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Best Walking Routes: Wales
24th January 2022
When it comes to hiking in Wales, there is something for everyone. From coastal hikes and moderate hill climbs right up to more strenuous mountain jaunts, Wales is home to some of the most beautiful scenic views in the UK.
Dolgellau to Barmouth
The route from Dolegellau to Barmouth is one of the most idyllic routes in Wales. While there is no official name for this hike, the walk is sign posted as the Mawddach Trail and is an easy 9 mile hike. It’s a very flat walk, so easily suitable for all ages and abilities, as well as lending itself as a cycling route.
The Mawddach Trail is easily one of the most spectacular Railway Walks that Britain has to offer, located just half an hour away from the beautiful Bennar Fawr. There are stunning views across to Diffwys and the Rhinogs, and up the estuary to Y Garn and the Arans beyond Dolgellau. A major highlight of this route is crossing the railway bridge as you approach Barmouth with its sweeping views over River Mawddach. If you’re knackered by this point, there are regular buses at Barmouth that can take you back to the start point.
Dolgellau to Barmouth
The route from Dolegellau to Barmouth is one of the most idyllic routes in Wales. While there is no official name for this hike, the walk is sign posted as the Mawddach Trail and is an easy 9 mile hike. It’s a very flat walk, so easily suitable for all ages and abilities, as well as lending itself as a cycling route.
The Mawddach Trail is easily one of the most spectacular Railway Walks that Britain has to offer, located just half an hour away from the beautiful Bennar Fawr. There are stunning views across to Diffwys and the Rhinogs, and up the estuary to Y Garn and the Arans beyond Dolgellau. A major highlight of this route is crossing the railway bridge as you approach Barmouth with its sweeping views over River Mawddach. If you’re knackered by this point, there are regular buses at Barmouth that can take you back to the start point.
Snowdon
One of the most famous hikes in the UK, Mt Snowdon is located in the Snowdonia National Park in the very heart of North Wales. At 3560 feet above sea level, Mount Snowdon is the highest point in Wales and on a clear day, you can see as far as Ireland across the Irish Sea! The climb up the mountain, while long is actually easily done. There’s a very clear path all the way. It is about 6 or 7 miles and you should allow yourself about 6-7 hours for the trip.
This is the place for adventure, adrenaline-pumping activities and incredible walks, whilst taking in the rich heritage of the area too. Fear not if you aren’t a climber, you can still reach the summit of Mount Snowdon via the popular Snowdon Mountain Railway, either way the views of the lakes and peaks will stop you in your tracks.
Llanberis to Cwm Idwal
Before you start this Hike, its worth popping inot the National Slate Musuem in Llanveris to see the importance the industry once held in this part of Wales.
The hike is 4 mines long from Llanberis to Cwn Idwal. It takes you into a normally inaccessible upland environment, and through beautiful ice-sculpted Cwm Idwal – a bowl-shaped hollow filled with the crystal clear waters of Llyn Idwal. The site is world famous for its rock formations and its rare and fragile plant life.
On your way up, you’ll see the eerie but fascinating former slate quarries; taking an average of 1 h 34 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, fishing, and hiking. The best times to visit this trail are March through October and you’ll be pleased to hear that dogs are welcome off-leash.
Panorama Walk at Barmouth
The Panorama Walk is something of a Barmouth classic and visitors have been enjoying the views since Victorian times. As you reach the top, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the estuary, Barmouth Bridge and Cadair Idris. The Panorama gardens part of the walk is a short loop, and can be accessed from a nearby car-park which eliminates much of the climbing. Even children who "don't do walking" have enjoyed this one!
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