Conwy Mountain (Mynydd y Dref) — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Mountain Above the Walls
Conwy Mountain — Mynydd y Dref in Welsh, meaning Hill of the Town — rises to 244 metres directly west of the medieval walled town and is one of the most accessible summit walks in North Wales. From the centre of Conwy you can be on the open hillside within ten minutes of leaving the castle, following paths that climb steadily through gorse and heather above the town's rooftops. The mountain is modest in height by Snowdonian standards, but the views it provides are extraordinary for the effort involved, taking in the estuary, the Three Bridges, the coast towards Llandudno and the Great Orme, and on clear days the mountains of Snowdonia to the south.
The mountain forms part of the Carneddau range that rises behind Conwy towards the high ground of the Carnedd Llywelyn and Carnedd Dafydd massif further south. Conwy Mountain represents the northern and coastal edge of this range, separated from the main hills by the Sychnant Pass, and its position at the junction of the sea and the mountains gives it a panoramic quality that higher but more inland summits cannot match.
The Iron Age Hillfort
The summit of Conwy Mountain is crowned by the remains of Caer Bach, an Iron Age hillfort that was in use approximately two thousand years ago. The hillfort occupies the most defensible part of the ridge, with steep slopes on three sides and extensive views in all directions that would have allowed the inhabitants to monitor movement across the coastal plain, the estuary and the approaches from inland. The ramparts are visible as earthen banks and ditches running across the ridge, and while vegetation has softened the defences over the centuries they remain impressive as an example of the engineering capabilities of Iron Age communities.
Arriving at the hillfort after the ascent from Conwy gives a vivid sense of why the location was chosen: the same qualities of elevation, visibility and defensibility that made it a good fortification site also make it a spectacular viewpoint. The juxtaposition of a prehistoric hillfort above a medieval walled town above a modern holiday town is peculiarly satisfying, suggesting the long human relationship with this particular stretch of coastline and its natural advantages.
The Circular Walk
The most popular route on Conwy Mountain is the circular walk from the town that takes in the summit, the hillfort and the ridge to the south before descending via the Sychnant Pass direction or returning more directly towards the town. The full circular route covers approximately seven kilometres and takes between two and three hours at a comfortable pace. The ascent from the town is straightforward, following well-marked paths from the castle area or the Mountain Road. The ridge walk between the various high points offers sustained views in both directions, and the descent can be varied to return through different terrain depending on the preference of the group.
For those wanting a shorter outing, the summit can be reached and returned from by the same outward route in about an hour and a half. The mountain is genuinely accessible to walkers of moderate fitness, though appropriate footwear is important as the paths are rocky and can be slippery in wet weather. The Sychnant Pass can be incorporated into a longer day that combines the mountain with the pass for a more substantial circular walk.
Practical Information
The mountain can be accessed from several points around the western edge of Conwy. The most convenient starting points for visitors staying in the town are from the area near the castle and the town walls, from which paths lead quickly onto the open hillside. There is limited parking at various points along Mountain Road on the western side of town. The mountain is open access land and there is no charge for walking. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leads where livestock is grazing.
The walk can be combined with a visit to the castle and the town walls for a full day of Conwy at its best, starting with heritage and finishing with the mountain or vice versa. See the weekend itinerary for how to structure a two-day visit that includes the mountain alongside the main town attractions.
Day trips