Sychnant Pass to Tal y Fan (along part of the North Wales Path) By richard
Waypoint 1. Grid reference SH749770
This walk requires the use of two cars. One should be parked at the car park at SH720715 which can be reached by following narrow country roads and tracks. Then, take the other to the top of Sychnant Pass where there's a small layby at SH749770. From here, cross the road and head up the start of the hill through the gate in the wall and on to part of the North Wales Path.
Waypoint 2. Grid reference SH750769
After a few minutes, you will come across a path leading off up the hill to the right. It's clearly marked with a circular green North Wales Path marker. Keep following the green markers up the hill. There's also a path marked by blue markers, but don't follow these for this walk.
Waypoint 3. Grid reference SH745760
On a clear day, the views over the Conwy Bay and towards Anglesey can be great. Keep following the path heading south west.
Waypoint 4. Grid reference SH739749
At SH739749 the path takes a sharp right turn along a stone wall although there appear to be other footpaths in the area which can join up with the North Wales Path later on.
Waypoint 5. Grid reference SH737750
Continue until you get to a small bridge crossing the Afon Gyrach, then use the stile to cross over the stone wall on the other side. Continue on up the hill.
Waypoint 6. Grid reference SH724748
On the left there's the Druid's stone circle, although visiting this adds to the length and duration of the walk so wasn't visited this time.
Waypoint 7. Grid reference SH711745
At SH711745 the walk takes a sharp turn south east, breaking off the North Wales Path and onto less defined paths crossing the moorland. The paths here aren't at all easy to find so be careful. Especially as some parts are quite boggy.
Waypoint 8. Grid reference SH714743
Part of the way across the moorland there's a memorial to the Liberator plane crash. The words read "To the crew of Bachelor's Baby B-24J Liberator 4299991 killed in the crash January 7th 1944" and then names the people who died.
Waypoint 9. Grid reference SH722733
The top of Tal y Fan comes into sight although it's still quite a way off, and not as direct as it may look.
Waypoint 10. Grid reference SH726724
Cross over the stile at the base of Tal y Fan.
Waypoint 11. Grid reference SH727724
Then turn left and following the wall all the way up to the top. There are some large boulders here which makes it quite a tough climb.
Waypoint 12. Grid reference SH728726
The summit is clearly marked. It's 610 metres above sea level and has good views all around.
Waypoint 13. Grid reference SH729717
Then, head back down the hill along the stone wall and continue south east.
Waypoint 14. Grid reference SH730714
You'll come to another stile with a Roman road on the other side. This will be the one you drove along earlier to park the second car. Turn right and follow it to the car park at the end.
(This could take a few minutes)
