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    Best hiking and walking trails in Snowdonia National Park

    Hikes in Wales

    Country in United Kingdom

    Wales Walks

    There are some incredible walking trails to be discovered in Wales. While National Parks such as the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks get all the attention, there is great walking throughout the country.

    A walking holiday in Wales is not just about great walks, it’s about exploring the pretty countryside, savouring stops in charming little villages, a pint in a cozy local pub or a stunning drive along the coast. A little known fact, Wales is home to three National Parks, three National Trails and more designated Areas of Outstanding Beauty (AONBs) that any other area in the U.K. So walkers will be absolutely spoilt for choice while discovering the natural beauty of Wales by foot.

    Within Wales, discover Britain's only coastal National Park––Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Frequently named one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, take in the salty sea air, while admiring the crashing waves from high on a cliff. Or, perhaps follow in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims who walked from Bangor to the treacherous crossing to Bardsey Island, also known as the “Isle of 20,000 saints”. Though, if you’re going to visit one of the more popular spots, you can’t miss the beauty of Snowdonia. This magical region is dotted with incredible, craggy mountain peaks and breathtaking wild moorelands. Considered one of the most underrated hiking destinations in all of Europe, you’re sure to find quiet walking trails bursting with natural beauty.

    Have we convinced you? Start planning a walking holiday in Wales today!

    10 Greatest Walks in Wales

    Discover the beauty of the soft, rolling hills, pristine lakes and charming forests in Wales. Some of the best hikes in this region are family-friendly or perfect for beginners like Cwm Idwal Walk, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t mountains to get your blood pumping like the summit of Snowdon.

    1. Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd: Set out on a riverside walk that strolls alongside the River Gamlan and takes you to the base of stunning Rhaeadr Ddu falls for a pleasant afternoon out.
    2. Llyn Ogwen: Follow the path to take in incredible mountain views of Tryfan and Glyderau. While the walk involves a little bit of scrambling to start, the rest of the hike follows an easy and enjoyable trail.
    3. Cwm Idwal Walk: This family-friendly walk is a breeze, delighting little ones with breathtaking waterfalls and incredible secret lakes that remain relatively untouched.
    4. Swallow Falls: For a quick afternoon stroll, visit the beautiful Swallow Falls. Start off following alongside the Llugwy River and continue until you reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the falls.
    5. Snowdon via the Watkin Path: Skip the crowds and discover a lesser-known route to the summit of Snowdon. This incredibly popular mountain is worth summiting for the incredible views at the top, but on our secret path––seek out a secondary lookout point at Bwlch Ciliau.
    6. Dolmelynllyn Estate: Discover epic abandoned gold mines on this walk through an incredible estate. You’ll also pass waterfalls, ruins and plenty of historic Welsh historical sites. This walk is not only beautiful, but plenty educational!
    7. Barmouth Panorama: This hike is great for beginner hikers who want incredible views without the technical challenge. Once at the summit of Barmouth, you can look out over the Afon Mawddach estuary, up and down the Welsh coast, and out to Cardigan Bay.
    8. Pyg Track to Snowdon and Miner’s Track: This path makes for the shortest walk in Snowdonia, but it’s far from the easiest! Prepare for a very steep ascent and a usually very busy summit, but it’s worth it to take in the incredible mountain views. If you can’t climb, there’s a train that can take you to the tip top!
    9. Moel Siabod - A Stunning Walk in Snowdonia National Park: Adventure out on a naturally stunning trail that provides a little ascent at the end to get the heart pumping! While not overly difficult, the trail passes plenty of picturesque hamlets and old quarries on the way to the top.
    10. Snowdon Horseshoe: One of the trickier trails in Snowdonia, this path is not for the inexperienced. Tackle the famed Crib Goch to take in one of the most beautiful ridgelines in Wales on this walk––though come prepared for crazy high winds at the top.

    When is the Best Time to Walk in Wales

    We particularly love hiking the shoulder season in Wales, between late summer and early fall for incredible temperatures and smaller crowds. If you plan on tackling any of the surrounding mountain ranges, it’s important to do so when there is no snow, as it can become dangerous to hike in icy conditions.

    More than that, the shoulder season offers stunning wildflowers, which bloom late into the fall season. You’ll also be rewarded with quieter hiking trails, as most tourists depart at the end of summer––leaving more to enjoy the cozy lodges and lauded restaurants without having to fight for reservations.

    Best Regions to Walk in Wales

    Wales offers some amazing hidden gem hiking destinations that continue to fly under the radar and make for incredible wilderness walks. We’ve always had a soft spot for Snowdonia National Park, which features stunning mountain trails and plenty of pristine lakes. Brecon Beacons National Park dazzles with plenty of hidden waterfalls, incredible cave complexes for exploring and even the romantic ruins of a 13th-century castle stand on display. For a unique national park, visit the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for the only coastal park in the U.K. Find dramatic cliff faces, beautiful deserted beaches and outstanding natural wildlife, like puffins.

    Other Activities in Wales

    Visitors are often surprised and the plentiful outdoor activities on offer in Wales. It’s one of the best kept secrets in our opinion, leaving plenty of natural beauty to be discovered! Caving is a popular activity in Wales, with some incredible underground worlds waiting to be discovered. For a water-based adventure activity, grab a board and hit the waves for surfing, which you can do in the world’s first inland lagoon that makes for perfect beginner waves. There are also plenty of breathtaking mountains to tackle on two-wheels for an unforgettable mountain biking experience.

    How to Plan a Trip to Wales

    Ready to hit the trails in Wales? We’re here to help make planning your trip easy as 1-2-3! We’ve rounded up all the best places to stay, shop, eat and play in our complete guide to planning a trip to the Snowdonia area in Wales. Now all that’s left is time spent daydreaming and packing your bag!

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    Hiking regions in Wales

    Best Hikes in Wales

    Open details for Snowdon Horseshoe

    Snowdon Horseshoe

    Hard
    12.2 km
    1,072 m
    5-7h

    This ridge hike is not for inexperienced hill walkers or those afraid of heights. Crib Goch is a phenomenal ridgeline - one of the best in Wales - but, it should not be underestimated. Be prepared, and avoid it in high winds and wintery conditions unless well equipped. Having said that, it is exceptional!

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Open details for Pen y Fan and Corn Du Short Walk

    Pen y Fan and Corn Du Short Walk

    Moderate
    6.3 km
    491 m
    2.5-3.5h

    The Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du Short Walk is an amazing outdoor adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you uphill to the summit of a mountain with unbeatable views overlooking South Wales. While out walking the trail, you will work your way up the steep and rugged mountainside to reach the summits of Corn Du and Pen-y-Fan, the highest peak in South Wales and Southern Britain. Although steep, this path follows one of the more direct routes into the central beacons and will hopefully allow you to avoid some of the crowds.

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    Open details for Llyn Ogwen

    Llyn Ogwen

    Easy
    4.9 km
    95 m
    1-1.5h

    This walk has stunning, mountainous views; the iconic summits of Tryfan and Glyderau will tower above you as you hike. Some scrambling is involved to begin with but, overall, it’s a relatively easy, and most definitely enjoyable, hike.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.8
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk

    Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk

    Moderate
    7.2 km
    275 m
    2-3h

    The Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk is a fantastic adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park that will take you through the forest to visit a series of stunning waterfalls. While out walking the trail, you will enter into the dense cover of the forest and follow along the banks of Afon Mellte, eventually passing by the cascading waters of Sgwd Uchaf Clun Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn, and Sgwd yr Eira. This is a wonderfully scenic woodland adventure if you are looking to relax and view some breathtaking waterways in Wales.

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    Open details for Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk

    Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk

    Moderate
    15.1 km
    739 m
    4.5-6.5h

    The Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic adventure in Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales that will take you up into the mountains for stunning views over two charming lakes. While out walking the trail, you will make your way to the tranquil shores of Llyn y Fan Fach and the Carmarthen Fans, traversing the summits of Waun Lefrith, Bannau Sir Gaer, Fan Foel, and Fan Brycheiniog before arriving at the shores of Llyn y Fan Fawr. Simply put, this is one of the best walking routes in Brecon Beacons National Park.

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    Open details for Crib Goch Hike

    Crib Goch Hike

    Hard
    9.8 km
    970 m
    4.5-6h

    The Crib Goch hike in Snowdonia National Park is a thrilling climb across jagged spires and razor-thin ridges to the peak of Snowden. This climb may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s a rewarding challenge for those looking to sharpen their scrambling skills and enjoy expansive views over the green-laden mountains below. This route can also be done as a loop to enjoy the serene lakeshores below the adrenaline-pumping summit.

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    Open details for Coed y Brenin Walk

    Coed y Brenin Walk

    Easy
    8.4 km
    295 m
    2.5-3h

    The Coed y Brenin circular walk is a loop trail in Snowdonia National Park, passing through ancient green forest along the Mawddach River. This relatively flat trail reveals charming waterfalls and lush greenery, providing a peaceful and low-effort escape into nature. The Coed y Brenin trail is well-maintained, making it an easy pick for those with young children.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Circular Walk

    Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Circular Walk

    Moderate
    17.7 km
    817 m
    5.5-7.5h

    The Brecon Beacons Horseshoe Circular Walk is a beautifully scenic outdoor excursion in Wales that will lead you to the highest point in Brecon Beacons National Park (and southern Britain as a whole) for some breathtaking views. While out walking the trail, you will climb up into the mountains to explore the central beacons, traversing the summits of Corn Du, Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn, and Fan-y-Big, before descending back into the valley below. This is a great alternate route from which you can explore the rugged terrain of the Brecon Beacons.

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    Open details for Snowdon via the Watkin Path

    Snowdon via the Watkin Path

    Hard
    14.2 km
    1,013 m
    5.5-7.5h

    Avoid the crowds and head for this less used hike to the summit of Snowdon. In good weather the views from the Bwlch Ciliau down across the horseshoe are phenomenal. Often quoted as the most scenic route up Snowdon, the Watkin Path will leave you feeling smug when you meet the masses at the summit.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.9
    Technical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Open details for Parc Bryn Bach Circular Walk

    Parc Bryn Bach Circular Walk

    Easy
    2.1 km
    35 m
    0.5h

    The Parc Bryn Bach Circular Walk is a charming lakeside adventure in Wales that will take you through a 340 acre nature reserve. While out walking the trail, you will follow closely around the shores of a 36 acre lake that features beautiful views of the surrounding grassland and forest. This is a lovely walking route near Brecon Beacons National Park that is perfectly suited for a fun family adventure.

    User Ratings
    No Reviews

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