A local's guide to the best walks in Wales

Wales truly is a walker's paradise; a country full of spectacular views and epic hikes. Whether you're a casual stroller, who wants a short amble with the chance of spotting some wildlife, or a serious hiker who wants to explore for miles and miles on foot, Wales will have your perfect walking trail.

If you love to be beside the sea, then walking the Wales Coast Path is for you. As the world’s first continuous coastal path, it covers 870 miles, and with over 500 sandy beaches and hidden coves to explore, you’ll never get bored.

If you prefer a challenge, Wales is also home to some of the best uphill hikes. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is Wales' highest mountain and definitely one to tick off your bucket list, but there are numerous other mountains in Wales to conquer, such as Pen y Fan, in South Wales and Garn Ganol on the Llyn Peninsula.

In fact, when it comes to walking routes in Wales, the hardest part may well be deciding where to wander. To help, some of our staff have shared their best Welsh walks. 

Three Cliffs Loop from Southgate

Images by Laura Kerslake

Laura Kerslake, our Wales Cottage Holidays Marketing Manage and Gold Cultural Ambassador for Wales, is a Gower local and loves nothing more than a coastal walk with her son. She says, "Despite the fact I've lived by the coast for most of my life, I still get a little jolt of excitement every time I see the sea, so when it comes to going for a walk, following the Welsh coast path will always be my top choice. I'm lucky to live on the Gower, and we have some incredible coastal trails, but my favourite Gower Peninsula walk is the route from Southgate to Three Cliffs Bay and Pennard Castle".

"There are quite a few routes with various starting points that take in Three Cliffs, but my personal favourite is to start at the Southgate National Trust car park. There's a handy shop there so you can load up on snacks (essential when walking with kids!), and from there, you head straight out onto the cliff path. The views are simply amazing, ; you can see all the way to Devon on a clear day, and we always keep an eye on the water for wildlife.

"Then the iconic Three Cliffs Bay comes into view, and I always have to stop, sit on the bench and take a photo. The rest also comes in handy as my son  always insists on racing up and down the dunes when you drop down onto the beach itself. On a sunny day, it's a wonderful place to stop, have a picnic, or even go for a swim.

"The other reason this walk is my favourite is that I am a massive history geek and the return route takes you up to Pennard Castle. The castle has so many legends about it, which my Dad used to tell me about when I was a child, and it also offers an incredible view over the bay. I try to time our walks to be there at sunset, as it's really something extra special.

"Then it's a fairly simple walk across the golf course, and through the village to arrive back at your starting point. Though my top tip would be, depending on the weather, to reward yourself with a pint in the pub, or a hot chocolate from the coffee shop to finish your walk"

Moel Famau

Located in North East Wales, Moel Famau is a hill in the Clwydian Range, which is a National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It's home to several Iron Age hill forts and the Jubilee Tower, so there is plenty to explore. And when asked for her top walking spot one of our Homeowner Account Managers, Linda Jones, who is also a Flintshire Tourism Ambassador, didn't hesitate to recommend this as her top Welsh walk. 

“Moel Famau is my favourite place to hike because it offers something for everyone. There’s parking at the bottom of the mountain, and from there, you can choose so many different routes depending on how far you want to go. Some days I’ll take a simple circular path, and other days I’ll head further afield over the tops towards Moel Arthur and Cilcain before looping back again".

Earlybird Linda, who likes to walk with her two spaniels, knows the best time to enjoy this beautiful walk. "What I love most is heading out early to watch the sunrise. When you’re high up on the mountain and the light starts to spill across the hills, the panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking. For me, Moel Famau is the perfect mix of peace, adventure and pure Welsh beauty.”

Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk

Images by Jo Cox

The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is a walker's dream, and there are literally hundreds of trails across the national park to explore. From easy canal path strolls and waterfall walks to more challenging routes such as summitting South Wales' highest peak, Pen y Fan. 

So, when it came to a recommendation for the best walk in the park, we turned to our local expert, Senior New Business Manager, Jo Cox. Adventure fan and wildlife spotter Jo's top choice was the Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular Walk

“Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr will always be my favourite walk in Wales. It doesn’t matter what time of year you go – the scenery is always stunning, and the trail is so easy to follow with new vistas opening at every stage. 

"The climb to Fan Fawr is steady along the ridge that overlooks Llyn y Fan Fach, and offers exceptional views as far as Pen y Fan. The descent down to Llyn y Fan Fawr is steep but so worth it. It’s perfect for early morning wild swimming or a quiet paddle –- an ideal way to start the day!"

Jo is a solo walker, but she's never really alone as she explains, "I enjoy the company of my two sprocker spaniels, Rufus and Beau, and they love doing this walk with me because of the freedom and fresh air."

The best part of the walk for Jo is the peace and quiet: "This part of the national park is less travelled, so you can really enjoy the peace and beauty of these hills without the crowds you would experience on some of the more famous and popular routes. It's perfect for getting closer to nature and wildlife – you'll spot ponies and red kites along with spring flowers along the way".

Little Haven to Nolton Haven

Images by Gareth Mahoney

When we asked Regional Director Gareth Mahoney for his favourite walk in Wales, we weren't at all surprised to hear him say "along the Pembrokeshire coast path". While he lives elsewhere in Wales, Gareth is a huge fan of a holiday in West Wales and regularly travels to the area with his family for a break.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a beautiful 186-mile-long National Trail with incredibly varied beaches and coastal scenery to explore and admire. Thankfully for us, Gareth was able to narrow it down to his favourite stretch of the coast path: Little Haven to Nolton Haven, a 4-mile cliff-top walk.

Starting in the beautiful village of Little Haven, this lovely walk follows the footpath north along Broad Haven Beach before rising onto the cliff top where you'll enjoy spectacular sea views. Passing above the beach at Druidstone, you'll come to a series of natural arches before reaching your destination of Nolton Haven with its pretty secluded cove.

Welsh Cultural Ambassador Gareth commented on the walk: "It’s fairly easy going, nothing too strenuous, but the scenery is just stunning the whole way along. Walking from Little Haven to Nolton Haven, you’ve always got the sea beside you, and there’s something about looking out over the water that instantly relaxes you. It always makes me think of holidays:. that feeling of switching off, taking your time, and just enjoying where you are. I’ve got some really great memories from that stretch, and the views never get old, no matter how many times you do it.”

A close run second choice of walk for Gareth was the moderate climb up Constitution Hill, one of our top recommended things to do on a dog-friendly holiday in Aberystwyth. He described it as "steep but short, so not too hard, with great views back across the town and bay."

Saundersfoot to Amroth

Images by Frances Purnell

Another fan of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is our Senior Homeowner Account Manager, Frances Purnell. Making the most of living locally, Frances loves nothing more than walking with friends and enjoying the coastal views between Saundersfoot and Amroth.

“From Saundersfoot, you head along the path and through the tunnel towards Coppet Hall, then on to Wiseman’s Bridge and even all the way along to Amroth if you fancy it. It starts off fairly flat and easy going as far as Wiseman’s Bridge, so it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll where you can just chat and enjoy the views. After that, it does get a bit tougher on the path over to Amroth, but it’s worth it for the scenery.

"It’s such a lovely walk and I love doing it with friends, just having a proper catch-up in the fresh sea air, taking it at our own pace. And of course, you’ve got those little treats along the way – stopping at Coppet Hall for an ice cream or popping into the Wiseman’s Bridge Inn for something to eat just makes it even better.

"For me, it’s my favourite walk in Wales because it’s got a bit of everything – easy stretches, a bit of a challenge if you want it, and those beautiful coastal views the whole way along. I just love being by the sea, and it’s one of those walks you can enjoy any time of year, whether it’s a sunny day or a brisk, windy one – it always feels good.”

Elan Valley Trail to Craig Goch Dam

Images by Ceri Gittoes

Homeowner Account Manager, Gold Wales Cultural and Bannau Brycheiniog Ambassador, Ceri Gittoes is lucky to live near the beautiful Elan Valley and frequently gets out to explore the area with her husband and their dog, Hooch. And with over 80 miles of designated rights of way across 70 square miles of stunning Welsh scenery, reservoirs and dams, there are numerous trails and walks for all abilities to enjoy. 

And that's exactly what Ceri loves about this area: "There are so many different walks to choose from, sometimes we'll just enjoy a quick woodland wander, and at other times we'll put on our walking boots and plan out a much longer and more strenuous hike around the reservoirs."

One of Ceri's top choices for an Elan Valley walk is the trail to Craig Goch Dam, a 6-mile walk (each way) that is mostly flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. This trail follows the route of the old Birmingham Corporation Railway. It starts at Rhayader, passes the Visitor Centre, and then gently rises towards the first dam of the walk. You then continue along the trail to Garreg Ddu Reservoir, where you'll walk alongside it, taking in the waterside views. There is currently a rockfall before you reach the final reservoir, but there are two options available to you to complete the walk; see Welsh Water’s website for full details.

This gorgeous trail takes you through a variety of scenery,. including woodland and forests, and areas rich with wildflowers. All alongside the spectacular reservoirs, where you can bask in the tranquillity.

This sense of peace is another thing that draws Ceri back time and time again, "Because there are hundreds of special walks to choose from, it's always so peaceful and quiet, even at busier times of the year. There is space for everybody to enjoy.”

Plan your Welsh walking holiday with a stay at one of our holiday cottages

If our staff have inspired you to enjoy walking the Welsh coastal path, stroll through a wildlife-filled nature reserve, or head for the mountains of North Wales, you'll need a place to rest your legs between hikes. And here at Wales Cottage Holidays, we'll have the perfect place for you. 

We have thousands of cottages all over Wales, from holiday homes with sea views to cottages with hot tubs, just perfect for relaxing after miles of exploring.

Written by Laura Kerslake

Regional Marketing Manager

As a Gold Cultural Ambassador for Wales, I love experiencing everything, from finding hidden gems to visiting big attractions - and sharing my local knowledge with our readers.