Best Walking Trails in North Wales

North Wales is a land filled with misty mountains, sparkling lakes, and windswept beaches. At its heart sits Snowdonia National Park, a walker’s playground brimming with post-glacial features and spectacular landscapes.

The best way to explore these wild wonders is on foot. To get you started, here are some of the best walking trails in North Wales.

Snowdon – Miner’s Track (8.1 Miles)

This is the big one – the highest peak in Wales. Standing 1,085 metres tall, Snowdon (also known as Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) is on the bucket list of many avid walkers when visiting North Wales.

There are at least 6 trails to the top, but the Miner’s Track is one of the most scenic paths. Beginning from the Pen-y-Pass car park, the trail winds its way up the valley, past Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn, before reaching a steep stone staircase to take you to the summit.

Carneddau – Southern Ridge Circuit (10.4 Miles)

The Carneddau are a group of lesser-known peaks in Snowdonia – but they’re some of the highest summits in the National Park. Accessed from the sublime Ogwen Valley, the Carneddau Southern Ridge Circuit is an ambitious loop hike that takes in three big peaks: Pen Yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, and Carnedd Llewelyn.

The walk can be shortened and modified to make it less challenging. However, with views across the Menai Strait, along the Ogwen Valley, and over to Snowdon and the Glyderau, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away and head back to the bottom.

Holyhead – South Stack (5.1 Miles)

The coastline around Anglesey is not only one of the most beautiful in North Wales, but perhaps in all the UK. It is a fantastic area to explore on foot and is particularly brilliant for naturalists who enjoy birdwatching.

At South Stack, there are a few options for walking trails. You can take a jaunt up Holyhead Mountain for commanding views over the coastline. You can also walk down to Goleudy Ynys Lawd, a lighthouse where bird nests are found on the cliffs. Or you can amble your way along the coast at your own pace enjoying wherever the trail takes you!