Close Icon
Snowdonia National Park

What better way to enjoy the wonders of Snowdonia National Park, North Wales than to grab those walking boots and take on one of our favourite Snowdonia walks.

Snowdonia is home to the highest mountain in England and Wales, is famous for its breathtaking scenery and covers 823 square miles of diverse landscapes. Packed with dramatic mountains, idyllic rivers, graceful waterfalls and rugged coastline, Snowdonia is the perfect location for a spot of hiking.

Read on to discover 8 of the best walks in Snowdonia National Park …


Circular Walks in Snowdonia

Llyn Ogwen Circular Walk

Llyn Ogwen

This fantastic circular walk takes in the superb views of the Glyderau mountain range without any strenuous climbs. Llyn Ogwen is a stunning lake situated in the picture-perfect Ogwen Valley and is one of the most beautiful places in Wales. Llyn Ogwen is said to be the final resting place for King Arthur’s iconic sword Excalibur.

Starting at Tryfan Car Park, the route follows the lakeside path around the west side of Llyn Ogwen, where spectacular waterfalls await. As you continue to follow the route around the lake, you’ll be treated to incredible views of Tryfan, one of Snowdonia’s most loved mountains.

Distance: 4.7km / 1-2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

View the full route of the Llyn Ogwen Circular Walk.


Cwm Idwal Circular Walk

Cwm Idwal

Offering some of the most stunning mountainous scenery in the country, the Cwm Idwal Circular Walk is a delightful valley hike through the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Displaying crystal clear waters, Llyn Idwal is one of Snowdonia’s most beautiful lakes. Nestled within Cwm Idwal, the lake is one of the best examples of a glacial valley in Wales.

The circular walk around the lake, not only boasts incredible scenery of Y Garn and Afon Idwal but is world-famous for its geology, consisting of fascinating volcanic and sedimentary rock formations. The lakeside path is ideal for families and beginners and is one of the most loved Snowdonia walks. For a more challenging walk, take the higher path via The Devil’s Kitchen, to the summit of Y Garn. Here you’ll witness incredible views towards Anglesey and the Irish Sea.

Make sure you pack your waterproofs – Cadair Idris is known to be one of the wettest places in the UK! Discover more interesting facts about Snowdonia before visiting these mighty mountains.

Distance: 5km / 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Find out more about the Cwm Idwal Circular Walk.


Family Walks in Snowdonia

Gelert’s Grave Walk

Gelert's Grave

This short walk takes you on an adventure through the picturesque village of Beddgelert to Gelert’s Grave. This well marked footpath is great for the whole family. Following the River Glaslyn and through scenic countryside, the walk takes you to Beddgelert’s most famous historical feature, Gelert’s Grave.

According to legend, the grave marks the resting place of Gelert, the faithful dog of Llywelyn the Great, a medieval Welsh Prince. The walk offers a relaxed alternative to climbing the local mountains, whilst still enjoying views of Snowdonia National Park and Hebog Mountain. A fantastic family walk for all.

Distance: 1.6km / 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Check out the full route for Gelert’s Grave Walk.


Llyn Dinas Walk

Llyn Dinas

The Llyn Dinas Circular Walk is an easy walk around one of Snowdonia’s most beautiful lakes. Starting from Llyn Dinas Car Park, the route follows Lon Gwynant; a newly rebuilt multipurpose track. The route takes you along the shore of the lake to Llyndy Isaf’s farmhouse, where you can continue along the track to the main road.

At this point, you can either head back to the car park along the road, or return the same way for a picturesque out and back route. We recommend returning along Lon Gwynant to avoid any traffic and to enjoy the peaceful countryside and beautiful views of Llyn Dinas.

Distance: 5km / 1.5-2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Find out more about the Llyn Dinas Family Walk.


Mountain Walks in Snowdonia

Snowdon

Glaslyn from Snowdon summit

Our list of best Snowdonia walks wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the mighty Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), England and Wales’s highest mountain, standing at 1085m tall. Snowdon is one of the most famous landmarks in Wales, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

There are six different paths to the summit, all offering incredible views and interesting sights along the way. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll witness astonishing views of Snowdonia, Anglesey and even Ireland on a clear day. Make sure you check the weather forecast, plan your route and wear suitable walking boots during your Snowdon adventure.

Distance: 11-14.5km / 6 hours approx.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Find out all about the six walking routes to the summit of Snowdon.


Cadair Idris

Cadair Idris and Llyn Cau

Cadair Idris, located in South Snowdonia, is one of the most popular peaks in the area. There are many routes to the summit, however, the Minffordd Path is the most spectacular. The summit is known as Penygadair and on a clear day, you can enjoy views across Snowdonia National Park and out to the Mawddach Estuary, demonstrating Snowdonia’s spectacular coastal scenery.

The rocky peaks of Cadair Idris share the same geology as Mount Snowdon and the climb is just as challenging, so make sure you are fully prepared before taking on this popular Snowdonia hike.

Distance: 10km / 5 hours approx.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Check out the full map and route of the Minfordd Path up Cadair Idris.


Snowdonia Waterfall Walks

Aber Falls Walk

Aber Falls

Walking in Snowdonia wouldn’t be complete without a few waterfalls! One of our favourite walks in North Wales, the Aber Falls walk, involves hiking to the dramatic Aber Falls, one of our favourite waterfalls in Snowdonia, located around 2 miles south of Abergwyngregyn. This circular walk involves passing the Coedydd Aber archaeological remains before reaching the spectacular Rhaeadr Fawr waterfall.

You’ll pass the stunning Coedydd National Nature Reserve and upon reaching the highest point of the route, be rewarded with incredible views of the Carneddau mountains and unspoilt countryside.

Distance: 6.5km / 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Find out more about the scenic Aber Falls Walk.


Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Walk

Rhaeadr Ddu waterfalls

A lovely circular riverside walk, taking you along the River Gamlan and past the incredible Rhaeadr Ddu waterfalls. Rhaeadr Ddu, Black Falls in English, are two scenic waterfalls plunging over 60ft. The wild waterfalls appear different every time you see them, depending on recent rainfall.

After enjoying the sights and sounds of Rhaeadr Ddu, the route takes you away from the river and through peaceful open woodland back to the starting point in the village of Ganllwyd. A great walk for both families and beginners, this route is a fantastic way to explore some of Snowdonia’s diverse wildlife.

Distance: 3.2km / 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

For the full route, take a look at the National Trust’s Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd Walk.


If you’re looking for the perfect base to enjoy a few Snowdonia walks, check out our fantastic range of Snowdonia Holiday Cottages or check out these seven mighty mountains in Snowdonia for some extra mountain inspiration! For more superb walks, browse our blog on Walks in North Wales


Images Courtesy of: Prytaseba – (CC BY-ND 2.0); William Hook – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Tony Cassidy – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Hefin Owen (CC BY-SA 2.0); pjo18 – (CC BY 2.0); Denis Egan – (CC BY 2.0); Andy Harback – (CC BY 2.0); paul_p! – (CC BY 2.0); Ambient Photography

Get involved in the Discussion

Comments are closed.