Walks in Snowdonia
When and where to hike
A holiday in Wales will not disappoint and what better way to explore than on foot? If you’re wondering where to hike in Snowdonia, we’ve listed the best walks in Snowdonia National Park to get you started.
5 top walks in Snowdonia
1. Gelert’s grave walk
First on our list of is Gelert’s grave walk, one of the easy walks in Snowdonia at just 1.6km. A pet-friendly walk, it offers a leisurely trail that will take you alongside the Glaslyn River towards the grave of Gelert the dog. Discover the history of Beddgelert and why it became popular amongst travel writers such as Thomas Pennant and artists like JMW Turner. The footpath along the riverbank and towards Gelert’s grave is flat and suitable for pushchairs and people with mobility issues.
Scenic view of Beddgelert.
2. Dinas Emrys
Next up we have the legendary trail of Dinas Emrys, a moderate walk at 3.5km. If you’re looking for Snowdonia waterfall walks, then this is the trail for you. Enjoy a pleasant walk past waterfalls and through woodland before reaching the summit, boasting spectacular views. At the top you’ll find the ruins of a square tower and defensive ramparts belonging to the ancient princes of Gwynedd. The woodland and mountain paths can be muddy and there is one section of rock near the top making this route suitable for people with a reasonable fitness level.
View of Dinas Emrys in Snowdonia.
3. Aberglaslyn, Llyn Dinas and Cwm Bychan walk
One of the best walks around Snowdonia is Aberglaslyn, a 9.1km trail boasting views of the Aberglaslyn gorge, the Glaslyn River, and the tiny village of Beddgelert. You will also take in views of Llyn Dinas and the old copper mine workings of Sygun and Cwm Bychan. This miners walk in Snowdonia is a challenging walk and will take you between 4 to 5 hours to complete. The pet-friendly route is steep in places, and the area is dotted with tunnels, spoil heaps and pits so it's strongly advised that you keep to the path.
Aberglaslyn in Snowdonia.
4. Dolmelynllyn Estate walk
One of the best hikes in Snowdonia, Dolmelynllyn Estate walk spans across 6.4km taking in views of the cascading Rhaeadr Ddu Falls. A great hike to go on if you want to learn about Welsh history, enjoy everything from waterfalls, to ruins, and even Cefn Coch, an old gold mine! This pet-friendly route is steep in places and will take you through woodland, gras paths, and tarmac. It can be muddy in places so walking boots are a must.
View of the River Gamlan in Wales.
5. Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd walk
A great riverside walk, Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd takes in 3.2km of Welsh woodland.
Enjoy views of the River Gamlan and the Rhaeadr Ddu waterfalls on this family and pet-friendly walk. With both tarmac and grass paths, there are some rocky slopes making this route suitable for people with a reasonable fitness level.
Waterfall in the Elan Valley leading to Garreg-Ddu reservoir near Rhayader.
With plenty of Snowdonia hiking trails to choose from, there is so much to be discovered on your UK staycation in Wales. Looking for a place to call home on your next walking holiday? Our hot tub accommodation at Beddgelert is situated within idyllic riverside woodland, shielded by snow-capped mountains. With just 16 cabins, Beddgelert is our smallest location just a few minutes from the pretty Welsh village it shares its name with. Spend the day exploring Welsh countryside, before returning to your cosy cabin hot tub in the forest.
Frequently asked questions about walks in Snowdonia
When is the best time to hike in Snowdonia?
Hiking is best in spring and summer, with April being the dryest month. August is the warmest month in summer, whilst January is the coldest in winter. Weather can vary between moderate days in September to cooler days in October onwards. The average temperature in summer varies between 17°C to 19°C, hence the best time to visit Snowdonia is June - August.
Best Snowdonia winter walks?
It might be tempting to hibernate throughout winter, but a short walk can leave you feeling invigorated. Discover the best Snowdonia winter walks and get your daily dose of nature.