Conwy Valley Way

Summary

The Conwy Valley Way is a meandering long-distance walk around the beautiful Conwy Valley, running from Conwy Bay to the river’s source at Llyn Conwy. It detours wherever possible to cover every major highlight of the picturesque valley. Starting in the coastal town of Llandudno — a popular Victorian holiday resort — the walk follows the North Wales Path around the Great Orme, heading across Conwy Sands to the mouth of Afon Conwy at Deganwy. Continuing close to the eastern side of the river, the route passes Llandudno Junction to explore Conwy Nature Reserve before following the river upstream through Llansanffraid. It then leaves the river to track south across countryside toward Bodnant Garden, Mynydd Cauedig, and Abbey Nurseries, resuming a riverbank course to Tan-lan before following roads into Llanrwst. Countryside walking resumes toward Capel Garmon and Pont Rhydlanfair, where the Conwy is crossed. The upland Vale of Conwy, Conwy Reservoir, and Cwm Hafodredwydd are visited as the course turns south, east, and north to begin the return journey. Afon Machno is followed downstream to Penmachno and onward to where it flows into Afon Conwy near Conwy Falls. Fairy Glen and Glyn Lledr lead to Llyn Elsi before forest tracks guide walkers into Betws-y-Coed. Further forest track walking leads past a series of lakes — Llyn Parc, Llyn Sarrau, Llyn Geirionydd, and Llyn Crafnant — before visiting Trefriw and Coed Dolgarrog National Nature Reserve. Soon after, the Conwy is briefly rejoined before the route climbs to Cefn Llechen, Maen Esgob, Craigfedwen, and Conwy Mountain, finishing with a thorough exploration of Conwy town and The Beacons off Conwy Sands.