Discover the best hikes and walks in Wales: from Snowdonia to the Brecon Beacons

The best long-distance hike for rugged mountain peaks...

What: The Snowdonia Way
Summary: A long-distance trail winding through the heart of the Eryri National Park (formerly know as Snowdonia National Park)
Start/finish: Machynlleth to Conwy
Distance: 97 miles (156km) for the low-level route and 122 miles (196km) for the mountain route

The Snowdonia Way is the perfect way to experience the wild beauty, rich history, and diverse landscapes of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Unlike shorter hikes or summit climbs, this trail takes you through rugged mountains, peaceful valleys, ancient woodlands, and historic villages, offering a true sense of adventure. Whether you choose the gentler valley route or the challenging mountain alternative, you’ll encounter breathtaking views, iconic peaks like Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), and landmarks such as castles, slate quarries, and glacial lakes.

The best short walk for woodland waterfalls...

What: The Four Waterfalls Walk
Summary: A circuit taking in four major cascades in the Waterfall Country and culminating in an unforgettable experience of walking behind a sizeable waterfall.
Start/finish: Cwm Porth car park
Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Waterfall Country is a breathtaking area in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, known for its lush woodlands, deep gorges, and spectacular waterfalls. The Four Waterfalls Trail is an unforgettable experience, offering a stunning mix of forests, deep gorges, and breathtaking waterfalls. The highlight is Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk behind the cascading water for a truly immersive adventure. Along the way, you’ll encounter dramatic rock formations, peaceful woodland paths, and diverse wildlife, including kingfishers and otters.

The best day walk for coastal wildlife

What: Gower Coast NNR, Rhossili Down and Hardings Down
Summary: This walk traverses a stretch of coastline with some of the finest coastal scenery in the UK and is packed with opportunities to spot wildlife and seabirds
Start/finish: Pitton Farm car park
Distance: 14 miles (22.5km)

The Gower Peninsula was the first area in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956. Known for its stunning coastline, golden beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs, Gower is a paradise for hiking, coastal walks, and nature lovers. This route offers hikers the chance to see Atlantic grey seals basking on the rocks and seabirds like puffins (in spring), choughs, oystercatchers, and peregrine falcons soaring overhead. The surrounding waters occasionally attract dolphins and porpoises, making it an excellent spot for marine wildlife enthusiasts.

The best short walk for secluded beaches...

What: Stackpole Quay, Barafundle Bay and the Lily Ponds
Summary: This walk is perfect for exploring secluded beaches and unspoiled coastal scenery
Start/finish: Stackpole Quay car park
Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Starting at Stackpole Quay, a charming old harbour, the route follows the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Barafundle Bay, a breathtaking, golden-sand beach often compared to the Caribbean. With no road access, it remains peaceful and untouched, making it a true hidden gem. The walk then continues to the Bosherston Lily Ponds, a tranquil network of freshwater lakes teeming with wildlife, including otters, herons, and dragonflies. Combining dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and serene nature, this walk is ideal for those seeking quiet, scenic beaches in one of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful landscapes.

The best day walk for stepping back in time...

What: Llandeilo and Dinefwr Park
Summary: The route boasts two Roman forts, a medieval castle (once the seat of the Welsh kings and princes of Deheubarth), two medieval townships of Dinefwr and Newton and the post-medieval mansion of Newton House
Start/finish: Main car park off Crescent Rd, Llandeilo
Distance: 5 miles (8km)

This walk is perfect for those who love history and scenic landscapes, offering a journey through centuries of Welsh heritage. Starting in the charming market town of Llandeilo, known for its colorful Georgian buildings, the route leads into Dinefwr Park, a National Trust estate rich in history. Here, you can explore the ruins of Dinefwr Castle, a 12th-century stronghold of the Princes of Deheubarth, which offers panoramic views over the Tywi Valley. The walk also takes in Newton House, a grand 17th-century mansion, and its surrounding ancient deer park, where fallow deer still roam. With its blend of medieval ruins, aristocratic history, and stunning countryside, this walk is a fantastic way to step back in time while enjoying the beauty of rural Wales.

The best long-distance hike for spectacular river scenery...

What: The Wye Valley Walk
Summary: A long-distance trail from the river’s source on the slopes of Plynlimon through the countryside of the Wales–England border region to Chepstow
Start/finish: Plynlimon to Chepstow
Distance: 136 miles (219km)

The Wye Valley Walk showcases the ever-changing beauty of the River Wye, from its wild, remote beginnings in the Cambrian Mountains to its serene meanders through lush meadows and wooded riverbanks near Hay-on-Wye. As the river winds south, it carves through the dramatic Wye Gorge, where limestone cliffs and ancient forests create breathtaking scenery, with iconic viewpoints like Symonds Yat Rock offering sweeping views of the valley. The river’s rich wildlife, including otters, kingfishers, and peregrine falcons, adds to its natural charm. Near Chepstow, the landscape shifts to a tidal estuary framed by historic landmarks like Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle, making the Wye Valley Walk a truly diverse and picturesque journey through some of Britain’s finest river scenery.