Are you looking for a challenging, adrenaline-packed adventure? There are many different levels of walks and hikes that Wales has to offer.
Wales is a land of rugged mountains and deep valleys, with serene lakes and waterfalls. It’s also home to some of the most amazing scenery you can find anywhere in Europe.
Here are seven amazing walks in Wales that show off its natural beauty to perfection!
Some hikes will take you along the coastline, while others will lead you through the mountains. Regardless of your unique preferences, there is definitely a Welsh hike for you! These are some of the most amazing walks in Wales…
1. St David’s Head Circular Walk
Just a few kilometres from Wales’ smallest city, St David’s, is the most magnificent seaside headland.
On this challenging circular walk, look out over an island-dotted seascape from a wild terrain full of rocky outcrops, prehistoric monuments, and a great assortment of coastal species.
You can even visit the Neolithic burial chamber, which dates back 4000-years.
St David’s Head Coastal Path is a relatively easy walk with breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.
The trail follows the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and can be walked in either direction. This trek leads to the peak of Carn Llidi, which is only 181 metres high but offers spectacular views of the Preseli Mountains, the seashore, and Whitesands Bay.
This is a fairly short, manageable walk (3.8 miles) but if you are feeling energetic there are a few variants that can extend the distance.
St David’s Head Circular Walk – Key information
ℹ️ Difficulty Level: Distance of 5.12km with a total ascent of 240m
🕒 Time Taken: The total round trip takes around 1.5 hours
📍 Route Information: The route can be walked in either direction. You can find Ordnance Survey route information for St David’s Head Circular Walk here.
2. Moel Smytho
The Mountains of Snowdonia are known for their high peaks, lakes, and ridges. One of the best ways to explore these spectacular mountains is by hiking them and the walk to the summit of Moel Smytho is a moderate-to-difficult hike that takes you along ridges, across summits, and into mountain valleys.
It’s also one of the most popular trails in the area. This peaceful and enjoyable Snowdonia hike begins in Llanberis and ends at one of the Snowdon range’s lesser-known summits.
The summit of Meol eilio, at 726 metres, provides excellent views of a large range of mountains in the Snowdonia National Park’s northwestern sector.
The slope is gradual, and there are several pathways that lead to the summit. The views are spectacular, and it is very likely that you won’t be able to name all of the summits that you see.
Moel Smytho Trek – Key information
ℹ️ Difficulty Level: Can be a moderate or challenging hike dependant on route choice
🕒 Time Taken: The time to the summit should be 1.5 to 2 hours
📍 Route Information: There are many routes to the summit. You can find Ordnance Survey route information for Moel Smytho here.
3. Cwm Idwal
The Cwm Idwal Cirque, which stretches across northern Snowdonia, is a one-of-a-kind mountain range. While the area is popular with hikers and cyclists, geologists and naturalists value it for its steep and rocky topography, which is uncommon in the UK.
Hikers from all over the world come to see the Cwm Idwal Cirque, which is recognised as Britain’s 7th natural wonder, while taking in the breathtaking vistas the mountain offers. It’s known for its stunning beauty and is often called “the hidden valley.”
The walk to the summit of Cwm Idwal is a moderate hike that takes around two hours to complete. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Cwm Idwal Trek – Key information
ℹ️ Difficulty Level: Moderate. The total ascent on this route is 180m
🕒 Time Taken: 1.5 hours
📍 Route Information: You can find Ordnance Survey route information for Cwm Idwal here.
4. Bristol to Bath Railway Path
The Bristol to Bath Railway Path is a 14-mile (22 km) long path that follows the old railway line between these two cities.
Between 1979 and 1986, the Bristol & Bath Railway Path was built on the former Midland Railway’s bed. From end to end, the Path has a 3m wide tarmacked surface, making it an ideal route for off-road cycling, pushchairs, and wheelchairs.
Because of the numerous access locations, the trail has become a popular commuting route between Fishponds and Bristol city centre, as well as to the outskirts of Bath.
You’ll pass by many industrial sites, country woods, and historic forts for an experience you won’t forget and as the route is mostly in a city, there are lots of places to stop for refreshments along the way.
Bristol to Bath Railway Walk – Key information
ℹ️ Difficulty Level: A long distance route of almost 22km with a total of 144m ascent. There are multiple access points along the route
🕒 Time Taken: The total round trip takes approx. 6 hours
📍 Route Information: You can find Ordnance Survey route information for the Bristol and Bath Railway Path here.
5. Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) Pyg Track
Snowdon, which is now know by its Welsh name Yr Wyddfa, is by far the most popular mountain in Wales, and for a good reason – its views are simply breathtaking!
Snowdon is a fantastic mountain that, despite the crowds at the summit, is definitely worth ascending. Along the Pyg Track the start point is the Pen-y-pass car park which reduces the total rise somewhat, and with well-maintained trails for the majority of the trip, the going is as simple as it gets in these types of settings.
The hike to the summit takes around 3 hours, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
If you’re looking for an even more challenging hike, try the Snowdon Horseshoe – it’s considered to be one of the best routes in the UK, or you could even attempt the National Three Peaks Challenge!
Depending on your choice of route a trek up Snowdon can include a good mix of steady walking and small scrambles, as you can see in our handy guide to climbing Snowdon.
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) Pyg Track Hike – Key information
ℹ️ Difficulty Level: This is the shortest route up Snowdon and has the least amount of ascent. The path can be steep and rocky in parts.
🕒 Time Taken: The walk to the summit is around 3 hours
📍 Route Information: There are many routes to the summit, but this particular route is the Pen Y Pass to summit via Pyg Track. You can find the Ordnance Survey route information for Snowdon here.
OS Map: OS Explorer map: OL17: Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa
6. The Glyderau Traverse of Snowdonia
If you’re more inclined towards less crowded trails, the Glyderau are some of the best mountains for hiking in Wales.
On a clear day, this is one of the best treks in Wales, and it would be a wonderful introduction to Snowdonia’s principal peaks and lakes. The Moel Hebog range, the Nantlle Ridge, the Moel Eilio hills, and some of the lesser known Carnedds – Pen Llithrig y Wrach, Pen yr Helgi Du, Creigiau Gleision, Craig Wen, and Crimpiau – are all clearly visible, along with various other peaks such as the Moel Hebog range and the Nantlle Ridge.
The sea may be seen in the distance at various points along the route, including Conwy Bay to the north and Caernarfon Bay to the west.
This walk around these peaks will require some uphill climbing along the way. Keep in mind that this is a long walk with lots of steep ascents!
The Glyderau Traverse of Snowdonia – Key information
ℹ️ Difficulty Level: Extremely challenging
🕒 Time Taken: The total round trip takes around 4.5 hours
📍 Route Information: You can find Ordnance Survey information for the Glyderau Traverse Snowdonia here.
7. Aber Falls
Aber Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Snowdonia National Park. It’s a short walk from the village of Abergwyngregyn and is definitely worth a visit. The falls are fed by the River Llugwy, which makes for an impressive sight as the water cascades over the rocks. There is a viewing platform at the top of the falls, which provides some of the best views in the area!
Wales is a country with many natural beauties to behold, and the amazing welsh walks highlighted in this article are just some of its most scenic routes.
Whether you want an adrenaline-filled hike or something that’s on the easier side, there are plenty of options for every type of hikers.
Aber Falls Walk – Key information
ℹ️ Difficulty Level: This walk is generally considered an easy route. It covers a distance of 6.74km / 4.1 miles, with a total ascent of 255m
🕒 Time Taken: The total round trip takes around 2 hours in total
📍 Route Information: You can find Ordnance Survey information for Aber Falls here
As you can see, hiking in Wales offers a diverse range of sights and landscapes.
In addition to these iconic mountains, there are three National Parks in Wales, covering an astonishing 20% of the country. You may expect anything from large stretches of sandy beach to sheer rugged mountains, as well as a wide range of scenery in between.
With so many options, it’s a land that keeps on offering all year if you enjoy being outside in the elements. Instead of overwhelming you with choices, think of this as just a small taste of the amazing walks in Wales waiting to be explored by you – from strenuous mountain hikes to more laid-back coastal excursions, they all bear the brunt of the unpredictable Welsh weather, so pick your hiking days wisely.
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Happy Trekking!
Simon
Simon Ogunlana | Founder
