Walking In Snowdonia

Cader Idris (also known as Cadair Idris) is one of the most popular mountains in Snowdonia. This walk from Llanfihangel y Pennant provides a reprieve from the crowds that make use of the Pony and Minffordd Paths - although you do join the Pony Path for the final push to the summit. The walk up from the village follows clear trails along the Afon Cader, then a grassy path which winds along the lower slopes of Tyrrau Mawr before linking up with the Pony Path for the final portion of your ascent.

Llyn Geirionydd is a hidden gem within Snowdonia National Park, a peaceful lake surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountains. The circular walk around the lake is smooth and well-marked, a cinch for even the most inexperienced navigator. With plenty of facilities on site, this is a fantastic choice for a day outdoors with the family.

The Devil’s Kitchen is a favourite feature for visitors to Snowdonia National Park, and for good reason. The steep ascent boasts an impressive crack that splits the cliffs, with a waterfall tumbling over the rock face. To get there, start from the Ogwen visitor centre, and follow a good path to the serene shores of Llyn Idwal. A walk along the lake leads to the base of the mountain, where a steep push up through boulders and loose rock brings you to the top of the Devil’s Kitchen. A short ways away lies Llyn y Cwn, a lake well worth visiting for views of the neighbouring Y Garn and Glyder Fawr summits. Then it’s back down the way you came, taking a different path along Llyn Idwal’s opposite shore which leads to your initial approach from the visitor centre.

A walk through the Gwydir Forest Park is an exceptional way to spend a day in Snowdonia without clambering up the mountains. Betws-y-Coed provides a convenient access point, and the waymarked paths are easy to navigate for any adventurer. The trail starts along the flowing Afon Llugwy, passing by the majestic Swallow Falls before turning north along fields and lakeshores. Llyn Geirionydd is a lovely midpoint, where the legendary poet Taliesin lived (and is allegedly buried). A path then cuts back through the heart of the forest, looping back along the edge of Llyn Parc before returning to your starting point. A gorgeous day in the woods!

Llyn Crafnant is one of Snowdonia’s loveliest lakes, and the walk from Trefriw is the perfect length for a morning or afternoon outdoors. Start right from the heart of the village and set off along the Afon Crafnant, the river guiding your ascent to the lake. Loop around its shores, following the waymarked posts as you pass monuments, cafes, and more. Splendid views of the surrounding crags and mountains accompany you as you turn north and follow the same lane back to Trefriw, completing an excellent circuit of Llyn Crafnant.

There are plenty of ways to explore Llyn Crafnant, and this walk from Capel Curig offers longer sections of trail walking than its northern counterpart from Trefriw. The walk starts in the heart of the village, heading east and then north along well-defined paths. A steep section offers excellent views of the Crimpiau summit before a similarly steep descent links your route with Crafnant Road. Follow this up the eastern side of the lake, enjoying marvellous views of the mountains to the west, then loop around at the top to take a forestry track back down the opposite shore. A quick dash through the woods links up with the path you came in on, retracing your steps all the way back to Capel Curig.

The Marin Trail is a brilliant route through the Gwydir Forest, often used for mountain bikes but excellent to explore on foot as well. It’s easily accessible from the town of Llanrwst, just across the River Conwy, and its many winding paths provide plenty of options. This route starts from the car park at the trail’s northern entrance, gradually ascending as you walk south, then looping around to walk along the serene shores of Llyn y Parc before returning northward through the woods.

Tryfan’s South Ridge provides an alternate route up Snowdonia’s most iconic mountain, with the fantastic addition of the nearby Glyderau. Loop around to the south of Tryfan to make your ascent, then descend back to Bwlch Tryfan and take the Miners Track up to the summit of Glyder Fach. A lofty stroll along the peaks of Glyder Fach, Castell-y-Gwynt, and Glyder Fawr provides incredible views. Top it off by descending via the Devil's Kitchen, with striking vistas of Llyn Idwal below. This is one of the most engaging walks in all of Snowdonia!

The Glyderau are an iconic range within Snowdonia National Park, and this circular walk tackles the peaks of Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Castell y Gwynt, and Glyder Fach. From the popular Ogwen visitor centre, head up the northeast ridge of Y Garn before looping around to clamber through the nearly lunar landscapes of Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach. Castell y Gwynt, the “Castle of the Wind”, is a perfect viewpoint for soaking in the mountain views in all directions. Descend carefully via the Miner’s Track to Bwlch Tryfan, then along the shores of Llyn Bochlwyd to return to your starting point. A full day of engaging adventure!

From massive mountains to wistful waterfalls, this walk has it all! The first stretch takes you past the popular Aber Falls, where the Afon Goch river pours over the cliffs in a beautiful scene. Then the real work starts, as you make your way up the slopes of Llwytmor in order to reach the summit of Foel Fras. This is your high point on the day, with panoramic vistas (in good weather, of course!). Much of the rest is excellent ridge-walking, with Drum among the several peaks you’ll visit on your way back around to the starting point. Plan for a full day on the hill!

Walking up Tal y Fan From Llanfairfechan provides plenty of opportunity to explore a fairly accessible mountain that has plenty of interesting features. It’s a windy drive to the small car park, but from there it’s quite a straightforward ascent up neighbouring Foel Lwyd. Cross over to the peak of Tal y Fan, with wonderful views of Liverpool Bay, then descend past quarries and sheep shelters to the North Wales Path. Your return takes you past ancient stone circles, an impressive end to the day’s adventure.

Conwy Mountain is a super approachable walk from the neighbouring town. This is a great outing to pair with a visit to the town itself, with its ancient town walls and the magnificent Conwy Castle. The first half of a circular walk brings you promptly to the summit ridge, with views of the sea on one side and the Carneddau on the other. Follow a wall as you turn and descend along a wide track back to town after enjoying the vistas.

One of three main routes up the legendary Trayfan, the Heather Terrace is a more sheltered option than the North Face, though by no means an easy one! From the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen, take a path along the base of Tryfan Bach and onto Tryfan proper, clambering up some rough scree to reach the Heather Terrace. The ledge wraps you all the way around to Tryfan’s southern peak, where you turn and make your final scramble push to the summit. Slowly descend back in a southern direction down to Bwlch Tryfan, and follow a nice wide path via Cwm Tryfan back out to your starting point along the A5.

The walk up Creigiau Gleision and Llyn Cowlyd is less renowned than many of its Snowdonia counterparts, but don’t let that dissuade you - this is an adventure with plenty of punch. Capel Curig provides an easily accessible starting point, from which you ascend through woods and heather along several summits before conquering Creigiau Gleision. Descend to the shores of Llyn Cowlyd, a formidable reservoir with steep cliffs surrounding its banks. The stroll along the lake and the following grassy path back to town are a lovely reward for your efforts.

The Llyn Parc Circular Walk is a fantastic way to spend a few hours in the woods! With a clearly marked path through undulating forest slopes and a beautiful lake to stop beside, it’s an accessible adventure with just enough challenge to keep you on your toes. Start from Betws-y-Coed, and follow the yellow waymarkers as you go - the rest is up to you.

There are plenty of ways to explore Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant - why not a walk that visits both? This circular route starts from the Llyn Geirionydd car park and follows its western shores before looping around a central hill and heading south. The return portion overlooks the serene waters of Llyn Crafnant as you ascend through the forest before descending to rejoin your initial path. A lovely look at two beautiful lakes!

If you’re looking for a longer walk to Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd, the village of Capel Curig makes for the perfect access point. This circular walk provides a healthy section of elevation change before a stroll along the shores of each gorgeous lake. The return trip brings you through verdant forests before leading right back to the village - just in time for well-deserved refreshments!

The Druid’s Circle Walk is a unique adventure in the hills of northwestern Wales. While plenty of Snowdonia walks offer incredible scenery, few provide a face-to-face look at prehistoric stone formations like this one does. Beginning from the coastal town of Penmaenmawr, you’ll work uphill through farmland and open hills to reach the Druid’s Circle. This collection of Neolithic ruins has plenty of stories to tell - if you listen closely enough! A quick summit of Moelfre follows before walking along the North Wales Path on a pleasant stroll through open meadows. The Jubilee Walk loops you around to your starting point to cap off the outing.

This Carnedd y Filiast circular walk provides incredible views from each of the four summits along the route, the perfect adventure for those with a head for heights! Starting from the Ogwen visitor centre, you’ll head for the northern shores of pristine Llyn Idwal before summiting the iconic Y Garn peak. From there, it’s a journey north along the mountain ridge to Foel Goch, Mynydd Prefedd, and finally Carnedd y Filiast itself. The descent requires some navigation skills, but the final stretch along the valley road is as straightforward as can be.

Alltwen to Mynydd y Dref is a wonderful walk when you’re a bit short on time for Snowdonia’s larger mountains, or if you’re visiting Conwy and want some excellent views of the area. The walk starts at a lay-by along a road running south of the mountains, and quickly ascends to the summit of Alltwen. Then it’s north to Penmaen-Bach, the second of your three summits, with the opportunity for a quick scramble if you’re keen. Finally, the North Wales Path leads you to the top of Mynydd y Dref (Conwy Mountain). After taking in the sea views, return along the North Wales Path back to the lay-by to wrap up the adventure.