Ty'n y Coed Uchaf and Cwm Eidda Walk

This is a complete loop of 5 miles / 8 km, allow 3 to 4 hours, starting and finishing at the Ty'n y Coed lay-by on the B4406. It is a genuine hill farm walk rather than a headline mountain day, and the reward is old farmsteads and a big upland view for a modest amount of climbing.

• Walk the road verge from the lay-by toward the A5, then pick up the Ty'n y Coed and Dugoed farm track.
• Climb through gates, stiles and fields past the ruins of Carreg yr Ast Isaf and Carreg yr Ast Uchaf and on by Ffriddwen.
• Reach the high point at about 350 m (1,148 ft), the payoff of the day, with views toward Snowdon and down Dyffryn Conwy.
• Drop past the ruins of Hwylfa Cottage and a disused quarry, then follow a track through Coed Maen Bleddyn, a mix of conifer and broadleaf woodland with one notably fine beech.
• Cross open farmland by Bryn Eithin, pass Tomen Castell castle mound, then a wet section, and return on a single-track road, the B4406 verge and hay meadows.

Rated moderate and it earns it. Expect steep climbs, uneven ground and boggy sections, small stream crossings on stone bridges and stepping ground, and a steady tally of gates, stiles and rough field paths. Boots with ankle support and waterproof socks or gaiters are sensible. Navigation is straightforward if you keep track of the field sequence, but faint paths mean it pays to check the map at each gate. The steep climbs and uneven terrain make this route unsuitable for wheels and pushchairs.

From the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Corwen, turn onto the B4406 toward Penmachno, then right immediately after the first crossroads and follow through the first car park down into the Ty'n y Coed car park. The walk begins from the lay-by opposite Plas Eldon, near grid reference SH80519. Take care walking the verge. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. Buses from Betws-y-Coed serve the area if you would rather not drive.

The area sits close to Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, and the separate short Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant and Cwm Wybrnant walk is a much gentler option on a tighter schedule or with young children. It is a different route from a different start, not a shortcut of this loop.