Walks from the TrawsCymru Free Bus
By Dave Roberts 
Posted as a walk in – Brecon Beacons National Park, Cambrian Mountains and Mid Wales, Europe, North Wales, Wales
Walks from the TrawsCymru Free Bus
The Welsh Government have announced Free Travel at weekends on the TrawsCymru bus service – here’s our selection of walks for making the most of it.
Mud and Bus Routes – for free!
You all know we love providing you with free routes at Mud and Routes, and we’ve previously shared with you how to try walking without the car, and it seems like everyone want’s to get in on the game. The Welsh Government are now generously providing free bus routes on weekends on the TrawsCymru services.
Taws Cymru is the long distance bus service for Wales, and covers almost all of wales.
Economy Minister Ken Skates, who covers the Economy and Infastructure portfolio said: “From Bangor to Cardiff, Fishguard to Wrexham I hope to see this scheme provide the perfect excuse for people from across Wales and beyond to jump on the bus and spend their weekends enjoying the diverse beauty of Wales.”
Walks Using the TrawsCymru T2 Bangor – Dolgellau – Aberystwyth
Cader Idris via the Minffordd Path
A must do route if visiting Snowdonia, but one that many often miss out because of its location in the quieter south. Alight at the Minffordd Car park.
A second option for Cader Idris, it is the most popular mountain in Southern Snowdonia after all! This route starts at Dolgellau and is suited to a 2 day trip.
Make a weekend of it! Starting off in Machynlleth, this routes sort of follows the alternative to the non-official Cambrian Way through the Tarrennau and over Cader Idris before finishing off by passing the iconic Llynnau Cregennen on the descent to Abermaw.
A true mini mountain this one, towering over the town of Porthmadog. This is a circular route starting at Tremadog, but can equally be started off from the town centre. This is a longer route that’s much better than a simple up and down route as this hill deserves better than that!
If you’re looking for some solitude, then get off the bus at Bronaber near Trawsfynydd and have a wander around these quiet yet accessible hills. N0t so accessible for sausage delivery trucks (check the post out if you’re curious!)
While you can also walk the Rhinogydd in the middle from Ganllwyd, taking the whole range in a single walk is the way to go if you can handle it. A tough proposition in a single day, and still a challenge over multiple days with the promise of fish and chips in Bermo (Barmouth) to keep you moving.
Overshadowed by Snowdon, these hills are an unsung gem. Walking over the eponomous peaks initially it then takes in the more famous Cnicht from the less glamorous side. It’s truly quiet as you cross the quite boggy in a few places central part, before ending the walk on Moel Siabod. Makes an excellent wild camping weekend or a tough day walk.
The original LDP for Snowdonia starts in Penrhyndeudraeth and finishes in Caernarfon, which you can travel between using the T2 (bus, not the murderous android).
Walks Using the TrawsCymru T3 Wrexham – Llangollen – Barmouth
Aran Fawddwy from Llanuwchllyn
A long route with some rough and pathless sections, but it’s worth the effort to see these hills at their best.
The Berwyn hills from Llandrillo
The Berwyn Hills are relatively unknown for the typical walker in the area. With big open views, they’re a bit like the northern end of the Carneddau – at a push! Hills for those seeking quiet and enough bog to dirty your boots without removing them completely off your feet in the process.
The Brenig Way and The Dee Valley Way
Starting at Corwen, one takes you into the hills (Brenig Way) while the other takes you to Llangollen. Join them together for a multiday trip.
Walks Using the TrawsCymru T4 Cardiff – Brecon – Newtown
Pen y Fan from Storey Arms and a Direct route up Pen y Fan from Storey Arms.
Judging by the cars here on a weekend, it makes much more sense to ascend South Wales’ highest peak by public transport. Parking is limited, and parking on the main road itself not allowed.
Pen y Fan via Cwm Llwch – Pen y Fan via Cwm Llwch and the Taff Trail
A much quieter, and superior ascent of Pen y Fan is along the quiet valley of Cwm Llwch. You can either start from Libanus or Brecon, with the longer return via the Brecon Canal optional!
Fan Frynych from Storey Arms and Fan Frynych from Cwm Tarell
Fan Frynych is the ignored sibling of Pen y Fan, but a viable alternative on a busy weekend when Pen y Fan is too busy to be enjoyable. Alternatively, you can take this route from the Youth Hostel.
We hope these ideas for walks from the TrawsCymru free bus will spark your imagination, and give locals and visitors alike an accessible, affordable and environmentally friendly option for exploring the scenic beauty of the country. If we’ve left some gems out do let us know.
For more info on this pilot scheme visit the TrawsCyrmu FAQ section.
Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks
Guidebooks:
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Dave Roberts
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