From sandy beaches to rocky hillsides, Wales is host to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Here are six of the best hikes in Wales that you need to do before the end of Spring.
Click on the place marker and their images to see short video clips of the views!
Whether you’re determined to reach the majestic peaks of Snowdonia or prefer a leisurely stroll along the quaint coastal paths of the Gower Peninsula, Wales has plenty of opportunities for beginner and expert hikers alike. Featuring over nine mountain ranges, hundreds of folkloric stone-built villages, abandoned castle ruins and some of the best beaches in Europe, Wales has a wealth of scenery to explore.
Despite common misconceptions, you don’t have to be an expert to climb the steep inclines of the Welsh mountains.
Senior Press Officer, Keegan Wilson from Britain’s biggest mapping agency, Ordnance Survey said: “We want to encourage people to re-engage with the outdoors and demonstrate that it is enjoyable, accessible and safe for all ages and abilities.”
“Our website: getoutside.co.uk is for both novices and the most seasoned of walkers. It holds a wealth of practical advice that can keep you safe, and offers guides to help you find the right route for your ability and interests. The GetOutside initiative is core to OS’s aims. We want to help people to get outside more frequently. It’s about inspiring adventures, enabling experiences and helping to make memories.”
So, with Easter just around the corner and summer beckoning to its call, here are the six best regions and hikes in Wales where you can rekindle your relationship with your walking boots after those broken New Year’s resolutions.
6. Swallow Falls, North Snowdonia
For over 100 years, Swallow Falls has been a natural wonder and symbol of history, culture and heritage throughout Mid Wales. With bellowing waterfalls and nature trails surrounding the park, it’s a great place to see North Snowdonia in all its glory. The walk offers you some of the most impressive views across Snowdonia as you make your way through the scenic Gwydir Forest and end at a cosy British pub for a pint or two (how handy!) This hike really is a great way to start breaking into those dusty walking boots.
Length of walk: Just over 3 miles
Duration: 45 mins-1 hr 15 mins
Level of difficulty: Easy
Close to: West of Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia
Where can I find the map? Here!
5. Clwydian Range, North Wales Borderlands
Stretching over twenty miles, the Clwydian mountain range presents some of the most stunning views across the valleys of North Wales. Marked as an area of outstanding national beauty, the mountains’ peaks in the Clwydian range reach over to Snowdonia National Park, the Black Mountains and the Peak District to name just a few. The Offa’s Dyke path, which is usually hiked in a long weekend, cuts through the Clwydian mountains and is visited by hundreds of tourists each year. For those who prefer a moderate hike across the Clwydian mountains, yet prefer to spend the majority of time on the ground, Graianrhyd and Nercwys Forest walk blends all of your favourite natural elements of the great outdoors together in under 5 hours.
Length of Graianrhyd Forest walk: 10 miles
Duration: Under 5 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Close to: Ruthin/ Blenau
Where can I find the map? Here!
4. Llangorse Lake, Brecon Beacons, Mid Wales
Nestled by the small town of Brecon is the largest natural lake in South Wales. Spanning 5 miles across the valleys of the Brecon Beacons, Llangorse Lake is surrounded by dense woodlands and wide, open vistas. The taff trail, which starts in Bute Park, Cardiff, cuts through Llangorse Lake and reaches out to the tip of the national park. Though there are no real steep inclines, the side of the lake has been known to have feature some light marshlands. For this reason, we would most definitely advice a good pair of waterproof walking boots!
Circumference of Llangorse Lake: 3 miles
Duration: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Easy
Close to: Brecon/ Llangorse
Where can I find the map? Here!
3. Coastline walk, Pembrokeshire Coast Path, West Wales
The Pembrokeshire coastline walk was the first national trail in Wales. Passing nearly 60 beaches and 14 harbours, every direction and angle offers a different snapshot of Wales’ beauty. The coastline walk starts in the riverside village of St Dogmaels and ends in the small town of Amroth, renowned for its sandy beaches. The most loved thing about this hike is that for over 180 miles, the coastline is only a stone’s throw away.
Length of Coastline walk: The whole hike is 180 miles and is normally completed over a 2 week period. There are many other smaller routes you can take, however, which can be found here.
Duration: 2 weeks/ varies
Level of difficulty: Advanced
Where can I find the map? Here!
2. The Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay, South Wales
Just west of Swansea lies the infamous Gower Peninsula. With its award-winning beaches and its varied wildlife and rich history, the Gower epitomises the beauty of Wales. One of the best ways to see the peninsula is by walking to Three Cliffs Bay. Having constantly being awarded for Britain’s Best Beach, and featuring rows of golden sand dunes along its shoreline, the trio of limestone cliffs is not one to be missed. The route takes you through both dense woodland and parklands, and even gives you an opportunity to explore an ancient castle towards the end of your hike.
Length of Coastline walk: 4.5 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Close to: Swansea
Where can I find the map? Here!
1. Artists Valley, Ceredigion
Ceredigion offers some of the most stunning panoramic views of nature in the UK. Home to some of the most quaint and idyllic villages in Wales, such as Corris and Aberdovey, the peaceful atmosphere, the pastoral scenery and the towering snowy mountains are simply any hardcore hiker’s definition of perfection. Towards the centre of Southern Snowdonia lies one of Ceredigion’s hidden treasures; Artists Valley. Despite the tough incline at the beginning, this route features bellowing waterfalls and some of the most spectacular views across the Barmouth estuary. Offering a variety of walks, this hand picked route around Artists Valley is perfect for first time hikers. For other routes, see here.
Length of Artist’s Valley: 6.5 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Close to: Aberystwyth
Where can I find the map? Here!