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 (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.
