Escape the hussle and bussle of life and enjoy walking in North Wales

By walking in North Wales we have spectacular views, breathtaking scenery and beautiful wildlife. Because of this choosing only 10 walks in North Wales was very challenging!

Our carefully selected 10 walks include short and long walks, circular paths and coastal paths. So grab a pair of walking boots and your rucksack and pick one from the list below (or why not try them all!)

walking in North Wales

Walk No.1 : Moel Famau from Loggerheads

There are many routes you can take from Loggerheads to reach the jubilee tower Moel Famau, including a circular work. This walk takes you up mountains, through forest along riverside and offers breathtaking panoramic views, with views as far as Prestatyn! At Loggerheads (the starting point) there are animates including a cafe, pub and countryside centre.

One of the Loggerheads to Moel Famau routes can be downloaded from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty website.

Walk No.2 : Moel Famau from Car Park

At the bottom of Moel Famau there is a dedicated car park where a number of walking trails start. With the jubilee tower at Moel Famau being the highest summit in the Clwydian Range this walk offers spectacular views of Wales. The Jubilee Tower circular trail is described as a moderate walk that takes you through mixed forests and open countryside.

There are other trails available from the car park each one offering different lengths and capabilities.

For more information please visit the Natural Resources Wales website.

Walk No.3 : Hiraethog Footpath – Hiraethog Trail

Hiraethog is the gateway to Snowdonia. Hiraethog (or ‘gorse hill’) is a tranquile location with unspoilt landscapes including heather, forests, and lakes. The complete Hiraethog trail is a 40 mile circular walk which links charming villages including Pentrefoelas, Cerrigydrudion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr and Llanrhaeadr.  If you are unable to commit to completeing the full 40 mile circular walk, there are 6 shorter routes which take you from village to village. Why not complete each section, one every month over the summer break!

The Hiraethog Trail and trail Map is available to download from here.

Walk No.4 : North Wales Path

walking_in_north_walesThe North Wales Path is a coast to coast trail that offers stunning coastal views and breathtaking scenery. This path links with the Offa’s Dyke path and includes the Great Orme and Llandudno. The North Wales path has been incorporated into the Wales Coast Path which is coastal path that runs from Chester in the North to Chepstow in the South with a route of 870 miles (1400km).

To view and download the North Wales Path and Wales Coast Path please visit Conwy County Council website.

Walk No.5 : Llangollen History Trail

If a bit of history is what you are looking for, then the Llangollen history circular or linear walk is a must. This can be a challenging trail with stiles, kissing gates and steep stairs to climb. Explore the stunning Dee valley circular trail, with stunning views and  beautiful countryside to enjoy.

To download a map and for more information please visit the National Trail website.

Walk No.6 : Pincyn Llys Clocaenog

The Pincyn Llys walk is a 2 mile (3.5km) trail located deep in the Clocaenog forest. This trail is a short, steep walk through forests and moorland where Lord Bagot’s Pincyn Llys monument can be located.

Clocaenog forest has a range of walking trails available suitable for young and old. For more information on the Pincyn Llys trail and other walks available in Clocaenog Forest, please visit the Natural Resources Wales site.

Walk No.7 : Llyn Brenig

If you want to see nature, then Llyn Brenig is where to go. With plenty of wildlife to be seen including deer and otters (early in the mornings!), red squirrels and badgers, grouse and buzzards, and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of an osprey feeding on the fish from the lake. Llyn Brenig is a popular spot for walking in North Wales with many beauty spots to enjoy and stream-side picnic sites with breathtaking views of Snowdonia and Berwyn.

If you prefer to cycle, the Brenig Trail is a great family off-road track which takes you through forests, along shorelines and of course along the lake.

For more information and trail map please click here.

Walk No.8 : The Horseshoe Falls Llangollen

Enjoy beautiful hillsides, woodland and riverside pastures on this 2/3 mile leisurely walk. The Horseshoe falls is a picturesque semicircular weir designed to supply water to Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. This is a short and level walk and is great for families and dog walkers.

For more information please visit Dee Valley Walks site.

Walk No. 9 : Swallow Falls – Betws y Coed

The Swallow Falls are the highest continuous waterfall in Wales and are located in the Gwydir Forest, near Betws y Coed. This breathtaking spot has been enjoyed by many visitors!

For pictures and more information please click here.

Walk No.10 : Llyn Elsi – Betws y Coed

Llyn Elsi is a beautiful lake situated in the village of Betws y Coed.  With a dedicated path along the lake, this trail is suitable for families and dog walkers.  On your hike, keep an eye out for black headed gulls and trout.

For more information on Llyn Elsi, please visit the Walking Britain website.

There are so many different paths, trails and hikes available in North Wales and choosing these 10 walks was a bit of a challenge. Walking in North Wales will simply take your breath away – so grab the kids, grab the dog lead and pack a picnic and head for the hills!

If you liked this guide, you may also find these guides interesting:

10 Dog Friendly Walks in North Wales

10 Family Attractions in North Wales