With a long, dramatic coastline and towering mountain ranges, including Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, Wales is perfect rambling country. From leisurely beach strolls to mountain hikes, Rebecca Flynn picks 10 of the best walking routes in Wales.
Abereiddy to Porthgain, Pembrokeshire
Best for: sea views
Total distance: 6.4 km (4 miles)
Total duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
This short walk covers one of the most beautiful sections of the Wales Coast Path, the first uninterrupted national seaside walking route. Your first stop is the famous Blue Lagoon, a former slate quarry. This striking spot hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2016, and is a popular destination for kayaking and coasteering.
Look out for wildlife as you amble further along the scenic coastal track; Pembrokeshire is home to both grey and harbour seals and, from September to November, pups lounge in the coves below the footpath. Finish with fish and chips at The Shed in Porthgain and admire the abandoned brick hoppers of this "Chisel Port", once known for exporting local slate and stone.
Porthmadog to Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Best for: architecture
Total distance: 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
Total duration: 2 hours
This easy, flat route takes you from Porthmadog to the outlandish village of Portmeirion. Begin by admiring the four stone lions guarding the Britannia Bridge that spans across the Menai Straight. From here, you'll stroll along the 200-year-old Cob embankment, built to reclaim precious farmland from the sea.
Portmeirion itself, nestled on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, is renowned for its faux-Italian architecture. The village was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, with architectural highlights including the Piazza, Gothic Pavilion, Bristol Colonnade, Hercules Hall and Belvedere.
Total distance: 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
Total duration: 2 hours
This easy, flat route takes you from Porthmadog to the outlandish village of Portmeirion. Begin by admiring the four stone lions guarding the Britannia Bridge that spans across the Menai Straight. From here, you'll stroll along the 200-year-old Cob embankment, built to reclaim precious farmland from the sea.
Portmeirion itself, nestled on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, is renowned for its faux-Italian architecture. The village was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, with architectural highlights including the Piazza, Gothic Pavilion, Bristol Colonnade, Hercules Hall and Belvedere.
Sugar Loaf Circuit, Monmouthshire
Best for: panoramic views
Total distance: 6.4 km (4 miles)
Total duration: 3–5 hours
Rising to 596 m (1,995 ft), Sugar Loaf Mountain offers views over the Brecon Beacons, Severn Estuary and the Black Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see as far as South West England. The moderate circuit to the peak starts in oak woodland before approaching the summit. Incredible panoramas reward those who make the final climb onto the highest ridge.
Total distance: 6.4 km (4 miles)
Total duration: 3–5 hours
Rising to 596 m (1,995 ft), Sugar Loaf Mountain offers views over the Brecon Beacons, Severn Estuary and the Black Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see as far as South West England. The moderate circuit to the peak starts in oak woodland before approaching the summit. Incredible panoramas reward those who make the final climb onto the highest ridge.
Haunted Field Walk, Glamorgan
Best for: ancient history
Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Total duration: 3 hours
A circular walk from St Nicholas village, this trail takes you through the Vale of Glamorgan's beautiful countryside. Along the way you'll revel in legends as you pass the Neolithic burial chambers of Tinkinswood and St Lythans. According to folklore, the thick and heavy 4 m (13 ft) long capstone of St Lythans twirls three times on Midsummer’s Eve, while the surrounding field is said to be haunted by a mythical horse.
Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Total duration: 3 hours
A circular walk from St Nicholas village, this trail takes you through the Vale of Glamorgan's beautiful countryside. Along the way you'll revel in legends as you pass the Neolithic burial chambers of Tinkinswood and St Lythans. According to folklore, the thick and heavy 4 m (13 ft) long capstone of St Lythans twirls three times on Midsummer’s Eve, while the surrounding field is said to be haunted by a mythical horse.
Holyhead Mountain Walk, Anglesey
Best for: wildlife
Total distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Total duration: 3 hours
The Holyhead Mountain Walk covers an impressive stretch of the Anglesey coastline as it circuits the county's highest peak – a modest 220 m (722 ft). Highlights include the massive Holyhead Breakwater, where you should keep an eye out for seals and porpoises, North Stag foghorn station and the ruins of the Roman fort of Caer y Twr.
Weather permitting, you can also visit South Stack Lighthouse, set on a small island just offshore. As well as warning ships of the dangerous rocks below, it now forms part of an RSPB Reserve. As you follow in the footsteps of the former lighthouse keepers, you will see thousands of seabirds swirling around the cliffs and grazing the churning sea beneath. Common sightings include gulls, choughs, razorbills and guillemots. If you’re lucky, you might even spot peregrine falcons and puffins.
Total distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Total duration: 3 hours
The Holyhead Mountain Walk covers an impressive stretch of the Anglesey coastline as it circuits the county's highest peak – a modest 220 m (722 ft). Highlights include the massive Holyhead Breakwater, where you should keep an eye out for seals and porpoises, North Stag foghorn station and the ruins of the Roman fort of Caer y Twr.
Weather permitting, you can also visit South Stack Lighthouse, set on a small island just offshore. As well as warning ships of the dangerous rocks below, it now forms part of an RSPB Reserve. As you follow in the footsteps of the former lighthouse keepers, you will see thousands of seabirds swirling around the cliffs and grazing the churning sea beneath. Common sightings include gulls, choughs, razorbills and guillemots. If you’re lucky, you might even spot peregrine falcons and puffins.
Southgate to Three Cliffs Bay, Gower, Glamorgan
Best for: families
Total distance: 1.6 km (1 mile)
Total duration: 30 min
You'll find some of the country's best beaches along the Gower Peninsula, one of five "Areas of Outstanding National Beauty" in Wales and the first to be designated in Britain.
This short walk from the village of Southgate down to the dunes of Three Cliffs Bay shows the coastline at its finest. The expansive golden sands are perfect for playing and picnicking, while kids will love exploring the rock pools. If you've got more time to spare, climb to the 13th-century Pennard Castle overlooking the bay; legend says it was ruined by fairies as penance for an attack by the castle's ruler.
Total distance: 1.6 km (1 mile)
Total duration: 30 min
You'll find some of the country's best beaches along the Gower Peninsula, one of five "Areas of Outstanding National Beauty" in Wales and the first to be designated in Britain.
This short walk from the village of Southgate down to the dunes of Three Cliffs Bay shows the coastline at its finest. The expansive golden sands are perfect for playing and picnicking, while kids will love exploring the rock pools. If you've got more time to spare, climb to the 13th-century Pennard Castle overlooking the bay; legend says it was ruined by fairies as penance for an attack by the castle's ruler.
Branwen Walk, Harlech, Gwynedd
Best for: legends and views
Total distance: 3.2 km (2 miles)
Total duration: 2 hours
Choral music is often associated with Wales, and few places can match the lyrical ties of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, Harlech Castle. It's thought that the song "Men of Harlech" – sometimes known as the informal national anthem – was inspired by a siege here during the Wars of the Roses.
You can explore the 13th-century fortress, as well as one of the best beaches on the Ceredigion coast, on the circular Branwen Walk. The route's name is taken from a Celtic legend in which the goddess Branwen was rescued from slavery in Ireland by her brother Bendigeidfran.
Total distance: 3.2 km (2 miles)
Total duration: 2 hours
Choral music is often associated with Wales, and few places can match the lyrical ties of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, Harlech Castle. It's thought that the song "Men of Harlech" – sometimes known as the informal national anthem – was inspired by a siege here during the Wars of the Roses.
You can explore the 13th-century fortress, as well as one of the best beaches on the Ceredigion coast, on the circular Branwen Walk. The route's name is taken from a Celtic legend in which the goddess Branwen was rescued from slavery in Ireland by her brother Bendigeidfran.
Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire
Best for: poetry-lovers
Total distance: 3.2 km (2 miles)
Total duration: 2 hours
Dylan Thomas, Wales’ most famous bard, described Laugharne as a "timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town". Today, wandering past the poet’s Boat House, the ruins of the castle and the beautiful estuary, it is easy to see how Thomas, like many others, "came, one day, for the day, and never left". For the best views, follow the short Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk, inspired by the verses of Poem in October (1944).
Total distance: 3.2 km (2 miles)
Total duration: 2 hours
Dylan Thomas, Wales’ most famous bard, described Laugharne as a "timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town". Today, wandering past the poet’s Boat House, the ruins of the castle and the beautiful estuary, it is easy to see how Thomas, like many others, "came, one day, for the day, and never left". For the best views, follow the short Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk, inspired by the verses of Poem in October (1944).
Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd
Best for: waterfalls
Total distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Total duration: 2 hours
Tumbling down a rocky escarpment in the Carneddau mountain range, the 33 m (125 ft) high Aber Falls are a majestic sight. Lying within Snowdonia National Park, they are easily reached on a short walk along the path from Bont Newydd. Visit just after it has rained for the most spectacular views, or, better yet, make the journey in winter when the cascades sometimes freeze solid.
Total distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Total duration: 2 hours
Tumbling down a rocky escarpment in the Carneddau mountain range, the 33 m (125 ft) high Aber Falls are a majestic sight. Lying within Snowdonia National Park, they are easily reached on a short walk along the path from Bont Newydd. Visit just after it has rained for the most spectacular views, or, better yet, make the journey in winter when the cascades sometimes freeze solid.
Rhyd-Ddu Path, Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd
Best for: bragging rights
Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Total duration: 6 hours
Climbing Mount Snowdon is a must-do for any walker in Wales. At 1,085 m (3,560 ft) above sea level, it is the highest point in England and Wales and, at the summit, it feels like the country is laid out at your feet.
Despite its height, Mount Snowdon has one of the friendliest ascents for the novice hiker. There are six different paths, with the Rhyd-Ddu route one of the easiest – it's also far less busy, and more scenic, than the popular Llanberis Path. There is usually a café open at the top during the summer months, and there's the option to catch the train from the peak rather than hiking back down.
Total distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Total duration: 6 hours
Climbing Mount Snowdon is a must-do for any walker in Wales. At 1,085 m (3,560 ft) above sea level, it is the highest point in England and Wales and, at the summit, it feels like the country is laid out at your feet.
Despite its height, Mount Snowdon has one of the friendliest ascents for the novice hiker. There are six different paths, with the Rhyd-Ddu route one of the easiest – it's also far less busy, and more scenic, than the popular Llanberis Path. There is usually a café open at the top during the summer months, and there's the option to catch the train from the peak rather than hiking back down.