This book describes a 260 mile footpath starting in Cardiff, traversing all the mountain areas of Wales, and ending up on the north coast at Conwy. The route is neither official, nor a waymarked long distance footpath, and full advantage has been taken of this to explore the richness of the Welsh countryside.

Although mainly visiting the wilder, upland areas, including the dramatic scenery of the Snowdonia National Park, the wild moorland of central Wales and the softer pastoral land of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the route also crosses the finest of Welsh valleys, the rivers Dyfi and Mawddach and the limestone 'waterfall country' of the Hepste and Mellte valleys of southern Wales. It also seeks out places that bring to life the history of Wales; the legends of Arthur and the Mabinoggion, the harshness of the Norman marcher lords, the warrior princes, Llywelyn and Owain Glyndwr, in their stronghold of Gwynedd, the coal mines and the slate quarries.

Though much of the route is high-level and, consequently, can be weather swept, it is largely accessible to careful walkers of all ages and abilities. Richard Sale has brought to the route his own personal touch in his choice of anecdote and legend and this is well supplemented with sketches that allow the route to be followed on Ordnance Survey maps.

The Cambrian Way is a remarkable and spectacular coast to coast walk across Wales from Cardiff to Conwy. It is favoured by the Ramblers' Association as worthy of official recreational trail status as a fine three week walk through scenically superb and largely unfrequented mountain country. This is a walk for the mountain connoisseur and requires navigational skills and much stamina to complete its 275 miles and 60,500 feet of ascent.

Undertaking an expedition of this magnitude requires careful planning, but you can be assured that in this guide Tony Drake, in his usual thoughtful and meticulous way, has covered every aspect of both planning and executing the walk.

The route is described in three sections; southern from Cardiff to Llandovery via Abergavenny, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons; central from Llandovery to Dinas Mawddwy via Elenydd, Devil's Bridge and Plynlimon; and northern from Dinas Mawddwy to Conwy via Cader Idris, Barmouth, the Rhinogs and Snowdon. Each of these main sections is broken down into sub-sections with detailed route instructions and sketch maps, distances and total height gain. There are references to Ordnance Survey maps, as careful map and compass navigation will be required in places. There is also a stage planner and an accommodation and services listing.