathway that traverses the desolate central highlands. …

Look closely at the wooden post situated beside the trail here. Affixed to it is a small, distinct waymarker depicting a traditional Welsh lady's hat. …

We have finally arrived at the summit of our ascent. Standing proud against the skyline is an ancient, weather beaten stone cairn. …

As we safely navigate our descent from the high plateau, it is time to reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken today. We have traversed a relatively short distance, yet we have crossed immense expanses of both…