Cistercian Way
The Cistercian Way is a 1,046 km waymarked pilgrimage trail linking all the Cistercian abbeys of Wales — from Strata Florida in the Cambrian Mountains to Tintern, Neath and Valle Crucis in a complete circuit of Welsh Cistercian heritage.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Cistercian Way
The Cistercian monasteries of Wales were established in the twelfth century in remote valleys and upland sites — Tintern Abbey in the Wye gorge, Strata Florida in the Cambrian uplands, Valle Crucis near Llangollen, and half a dozen more. The Cistercian Way links them all in a 1,046 km route through the diverse landscapes of Wales.
For trail runners this is a multi-week expedition — most complete it in stages over several years. It crosses lowland farmland, the Cambrian Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, the Welsh Marches and the north Wales coast. The route is waymarked with a cross symbol.
The route
The route is circular and can be started at any abbey. Key sections include the Cambrian Mountains crossing (Strata Florida to Aberystwyth), the Beacons crossing (Llanthony to Tintern), and the north Wales segment (Valle Crucis to Cymmer Abbey).
Getting there & logistics
No fixed start: Most runners tackle sections independently, using trains and buses to access different parts. Full route information from cistercianway.wales.
Best time: Year-round for lowland sections; May to September for the upland crossings.
Safety
The Cambrian Mountains and Brecon Beacons sections are remote with limited services. Each section should be planned individually with appropriate safety measures. In an emergency: call 999 or 112.
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Completions
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