Cambrian Way Part 3: Ponterwyd to Conwy

The Cambrian Way is the toughest long distance footpath in Wales, stretching from Cardiff in the south to Conwy in the north, winding its way across all the major mountains of the principality (so a lot of climbs and panoramic views)! Weather can be an issue with wind, mist and rain likely somewhere along the route. This is the third and final section I have listed on Wikiloc, and runs from the George Borrow Hotel in Ponterwyd to Conwy on the north coast of Wales, it includes the highest mountains of the Cambrian Way, crossing Snowdonia. Cadair Idris and Plynlimon. Occasional waymarking is by a black Welsh hat symbol, although to walk the trail you need a GPS track (such as this one) and a copy of Cicerone's "The Cambrian Way" (https://www.cicerone.co.uk/the-cambrian-way).
Leaving the village of Ponterwyd, after stocking up with snacks at the shop by the petrol station, the first day's walk is across Pumlumon (Plynlimon in English). One of the higher ranges in Wales it is more a group of moorland mountains of similar height than an individual summit. On the following day there is more rough walking on moorland upland with views and visits to the nearby valleys plus forest, farmland and a wind farm with a welcome walk on a gravel track. Several abandoned quarries are on the Cambrian Way route, I camped at one at Dinas Mawddy after a welcome meal at the Red Lion pub. After this village the route follows a ridge up and down several summits with excellent views finally reaching a pass beyond which the mountain of Cadair Idris rises resplendent before you. The Cambrian Way climbs the side of the mountain by what must be the steepest route, but from the summit of this shapely mountain much of Wales is visible, from Pembrokeshire to the Llyn peninsula to Shropshire. Barmouth is a Victorian sea side resort, a chance for a rest before climbing and follow a long ridge into an area of Snowdonia with few roads or visitors. After climbing numerous summits the walker is faced with the rough, tough mountains of Rhinog Fach and Rhinog Fawr, struggling through clumps of heather and rocks on steep slopes. Eventually the slabs of rock give way to gentler tracks as the trail passes near the waters of Llyn Trawsfynydd on a cycle track, and the nearby Nuclear Power Station, long since shut down.
After the village of Maentwrog you pass by the Ffestiniog railway, a narrow gauge mineral line resurrected by enthusiasts, and a pumped storage scheme, used to supply electricity when demand spikes. More summits need to be climbed before reaching Beddgelert, a village named after a faithful but misunderstood dog, after which Snowdown, the highest mountain in Wales is climbed. After the relative solitude of the Rhinogau, the crowds on Snowdon are something of a shock. The ranges of the Gyderau and Carneddau follow in quick succession, before a long ridge walk down to the end of the walk at the ancient town of Conwy.
The GPX track used here is derived from ones published by the Cambrian Way trust http://www.cambrianway.org.uk/. Part 2 of the route is at https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/cambrian-way-part-2-storey-arms-to-ponterwyd-57364422. For a blog of my walk along the trail see https://johnponcambrian.blogspot.com/2020/09/ponterwyd-to-dylife-on-cambrian-way-day.html.