Tal y Fan
Key:
Mountain over 914m
Peak over 600m
Peak under 600m
Length: 7km Height gain: 510m Highest point: 610m Approx time: 3 hours gpx file
This is a short walk which we used to go on with school when we had arrived in the morning, and had just got time for an afternoon walk before tea. It only covers Tal y Fan, but offers good views over to Anglesey and Puffin Island.
Begin from the small village of Rowen (GR 759719). Follow the road for just over 1km until you reach the top of a steep section where the road carries on to your left to a youth hostel. A right of way goes on ahead of you, and you should follow this past the old Caer Bach fort on your right. Carry on for another 200m before heading off to the West.
After just over 0.5 km you will hit a wall which leads up to the summit of Tal y Fan. From the summit take the time to look over towards Anglesey and the Menai Straits. On leaving the summit carry on following the wall to a col where the ground ahead of you rises to Foel Lwyd. Follow the right of way down to the road and then back to Rowen.
As an extension which adds approximately 2.25 km and is shown on the GPX track and on the map above (allow an extra 40 minutes) you can carry on following the wall over Foel Lwyd and then descend this (still following the wall) to the old Roman road. Turn left along the Roman road, and keep to this until you reach the minor road which will take you back to Rowen.
It is worth taking care when walking down the road to ensure that you do not miss the turning off to Rowen.
