Walking in Snowdonia
With 2000 miles of designated walking paths and choice of either strolling around lakes, walking through forests or climbing up mountains, Snowdonia is any walkers dream. Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) attracts hundreds of walkers each year to tackle the summit and is ideal for anyone who fancies a challenge.
1. Aber Falls, Abergyngregyn
Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls) and the Aber plantation epitomise Snowdonia’s heritage and nature, and the path to the falls passes through the natural habitat of many local plants and trees. Wandering along the path, you will get a glimpse of Snowdonia’s wildlife, native plants and beautiful views, including Rhaeadr Fawr. This walk is suitable for pushchairs.
2. Gwelfor, Aberdyfi
This is an easy walk, fairly steep to start with, then levelling out for about 1¼ miles, where there are tremendous views from the hilltops, before descending to cross the golf course and return by the beach. With rarely a person in sight, the beautiful beach at the end of the trail is a great picnic spot!
3. Llyn Gwernan, Dolgellau
Llyn Gwernan lake, which is around 12 acres in size, lies on the northern side of Cader Idris, around two miles from the centre of Dolgellau. It is a magnificent location, with the summits of Tyrrau Mawr to the west and the Cyfrwy to the south a striking backdrop.
4. Branwen Walk, Harlech
This is a circular walk, which takes in the Castle, Harlech town, the dunes and the seaside. It will take about 2 hours but could be extended into an all day walk if you want to visit the Castle and spend some time on the beach as well. Some parts of the walk follow steep lanes but it is suitable for all ages, weathers and seasons.
5. Cwm Idwal, Ogwen
Cwm Idwal is a very popular attraction for visitors interested in walking, climbing, fishing and geology. Llyn Idwal is 800 metres long and 300 metres wide. The lake lies in the shadow of ‘Twll Du’, the original name for Devil’s Kitchen, which literally means Black Hole. The valley was scooped out by ice thousands of years ago and is one of the best examples of a glacial valley in Wales.
