If you ever find yourself amidst the rolling hills and stunning mountains of North Wales, it would be a shame not to explore them fully. With a wide range of options available, from wheelchair-accessible trails to challenging mountain hikes, here are our recommendations for the best North Wales walks, perfect for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.
If you don't mind the thigh burn from ascending 334 metres in a single hike, you simply can't beat the views from the Great Orme. Plan your walk at sunrise - or if you don't mind walking back in the dark, at sunset. This 5.5-mile hike offers fantastic views of the Irish Sea on one side and Llandudno’s stunning cliffs and caves on the other. Completing a full circuit of the Orme should take around three hours and will surely provide you with stories to share with your friends!
Embarking on the Offa’s Dyke trail is no small feat—this remarkable hike spans an impressive 177 miles along the border between England and Wales. National Trails recommends dedicating at least two weeks to complete the route. However, if you don’t have that kind of time, feel free to dip in and out of the trail to experience the Dyke in small chunks. From rolling hills and cliffs to two majestic mountain ranges, Offa's Dyke offers a comprehensive experience of all the breathtaking beauty Wales has to offer.
While it’s not quite as long as Offa’s cross-country backpacking holiday, the Maelor Way still boasts an impressive 24 miles of trails through the countryside of North Wales. From Grindley Brook to Chirk Castle, the hike features a total ascent of 560 metres, reaching its highest point near Higher Wych. While that sounds like a lot of climbing, rest assured that the trail is not steep and travels alongside rivers, canal paths and bridleways, connecting it to several other hiking paths along the way. It also passes through charming towns and villages, allowing you to drop in for a bite to eat and a sit down when you get tired.
If you’re looking for out-and-back North Wales walks suitable for the entire family, you can’t go wrong with the Point of Ayr. Named after the northernmost point of Wales and signposted by a lonely lighthouse on the coast, this walk offers a serene escape for Saturday hikers. Birdwatchers will be pleased to find a variety of species along the 7.4-mile trail, including Western marsh harriers, great bitterns and little egrets. This walk also provides a fantastic opportunity for a beach visit, making it a perfect outing for the kids
One of the most beautiful forest walks in North Wales and 100% wheelchair-friendly, Rhaedr Fawr provides a dedicated adjustment at the start of the trail for wheelchairs, pushchairs and strollers. Named for the stunning waterfalls that adorn its plunge pool, this hike is a leisurely way to explore the woodland landscapes of Wales without straining yourself. The walk should take approximately an hour and a half to complete, covering just under 3 miles of out-and-back hiking. However, if you choose to do the full circular route, keep in mind that not all paths on the extended route are wheelchair friendly.
Gelert’s Grave is another fantastic walk for wheelchair users, with a designated concrete footpath to take you around the banks of the River Glaslyn. Taking less than an hour to complete, the Gelert’s Grave circular route is perfect for an evening outing or a trip to stretch your legs without committing to a full-day hike. Learn more about the legend surrounding the area while exploring some of the oldest buildings, including the stone monument at Gelert’s Grave.
Yes, we know you’ve been waiting for this one - a hiking holiday in North Wales wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Eryri National Park. This famous range is home to some of the most beautiful trails in the country and is a must-see for experienced hikers. Cwm Idwal has been described as otherworldly and breathtaking by national park enthusiasts and if you’re looking for lake walks in North Wales, the scenic waters of Llyn Idwal will be an unforgettable sight along this 3-mile tour of the basin.
Referred to as one of the best circular walks in North Wales, this coastal route is perfect for a day out in rural Wales. On the second half of the 7.5-mile route, you’ll enter Eryri National Park, one of the crowning jewels of the Welsh countryside. Experience the sunset over the marshy lowlands, take photos of the clouds across the mountain peaks and return to your car to wind down and relax when you’re done.
When researching mountain walks in North Wales, the first thing you’ll want to look for is difficulty. While the Welsh peaks offer plenty of relaxed and accessible routes to hikers, some people just can’t pass up a challenge: that’s where the plucky peak of Crimpiau comes in. Crimpiau might not be the first mountain you think of when you hear the name Eryri, but it’s by far one of the most tough, strenuous and engaging walks in the national park. Challenge yourself to a 470-metre ascend into the true wilderness of Wales, along a 4-mile route so remote it doesn’t always have marked paths. It’s recommended that only experienced hikers attempt this route, ensuring the weather is good and being fully prepared with hill walking gear and boots. If you don’t yet feel ready for Crimpiau, consider practising with some of our recommendations for easy walks in North Wales.
Whether you enjoy long, hard hikes or leisurely birdwatching, there’s plenty to explore in North Wales. And if you find it hard to choose from one of the options above, remember that you can always turn back if you’re not having fun! Stepping back is often the best way to stay safe, especially if you feel that you aren’t experienced enough for a hike.
If you’re considering spending enough time in Wales to experience all these walks, why not check out our new builds in North Wales and make these stunning natural landscapes your new home?