The Best Hiking Trails In Snowdonia Wales

Whether you prefer a leisurely hike on flat ground or the challenging trails of Snowdonia National Park, North Wales is full of opportunities for avid ramblers. Here we round up the best.

Your boots are tied and your bag is packed – now which Snowdonia hiking trail will you take? For the seasoned hiker, there’s no shortage of challenging mountain trails, whereas those who prefer a more gentle pace will adore the footpaths that skirt the lakes and valleys.

With more than 2,000mi (3,218km) of paths, there’s something for all fitness levels. And if you’d like a guide to lead you, join our five-day trip to North Wales, which not only includes plenty of hiking but also mountain biking, coasteering and zip-lining. But if an off-piste amble is what you’re after, here’s our guide to the best walking routes around.

Abergwynant Woods

Forest

This is an easy walk of about two hours – perfect for a morning hike before a hearty lunch. Part of Mawddach Trail – a 9mi (15km) walk from Dolgellau to Barmouth – Abergwynant Woods is a tranquil heaven for walkers.

Minffordd Path

Hiking Trail

Near the North Wales town of Dolgellau, the Minffordd Path is a mountain walk better tackled by more dedicated hikers. The mountain to explore here is Cadair Idris, one of the flagship Welsh peaks. This 6mi (10km) walk takes about six hours and has a rugged track that can prove challenging.

Llyn Tegid, Bala

Natural Feature

A kayaker paddles across Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid in Welsh), while a sailing boat pootles behind

In the Welsh Lake District, Llyn Tegid – meaning Fair Lake – is the largest natural lake in Wales. It’s also home to a moderate walk of 7.5mi (12km) that’ll take a little over five hours to complete. Beautiful views of the water and a chance to cross several terrains will take your mind off your aching soles.

Crimpiau, Capel Curig

Natural Feature

Snowden rises on the horizon, as seen from the footpath to Crimpiau

Another hike with splendid lake views, Crimpiau offers a harder walk of approximately three hours, taking in mountains, lakes, woodlands and rivers.

Snowdon Ranger Path

Hiking Trail

One for the more experienced hiker, this six-hour, 8mi (13km) route takes you 3,071ft (936m) up the tallest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon. Expect to be thoroughly rewarded with magnificent views.

Gwelfor Aberdyfi

Hiking Trail

This 3mi (5km), two-hour walk would be perfect after a summer Sunday lunch in one of the excellent pubs in the area. Overlooking Cardigan Bay, Aberdyfi (or Aberdovey in English) is a pretty coastal town on the Dyvi estuary.

Wales Coast Path

Hiking Trail

The Wales Coast Path runs for 870mi (1,400km) along the Welsh coastline from north to south. If you’re keen to stick to North Wales, there are 180mi (289km) of footpaths to explore in the county of Gwynedd, running from Llanfairfechan in the north to Machynlleth in the south.

Slate Valleys Path, Llanberis

Natural Feature

The Llanberis Pass winds through a steep valley of grass and stone in Snowdonia National Park

These paths, with several options for hikers, take you through the heart of the Welsh Slate Quarries – once a thriving industry, now abandoned. The walks cut through dramatic countryside, helping you to understand the hardships faced by the families who once lived and worked in these remote hamlets.

Gelert's Grave Walk, Beddgelert

Hiking Trail

The Gelert’s Grave Walk is not just a hike through exceptional surroundings, but an introduction to one of the most famous Welsh legends. Gelert was a hunting dog belonging to a Welsh prince. Once day there was a communion in the nursery of the castle and the prince discovered Gelert covered in blood, with a bloodied sheet beside him. Thinking the dog had savaged his sleeping child, the prince killed the animal. A moment later, cries were heard and the infant was found safe under a blanket. Beside the child was the corpse of a wolf. The prince was so overcome with remorse that he buried his faithful dog where all could see and know of the deed done. Gelert’s Grave is most likely the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow, but the story has stuck through the ages.