Walking Trails In Wales National Park
The Snowdonia National Park covers 838 square miles and boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in Wales, with its stunning landscapes, dense forests and lofty mountains. As the second largest National Park in England and Wales, its highlands, valleys and cultural heritage are a tempting draw for walkers, climbers and lovers of natural beauty and wildlife. If your idea of a perfect trip means lacing up your walking boots and exploring rugged landscape then Snowdonia is well worth a visit. Some of the highest mountains in England and Wales are located here, included the famous Snowdon peak – the highest peak in Wales. Here’s a selection of three impressive walks that are just a taster of the incredible hiking options on offer in this exceptional region.
Snowdon
The most famous of the mountain walks in Snowdonia, Snowdon rises an impressive 3,560 ft above sea level and boasts some of the best views in Britain. There are several different paths to the summit, varying in length and skill level, and, thanks to its rare flora and fauna (including the famous ‘Snowdon lily’), has been designated a national nature reserve, meaning there’s plenty to spot along the way. Despite its popularity it is still a mountain with steep cliffs in places, so ensure you have a good set of boots and keep an eye out for markers.
Those who prefer a more relaxing route to the top can ride the majestic Snowdon Mountain Railway, an hour-long journey that takes in the spectacular views at a more leisurely pace.
Aran Fawddwy
This mountain lies between the towns of Dolgellau and Bala in southern Snowdonia. While it falls short of being included in the Welsh 3000s it still stands at a whopping 2900 ft.
Not being quite as high as other Snowdonian peaks has its advantages. Aran Fawddwy is a less popular choice for walkers, which makes for a quiet route to the top. There you will find unspoilt, breathtaking views across the national park.
Cadair Idris
One of the most spectacular mountains in Wales is Cadair Idris (“Chair of Idris”) in southern Snowdonia, the second highest summit in Wales outside of the main Snowdon range. This spectacular mountain towers above the surrounding countryside and boasts a variety of landscapes and terrain, including rugged summits, lakes and a mossy wooded gorge. A four to six hour horse-shoe walk takes you through woodlands, valleys and around the narrow rim of this fantastic glacial landscape, circling the waters of the beautiful Llyn Cau lake.
The 2,930 ft summit offers panoramic views of impressive mountain scenery and on a clear day has views to the mountains of the Snowdon massif and, occasionally, all the way to Ireland.
Afon Mawddach
The River Mawddach (or Afon Mawddach in Welsh) and its tributaries cover much of the national park.
Walking along the banks of the main river you will encounter forests of pine and an oak woodland, all set under the shadow of Snowdon itself. The path up towards the river’s source leads you past waterfalls and an abandoned gold mine.
The Glyders
The ridge of The Glyders is one of the most dramatic and inspiring in Snowdonia. A four to five hour hike can take in stunning views of Llyn Ogwen lake (believed to be the final resting place of King Arthur’s sword Excalibur), passes the fantastic rock formations of Castell y Gwynt (“Castle of the Winds”) and reaches to the summit of Glyder Fawr – one of Wales’ highest peaks at 3,277 ft. Steep drops and rocky paths make this a strenuous walk, but the impressive views make the trek all the more worthwhile.
For a lighter effort, a half hour, low grade scramble up the Y Gribin ridge offers lovely views across the Ogwen Valley and can easily be completed in an afternoon.