Hikes in Wales

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!