WALKING IN SNOWDONIA: YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE
Attracting thousands of visitors year-round, Snowdonia National Park is beautifully scenic and ideal for walkers, hikers, campers, and nature lovers of all kinds. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker, are looking to improve your hiking or walking endurance, or even want to do something a little different to commemorate a special occasion, there’s plenty to see, do and experience in Snowdonia.
Today, we’ll explore some of the best Snowdon walks, including easy, moderate, and more difficult routes for you to try throughout the year. These Snowdon walking routes are bound to offer exhilarating views, fresh air and plenty of history along the way.
The best Snowdon walking routes
Dôl Idris Path
If you’re looking for a leisurely walk in Snowdonia National Park, Dôl Idris path is a great option, particularly if you want a pushchair and wheelchair accessible route. Offering smooth, easy-access paths, this step-free walking route is perfect for families, couples, and anyone wanting some outdoor time without the need for walking boots or special equipment.
This circular route surrounds a small scenic lake and can be completed in just under an hour. If you want a bit of variety, this path is also near several more challenging routes at Cader Idris. It means that some people within your group can enjoy a leisurely walk while others embark on a longer walk or hike.
Cyfal Falls
This slightly longer walk boasts four miles of striking scenery including beautiful waterfalls and an impressive gorge to view along the way. Also known as the ‘Four Waterfalls Walk’, it also offers opportunities to paddle your feet after ascending or descending the many steps.
With a bit of up and down terrain, it’s ideal for those looking for a shorter walk that’s still a little physically challenging. Cyfal Falls is also great if you like to meet like-minded nature lovers, as it’s always a busy route.
Abergwynant Woods
Abergwynant Woods is a fantastic location for walkers, foragers, and lovers of wildlife. There’s a plethora of local flora and fauna as well as ancient woodland to observe along this moderate 2 hour / 6 kilometre route. It’s particularly great option for families looking for an entertaining walk that can take up a morning or afternoon.
As one of the less popular routes in Snowdonia, you’ll also be able to avoid the crowds, particularly in quieter seasons. The circular route is also a good option if you don’t have too much orienteering or navigation experience.
The Snowdon Horseshoe
There’s plenty to love about The Snowdon Horseshoe – a perfect route for experienced walkers and hikers who are seeking a challenge. With breath-taking views, you’ll find yourself scaling, climbing, and taking plenty of peaceful rests to enjoy the amazing sights along the way.
But with a challenging and gradual ascent and descent, it’s not one for the faint of heart. You can expect rocky and loose surfaces, steep inclines, and dramatic routes on the way down. It certainly makes for a demanding yet worthwhile hike and will entice any thrill-seeker or experienced hiker.
Taking up to eight hours to navigate, this 12 kilometre route will require the use of some expert kit including weatherproof clothing and appropriate footwear, as well as some confidence when it comes to heights.
The Watkin Path
Based solely on distance, this 13 kilometre walk may sound simple, but it’s one of the most challenging Snowdon walks out there. With a 1000 metre ascent, The Watkin Path is considered one of the most beautiful and scenic Snowdon walking routes.
But it does demand experience when it comes to walking and hiking. Should you manage to tackle this challenging route, you’ll be rewarded with views of waterfalls and epic rivers, and there are also some great spots for respite after intense scaling and descending. Plus you can even go wild swimming.
Whether you’re looking for an intense physical challenge or some of the best sights Wales has to offer, The Watkin Path is ideal for adventurers with plenty of endurance and determination.
Llanfairfechan Trail
With plenty of historic scenery and archaeological sites, this four hour / seven kilometre walk provides the ideal combination of leisurely strolling with some challenging sections to get your heart racing here and there.
Offering fantastic stone-age sights and a beautiful Roman road, it also boasts breath-taking views of the coast of North Wales, all within a moderate circular route. It’s ideal for families looking for a varied and entertaining day in nature, as it has plenty of opportunities to observe, take photos, and learn about the rich history of Wales.
You’ll also find cafes and other facilities, offering the opportunity to take breaks, making it a fantastic option for a full day of enjoyment in Snowdonia National Park.
Making the most of your Snowdon Walks
These fantastic Snowdon walking routes offer something for just about every nature lover. Whether you’re looking for an easy and accessible route for the whole family or something a little more challenging, finding the ideal walk in Snowdon National Park is simple with a bit of research and preparation.
No matter where you choose to embark on your walk, hike, or stroll, it’s best to look up detailed information of the route before setting off, ensuring you have the right provisions ahead of time. With plenty of variation routes and hundreds of paths to choose from, this list only scratches the surface of what Snowdonia has to offer.
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