In the far north of Snowdonia, hikes up Tal-y-Fan lead to the most northerly Welsh 2,000-footer. In fact, this mountain sneaks over the line at 2,001 feet (610 m).Thanks to its near-coastal location, the views from the summit hold the peaks of Snowdonia to the south and the expanse of the Irish Sea to the north.

Tal-y-Fan’s summit is supremely accessible with parking available close by. This makes it a perfectly doable Marilyn if you’re short on time or light, or if you want to take children up their first mountain. Linked to its fellows in the Carneddau range, you can equally make this peak part of a considerably longer and tougher adventure if you wish.

A shapely peak between Snowdon and the sea

In Tal-y-Fan’s neck of the woods, Snowdonia National Park transforms from jagged, rocky behemoths to more undulating summits, rolling down from Snowdon all the way to Conway Bay and the Irish Sea. Tal-y-Fan is a lumpy-looking mountain with moorland terrain and clear trails.

You can get onto the hiking trails up Tal-y-Fan from all around, depending on how long you want your hike to be. There’s a car park to the south west of the summit and opportunities to leave your car to the south east and make the most of the numerous paths. Otherwise, you might want to start further afield, nabbing some of the other Carneddau mountains on the way. For a full Carneddau adventure, serious hikers can even begin in the Ogwen Valley on a one-way traverse.

No matter how you arrive, the summit of Tal-y-Fan is rocky with a trig pillar and fine views over the Carneddau. The peninsular hill of the Great Orme stretches out to the north, with Llandudno and Conwy whirring away below.

Campsites and youth hostels are scattered around nearby, with good bases found in Conway, Bangor and Llanrwst.

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

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Location: Penmaenmawr, Conwy, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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51m

December 7, 2022

Hiking

At 610m Tal y Fan is the northern most outlier of the Carneddau mountains. The trig point on top gives wonderful views into Snowdonia National Park or north and out to sea. It's a great little mountain, off the beaten track and with a wild feeling.

David Howells

November 30, 2020

Hiking

I bet there is a nice view from here on a nice day but alas for us today it was not to be! Pity as it looks a great spot with its stone built trig point.

Jessica Mather

September 16, 2021

Hiking

What a great view towards the coast and over to Anglesey and inland the the higher peaks in the Carneddau. The most northerly hill over 2000ft. Great summit!

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Tal y Fan loop on the Cambrian Way

14.1km

04:18

480m

Hike the moderate 8.7-mile Tal y Fan loop on the Cambrian Way in Snowdonia National Park, featuring panoramic views and historical sites.

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Tal y Fan loop

13.0km

04:12

570m

Hike the moderate 8.1-mile Tal y Fan loop in Eryri National Park for panoramic views and historical sites, gaining 1870 feet.

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Foel Lwyd – Tal y Fan summit loop from Bwlch y Ddeufaen

8.58km

02:40

290m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Elevation 670 m

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Dog Friendly

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Tuesday 5 May

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Location: Penmaenmawr, Conwy, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Tal y Fan summit

#1.

Tal y Fan loop on the Cambrian Way

#2.

Tal y Fan loop

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Foel Lwyd – Tal y Fan summit loop from Bwlch y Ddeufaen

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