102 mile walk/84 pages

The Afon Conwy is one of the most beautiful rivers in Wales, flowing through a stunning and diverse landscape on the eastern edge of Snowdonia National Park. The river rises from Llyn Conwy high amongst the wild desolate moorland of the Migneint, then passes through enclosed upland pasture and the small village of Ysbyty Ifan, part of a large estate owned by the National Trust. As it tumbles through gorges between wooded hills it is joined by the tributary rivers of the Machno and the Lledr, then by the Llugwy at Betws-y-Coed, the popular inland resort and gateway to Snowdonia. From here the river flows gently north along a widening lush fertile glacial valley, passing the historic market town of Llanrwst, the former inland port and spa village of Trefriw, and the industrial village of Dolgarrog. It continues north to pass between the great medieval walled town of Conwy, a World Heritage Site, and Deganwy to the mouth of the estuary. Here it enters the sea at Conwy Bay, with its sand dunes and beaches, protected on its western side by the impressive limestone headland of the Great Orme. A wonderful route.