Best Walks in North Wales
North Wales is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK.
It’s my favourite hiking destination and where my love of mountains really began.
Looking to explore the adventure capital of Wales? Here are my favourite walks in North Wales…
(P.s. Quick heads-up: There are affiliate links in my blog. Clicking on them could earn me a tiny commission, with no added cost to you. Enjoy your reading!)
Mountain Walks In North Wales
1. Cadair Idris via Mynydd Moel
Distance: 8.5km | Total Ascent: 907m | Time: Approximately 5 hours there and back
Start and Finish: Minffordd Pay and Display Car Park (SH 731 115 / LL36 9AJ)
Parking: Minffordd Pay and Display Car Park, approximately £6 for the day
OS Map: Cadair Idris and Bala Lake
The summit of Cadair Idris, known as Pen Y Gadair, is one of the highest mountains of the UK and offers views like no other. Stretching as far as the eye can see across North Wales’ breathtaking scenery, this is one of my favourite mountain walks in North Wales.
With four routes to the summit, there is a path suitable for all abilities. My favourite route to the summit is the Minfordd Path, including a slight detour to Mynydd Moel, creating a picturesque circular walk.
Expect varied terrain, a challenging climb and unpredictable weather … but also the most spectacular views. Not forgetting an incredible sense of achievement upon reaching the peak of this mighty mountain.
This might just be my favourite mountain in Wales (who am I kidding - it is DEFINITELY my favourite mountain in Wales!).
Check out my list of top mountain walks in North Wales and enjoy the views of Snowdonia!
2. Snowdon via the Miners and Pyg Track
Distance: 8 miles | Total Ascent: 723m | Time: Approximately 6 hours there and back
Start and Finish: Pen y Pass Car Park (SH 647 557 / LL55 4NY)
Parking: Pay and Display car park at Pen y Pass or you can park at the Nant Peris car park (LL55 4UF) and hop on the Sherpa Bus to the start of the walk.
OS Map: Map of Snowdon
Writing about the best walks in North Wales wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the mighty Mount Snowdon.
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) is the highest mountain in both Wales and England, standing proudly at 1085 metres tall.
There are six different paths to its mighty summit, each showcasing the rugged beauty of this famous peak. My favourite route is a circular walk, ascending Snowdon via The Miners Track and then descending via The Pyg Track.
Snowdon’s terrain can be challenging - so make sure you plan your hike carefully, check the weather forecast before setting off. It’s also important to have all the correct kit with you before taking on this popular peak.
The climb can be tough, but the views from the summit are truly magical.
Coastal Walks In North Wales
1. Anglesey Coast Path - Amlwch to Cemaes Bay
Distance: 14km | Total Ascent: 430m | Time: 4-5 hours
Parking: We parked our car in Cemaes Bay (Traeth Mawr Car Park: SH 374 937 / LL67 0NF) and caught the number 16 bus to Amlwch to start our journey.
OS Map: Map of Anglesey
The Anglesey Coast Path is a circular path, covering a total of 140 miles around the beautiful Isle of Anglesey. Hiking the whole path would take approximately 10-13 days (something I would love to do one day!), but can easily be split into 12 separate sections.
The last time we visited the picturesque Isle of Anglesey, we hiked from Amlwch to Cemaes Bay. - and what a stunning day it was! We were treated to incredible coastal views every step of the way and came across many fascinating sights such as the Porth Wen abandoned brickworks, with their towering chimneys and impressive bee-hived shape kilns.
This section of the Anglesey Coast Path also takes you to Anglesey’s most northerly point, alongside the picturesque Old Porcelain Works and via Llanbadrig Church, thought to be the oldest church in Wales.
The Anglesey Coast Path is by far one of my favourite hiking spots, showcasing what a unique and diverse island Anglesey is. Expect miles of spectacular scenery, rare wildlife (keep an eye out for dolphins!) and plenty of fascinating history waiting to be uncovered.
2. Porthdinllaen Walk, Llyn Peninsula
Distance: 5.7km | Time: 2 hours | Start and Finish: Morfa Nefyn (SH 281 406 / LL53 6DA)
Parking: Morfa Nefyn Car Park (SH 281 406 / LL53 6DA)
OS Map: Map of Lleyn Peninsula West
The Llyn Peninsula is wild and beautiful. Home to picture-perfect beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs and some of the best walks in North Wales.
The Porthdinllaen Circular Walk will reward you with panoramic views of rugged coastline, idyllic beaches and the wild Irish Sea as you follow the Wales Coast Path along the Llyn Peninsula. One of the highlights of this North Welsh walk, is passing Ty Coch Inn, nestled in the quaint fishing village of Porthdinllaen.
Ty Coch Inn is only accessible by boat and foot, making it a unique tourist spot and one of the most popular pubs in Wales. Make sure you check opening times before you start your hike, to ensure you can enjoy a well-deserved pint whilst surrounded by Welsh beauty like no other!
For more incredible places to go hiking around the country, check out my list of top hiking locations in the UK here.
Family Walks In North Wales
1. Gelert’s Grave Walk, Beddgelert
Distance: 2.5km | Time: 1 hour | Start and Finish: The footbridge over the River Glaslyn (SH 591 480 / LL55 4LU)
OS Map: Map of Snowdon
This easy, family walk takes just over an hour - perfect for those with limited time or those looking for a family-friendly adventure! Gelert’s Grave circular walk takes you out of the village of Beddgelert, along the Glaslyn River and to Gelert’s Grave.
Gelert was the loyal four-legged companion of King Llywelyn the Great. Legend tells us that Gelert was mistakenly thought to have killed the king’s child, when in fact he was protecting the infant from a ravenous wolf.
The king killed his beloved dog, before finding that Gelert had actually saved his heir and had killed the wolf instead. The King was overcome with remorse and buried his faithful hound here in Beddgelert.
Whether you believe the legend, or think it might have just been a clever marketing ploy to attract tourists, it’s a much-loved story to tell your kids as you take the short walk to Gelert’s Grave and his bronze statue.
Looking for some more easy hikes? Check out my guide to the best UK hikes for beginners.
2. Loggerheads to Moel Famau
Distance: 12.8km | Total Ascent: 422m | Time: 4 hours
Start and Finish: Loggerheads Country Park (SJ 197 625 / CH7 5SA)
Parking: Loggerheads Country Park Car Park (SJ 197 625 / CH7 5SA)
OS Map: Map of Clwydian Range
I grew up just a few miles away from Moel Famau, spending my weekends walking it’s picturesque paths, through forests and heathlands, just me and the Welsh hills.
It’s also where I did most of my training for my climb up Kilimanjaro - hiking to the top of Moel Famau, multiple times in one day, in the middle of winter.
So I may be biased, but any visit to North East Wales must include a trip to this little gem of a mountain. It’s not technically a mountain at just 554 meters tall, but as you reach its peak you’ll definitely feel like you’re standing proudly on top of the mountaintop!
My favourite route up Moel Famau takes you from Loggerheads to the Jubilee Tower at the summit of Moel Famau (a shorter route can be found here).
Starting in Loggerheads Car Park, this circular walk takes in a mixture of riverside, mountain and forest paths. Upon reaching the Jubillee Tower, you can see as far out as Snowdonia and even Snowdon itself on a clear day.
Walks In North Wales With Waterfalls
1. Aber Falls Circular Walk
Distance: 6.5km | Total Ascent: 316m | Time: 3 hours
Start/Finish: Bont Newydd Car Park (LL33 0LP)
Parking: Bont Newydd Car Park - £2 for the whole day
OS Map: Map of Snowdon
This family-friendly circular walk in North Wales takes you from Abergwyngregyn to the spectacular Rhaeadr Fawr Water Falls and then back to Aber along the North Wales Path.
Not only will you experience the impressive sights and sounds of the powerful waterfall (best viewed after a heavy downpour), but also panoramic views of Anglesey and the Menai Strait as well as a range of archaeological remains linked to the last rulers of Gwynedd.
Looking for a more accessible route? Check out the Aber Falls There and Back Walk
Check out my post on The Best Waterfall Walks in North Wales for some more inspiration!
I hope you enjoyed reading all about my favourite walks in North Wales!
I’ll keep adding to the list - so keep popping back! What’s your top North Wales hike? Drop me a message in the comments below :) KD x