Cwm Ystwyth Loop inc The Arch & Pen y Garn - Upper Limits UK

If you want a route that feels remote, has spectacular views and a peak summit at 610m in the Cambrians then this is it. I found that this peak has offered the best views of any i have previously summited in Mid Wales to date.

We started this walk from "The Arch (Y Bwa)", Parking here is free but there are no toilets and all trails are closed currently due to storm damage! We didn't encounter any on this route, just two boggy fields on the Cambrian Way heading back up to finish.

Upon leaving the car park we headed NE right out to the Wind Farm at Rhestr Cerrig, then South to take in the Trig and Cairn at 610m on Pen y Garn. Its an easy route up. The views from here look across to Plynlymon, Aberystwyth and further afield. probably the best place for views I have seen in the area.

Not sure of your thoughts on wind farms in areas like these but this one dont feel out of place, intrusive or like it ruined the sky Line.

Once leaving the Cairn we continued on good paths SW until we met the Borth to Devils Bridge Path, following this past Tanlan-Fawr and between the peaks at 438m & 448m. Its then a steep descent down to Pen Parc but again the route offers amazing views of the old Mine works and beyond.

There is a short road section as the footpath isn't clearly signed and we didn't want to take a chance over private land.

Pick up the Cambrian Way again upon leaving Cwmystwy (The geographical centre of Wales) but be aware that the path from Ty'n-y-Rhyd heading NW across to the road is hard going and boggy. Thankfully we had packed an extra bag of "Sense of Humour" for Lynda. Its a straight forward route after this on the Cambrian Way back up to the Arch.

Here is todays Route Fly through: Cwm Ystwyth Circular from Y Bwa (The Arch)! https://www.relive.com/view/vMq5wEKdAQO