Walking In Snowdonia
Snowdonia Walks
Snowdonia walks are a timeless adventure, and the mere mention of the name Snowdonia is enough to excite most hikers. This majestic region is Wales’ crowning glory, an immense landscape filled with deep valleys and crevasses, angular ridges and wild moorland. Snowdonia is justifiably popular, drawing thousands of hikers in the peak season, but there are plenty of lesser-known routes where visitors can immerse themselves in Wales’ wild beauty.
Snowdonia is an ancient landscape, with a strong sense of Welsh culture and a history that goes back thousands of years. These wild mountains once provided shelter to some of Wales’ most famous leaders, including the medieval prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. The region was later shaped by human activity, including farming and mining, which left an indelible mark on the landscape and part of this cultural heritage can be seen in the picturesque Welsh-speaking villages of North Wales. However, it’s the park’s rugged terrain and magnificent trails that attract most modern day visitors, with many looking to complete a wide variety of Snowdonia walks.
Snowdonia is a land of tall peaks and deep valleys, with rugged, rocky hillsides and picturesque lakes. You’ll move from soaring mountains to long sandy beaches in the same day, meaning that a walking trip here is a really varied adventure. Snowdonia walks will also expose you to some rare and wonderful wildlife species that call the region home, including birds of prey such as the osprey, merlin and peregrine falcon, and wild goats, otters, deer and pine martens. In particular, keep your eyes open for the exquisite Snowdon lily, which grows in the crags of Cwm Idwal.
This natural paradise is just waiting to be discovered – so what’s holding you back? To trigger your wanderlust, here’s our pick of all the best hikes in Snowdonia.
Top 10 Walks In Snowdonia
As can be seen in this list of the top 10 walks in Snowdonia, the park really has something for everyone, from pleasant easy walks through the valleys to thrilling ascents of soaring peaks and craggy ridges. Snowdon has long been a training ground for avid mountaineers, and many climbers visit this region in preparation for an attempt on Everest. As a result, experienced walkers will find plenty to challenge them in North Wales, including the ascent of Snowdon itself, via one of the many routes up the mountain.
However, you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic or an experienced hiker to enjoy walking in Snowdonia. This region is perfect for families, with many short, easy Snowdonia walks that are sure to give younger visitors the hiking bug. You’ll find hwalks to suit all tastes, experience and fitness levels, from pleasant low-key strolls through the valleys, or fun trails that snake through lush woodland. Whatever you’re looking for, Snowdonia walks have it all!
- Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Walk: This spectacular walk showcases the majesty of Snowdonia without requiring too much exertion. The trail follows the River Gamlan, ascending through green woodland and passing by the gushing waterfalls of Rhaeadr Ddu (Welsh for ‘Black Falls”). This walk is best appreciated after heavy rain when the river and falls are at full flow, but make sure to bring sturdy footwear as the path can be slippery!
- Llyn Ogwen Walk: This wonderful hike isn’t too strenuous, but it’s certainly a lot of fun, making it one of the best easy walks in Snowdonia. The trickiest part of the route is finding the path at the beginning, as you’ll need to scramble over a few boulders as you proceed towards the lake. The path circles Llyn Ogwen, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and making this a thoroughly enjoyable easy hike in Snowdonia.
- Cwm Idwal Walk: This short hike is a delight, and one of our favorite family walks in Snowdonia! There’s a short, steep climb at the beginning, but the rest of the trail is relatively easy and suitable for young children, leading to a spectacular hidden lake and a series of lovely waterfalls. Kids will love exploring this wild place, and there is plenty to keep older walkers happy too!
- Swallow Falls Walk: The route to Swallow Falls is a wonderful family hike in Snowdonia, passing alongside the Llugwy River all the way to the sensational Swallow Falls. Take your time here and appreciate the gushing water before continuing until you reach the Ty Hyll Tearoom at the Ugly House, where you can enjoy some well-earned refreshments and explore the lovely gardens and bee exhibition. We think this is one of the best family walks in Snowdonia.
- Snowdon Via The Watkin Path Walk: You can’t visit Snowdonia without a walk up the eponymous mountain itself, a highlight of any walking trip to Wales. However, Snowdon is one of the most-visited mountains in the UK, and you’re likely to be sharing your path with many other walkers. That’s why we prefer the ascent via the Watkin Path, which offers incredibly scenic views and is much quieter than some of the other routes. It’s a challenging hike, but without doubt, one of the best day walks in Snowdonia.
- Pyg Track to Snowdon and Miner’s Track Walk: This route up Snowdon is not the easiest path, but it offers the quickest and shortest way to access the summit. The ascent begins gently, but the path soon becomes more rugged, requiring a little scrambling in places. However, the scenery along the route just keeps getting better and better, descending past old mines on the Miner’s Track. This is a wonderful way to spend a day in Snowdonia’s rugged scenery.
- Snowdon Horseshoe Walk: Looking for one of the best challenging walks in Snowdonia? The Snowdon Horseshoe walk is a strenuous hike, and certainly not for the faint of heart, but it will lead you along one of the most rewarding trails in Snowdonia. The phenomenal ridgeline of Crib Goch offers incredible views, taking you all the way to the summit of Snowdon, descending via the Watkin Path. This walk is an epic day out in some of Wales’ finest landscapes.
- Moel Siabod Walk: This classic Welsh mountain hike is one of the best challenging walks in Snowdonia, and gives some of the best views over Snowdon that you’ll find in the region. The final ascent is very steep and strenuous, but the rest of the walk is fairly manageable, with plenty of beautiful sights to distract you! Come on a clear day for magnificent views of Snowdon, Glyderrau and Carneddau, and a wonderful day out in some of Wales’ best scenery.
- Dolmelynllyn Estate Walk: This tremendously varied walk has a little bit of everything to offer, from crumbled ruins and an old gold mine, to gushing waterfalls and beautiful scenery! It’s a great option for a family walk, and a good way to learn a little about Welsh history. You’ll wander through woodland and follow the path of the river before emerging out onto open moorland with expansive views. This is a delightful hike and one of the best walks in Snowdonia.
- Barmouth Panorama Walk: Wales may be famous for its mountains, but it’s also well known for its lovely sea views. This route combines them both, climbing high above Barmouth to enjoy a wonderful panorama across the Afon Mawddach Estuary, and along the Welsh coast to Cardigan Bay. Once you’ve made the final descent, it’s time to relax on the vast white sands of Barmouth beach.
When Is The Best Time To Go Walking In Snowdonia
The best time to go walking in Snowdonia is from late spring to autumn. Although the spring weather can often be wet and windy, this is the time when the woodlands and hillsides of Snowdonia are covered in flowers. The daffodil, the national flower of Wales, can be seen throughout the region, adding a lovely dash of bright yellow to the landscape. In summer, the Welsh countryside is at its finest, with lush green fields, and the chance of some sunshine (although you should always be prepared for a rain shower!). However, Snowdonia walks can be extremely busy during the summer holidays, so you’ll need to book accommodation well in advance and be prepared to see lots of other people on the trail. Autumn is a wonderful time to visit, when the leaves turn and the trees explode in a riot of color. In winter, the higher elevation trails are accessible only to the most experienced and well-equipped mountaineers. Despite this, many trails stay open throughout the winter months, meaning that you’ll always find a place for a good walk, whatever time of year you choose to visit.
Other Outdoor Activities In Snowdonia
Snowdonia is Wales’ outdoor playground, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Choose from hiking, backpacking, cycling, fishing, horse riding, canoeing or kayaking, and immerse yourself in the spectacular landscapes of the Welsh mountains and valleys. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, why not try your hand at rock climbing, canyoning or coasteering!
How To Plan A Trip To Snowdonia
If Wales is on your walking bucket list, don’t miss out on our guide to planning a trip to Snowdonia. We’ve put together a useful list of information, including ideas on where to go and where to stay and eat, coupled with lists of all our favorite Snowdonia walks. Whether you’re going to travel in summer or winter, we’ve got everything you’ll need to plan a trip to Snowdonia.
Frequently-Asked-Questions About Snowdonia
Is it difficult to climb Snowdon?
Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, standing at an elevation of 1085m. Tackling this impressive mountain is no easy feat, but it’s within the scope of most fit hikers. You’ll need to be relatively fit and to be prepared for rugged, rocky terrain. However, no specialist equipment is required and you don’t need to have mountaineering and climbing experience.
Do you have to pay to climb Snowdon?
Snowdonia National Park is completely free to access, meaning that you don’t need to pay to climb Snowdon or to any of the other fantastic hikes in this region.
Can you drive to the top of Snowdon?
It’s not possible to drive anywhere near the summit of Snowdon. However, if you’re not sure you’re able to hike all the way to the top, it’s possible to take the train. The Snowdon Mountain Railway has been in operation since 1896, departing from Llanberis station, and this is an excellent option for walkers with very young families and those who aren’t able to make the summit on foot. The views are remarkable, all the way to the top.
Is wild camping in Snowdonia legal?
Most of the land in Snowdonia National Park is privately owned, and it’s not legal to camp without the permission of the landowner. However, it’s usually possible to camp on the higher fells provided you pitch your tent away from houses and farms, and follow the Wild Camping Code.
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Best Hikes in Snowdonia
Coed Nant Gwernol
The Coed Nant Gwernol walk is a quick and easy circular route that offers convenient village and railway access. The Nant Gwernol River is the central focus, with verdant woods and tumbling waterfalls to enjoy. Remnants of old quarries and railways make for interesting points of exploration.
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Rhobell Fawr
Rhobell Fawr may not be one of Snowdonia’s tallest or most striking mountains, but its relative isolation provides plenty of room for views. Known for its lovely summer wildflowers, Rhobell Fawr is a great option for a hearty yet not overly taxing day on the hill. Best of all, there are very few crowds to deal with here.
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Harlech to Llandecwyn
Harlech to Llandecwyn is a beautiful walk that follows an ancient Bronze Age route through the Snowdonia foothills. The iconic Harlech Castle makes for an impressive starting point. A winding countryside path passes through massive standing stones and sublime prehistoric monuments as you walk north to Llandecwyn.
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Arenig Fawr Walk
Arenig Fawr is a central Snowdonia mountain offering spectacular views in every direction from its summit. This out-and-back route starts just across the road from Llyn Celyn and meanders around the shores of Llyn Arenig Fawr before tackling the mountain itself. A memorial at the top provides a slice of historical context to this particular peak.
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Moel Eilio Local’s Walk
The Moel Eilio Local’s Walk is a short and sweet outing to the summit of Moel Eilio. This is an excellent choice for those who don’t have the time or inclination to tackle the circular walk that includes several of Eilio’s neighbours. The trail is well-worn and easy to follow, with very few turns to navigate.
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Llyn Mair Walk
Llyn Mair was created in the late 19th century as a father’s gift to his daughter, and it remains the perfect place for families today. With over 30.0 km of footpaths to explore, it’s a charming area to bring the kids or just to stroll around and enjoy the scenery. Don’t forget a picnic lunch—the perfect way to extend your outing at the lake!
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Tryfan North Ridge Scramble
If you can only scramble up one mountain in Wales, Tryfan has to be the pick. This iconic peak is best climbed via the North Ridge, the most direct and recognized route to the summit. With plenty of famous sights accompanying the steep ascent, this is a bucket-list adventure for those with experience and a head for heights.
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Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach
Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach are two of the most iconic peaks in the entire UK! These neighbouring summits combine rugged terrain and incredible views with relatively easy access. This circular walk starts from the shores of lovely Llyn Ogwen, ascending Glyder Fawr via the Devil’s Kitchen and some challenging rocky scree. From the summit of Glyder Fawr, the stroll across to Glyder Fach provides stunning scenery in all directions. Massive boulder cairns and the iconic Cantilever Stone greet you at the top of Glyder Fach. Multiple routes for descent give you options to suit the weather and your skill set. Return along the shores of Llyn Bochlwyd to wrap up a fantastic adventure.
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Aran Fawddwy from Llanuwchllyn
Aran Fawddwy is the only peak in South Snowdonia to tower over 900 m, and climbing it from Llanuwchllyn is a daunting task with major rewards in store! With plenty of kilometres ahead and even some fun scrambling sections, the walk up Aran Fawddwy is worth it for the airy views over the Arans and Snowdonia beyond. While normally challenged from Cywarch, the route from Llanuwchllyn is a lightly-travelled, nature-wrapped adventure just waiting for you.
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Ranger Path to Snowdon
Of all the trails up Snowdon, Ranger Path is one of the easiest to follow. This rewarding trek delivers all the spectacular views you’d expect from Wales’ highest mountain, but without the crowds, technical sections, or route finding of other paths. Enjoy conquering Ranger Path and revel in the best view available over Snowdonia National Park from the summit.
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Miner’s Track to Snowdon
Miner’s Track is one of the most popular ways to ascend Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. This straightforward path enjoys an easier start and then a steeper, heart-pumping ascent. It makes the stellar views over Snowdonia National Park that much more worthwhile once you’re atop the summit! This easier approach conveniently begins and ends in Pen-y-Pass and enjoys a well-kept trail the majority of the way.
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Mynydd Mawr from Rhyd Ddu
In the shadow of busy Snowdon is the standalone summit of Mynydd Mawr. Escape the crowds and savour the solitude as you walk from Rhyd Ddu up a lovely grassy ridge to the peak, where you’ll be treated to great views of Craig y Bera, Nantlle Ridge, and Moel Hebog. The walk up Mynydd Mawr is quick, steep only in parts, and a perfect mountain escape when you only have the morning or afternoon to get outside.
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Nantlle Ridge Walk
The Nantlle Ridge walk is an underappreciated gem in Snowdonia National Park. This green-swathed ridge sits in the shadow of Snowdon, making the views from the top divine. The route offers plenty of variety, with some easy scrambles, well-kept paths, and views of the Snowdon Range and Mynydd Mawr. It conveniently begins from Rhyd Ddu, although adventurous walkers can also approach from the other side. Second only to Crib Goch in terms of reward, keep this one for a clear day and you won’t be disappointed!
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Arenig Fawr and Moel Llyfnant Loop
The walk up Arenig Fawr and Moel Llyfnant is an underappreciated gem in Snowdonia National Park, boasting impressive views from atop a lofty standalone peak. You’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of Snowdonia at the summit, and you nearly are! This route experiences relatively little traffic, making it the ideal way to enjoy the beauty of the park away from the crowds.
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Llyn Tegid
The walk around Llyn Tegid in Snowdonia National Park is a diverse trail with great views and the right amount of challenge. Curving along the slopes above the lake, you’ll be treated to splendid views over the water and the sprawling countryside beyond. Test your legs on steep sections and stream crossings, then relax and let the trail guide you through easy grassy tracks. The largest lake in Wales won’t disappoint as your view!
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Llyn Trawsfynydd
The Llyn Trawsfynydd walk is an easy, scenic stroll around an impressive lake in Snowdonia National Park. With lots of wildlife, a varied footpath, and lovely views, it’s a perfect family-friendly outing nearly any time of year. With a cafe along the route, you can easily turn this walk into a family picnic outing. The path is also popular with cyclists.
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Llyn Dinas
The walk along Llyn Dinas is a beautiful, family-friendly adventure that can be customized to your energy and ability level. With plenty of shops and cafes in the area, it’s a great adventure to add to a family day out without any major challenges. Enjoy the water, plentiful birds and wildlife, and serene countryside.
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Rhinogydd Traverse
The Rhinogydd Traverse is a truly epic walk through Snowdonia National Park. It can be done in either direction, and requires an entire day at the very least to conquer. The rugged Rhinogydds offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Wales, but with this comes plenty of challenges. This is an adventure for experienced hill walkers only, who are comfortable with heights and plenty of route-finding. If you’re one of them, the rewards are plenty!
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Nantcol Waterfalls Walk
The Nantcol Waterfalls are a beautiful sight, and the area offers plenty of trails for visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll. The walks are well-marked and easy to follow, with delightful riversides and serene woodlands to explore. Great for families of all ages!
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Diffwys Walk
Diffwys is one of the southernmost peaks in the Rhinogydd range, heralded throughout the UK for their rugged beauty. This walk from the south offers a straightforward approach up the Braich Ridge, which brings you to a scenic stretch of mountaintop traversing offering incredible views out to the coastline of Wales. Compared to many of its Rhinogydd neighbours, Diffwys is plenty accessible.