From the Top: 5 of the Best Mountain Walks in Snowdonia
Budding mountaineers and first-time hikers alike are guaranteed to appreciate the majesty and beauty of walking in the mountains of Snowdonia. Whether you’re visiting the area on a relaxing family vacation, or venturing out into the Welsh hills in search of some serious hiking, there is a trek to suit your requirements and abilities.
Here at wales.org, we have brought together a selection of the most popular mountain walks in Snowdonia so you can take your pick and choose the hike that appeals the most! Read on to find out more.
Top mountains to climb in Snowdonia National Park
1. Set your sights on the summit of Snowdon
If you’re looking for the best mountains to climb in Snowdonia, then you can’t really do better than the most famed peak of them all! If you would love to add summiting Mount Snowdon to your collection of treasured holiday memories, then this enjoyable walk is the perfect option for you!
Suitable for beginners and families (recommended age for children is 8 years and above), this 6-hour guided hike up the famous mountain’s slopes will give you the opportunity to enjoy a personalised tour complete with plenty of interesting facts. You will be following one of Snowdon’s less frequented trails to the top, making it an even more pleasant experience, and along the way, you’ll benefit from the knowledge – and wit – of a friendly local guide. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the top is sure to be almost as enjoyable as the awe-inspiring views around you.
This intimate hike runs almost daily from March to October and is available from just £30 per person.
2. Get a taste of Snowdonia Nordic Walking
Visitors to Snowdonia who are looking for a less strenuous way to soak up the beauty of the mountains may wish to give Nordic walking a try!
This Nordic walking taster session, set in the picturesque location of a working farm, is the ideal way to give the sport a go. Your 1-hour 30-minute experience will include lots of opportunities to practice your skills, while your enthusiastic instructor covers fascinating facts about both Nordic walking itself and the stunning local countryside.
Sociable and thoroughly enjoyable, this taster session can be booked for anywhere between 2 and 10 people. It’s the perfect way to try something new while drinking in the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding you.
Prices for this Nordic Walking experience start at £28 per person. Free parking is available and the Nordic poles are provided.
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3. A magical sunrise hike
Arguably the most enchanting time to absorb the sheer splendour of Snowdonia is at sunrise. Happily, this 8-hour hike is available to give you the opportunity to watch the sun rising above the mountains from the area’s highest point – Snowdon itself.
This atmospheric climb begins in darkness, illuminated by the beam of your head torches as an expert mountain guide takes you up to the summit under the gentle glow of the moon. Because of the early hour, you are almost guaranteed to have the trail to yourselves, making the whole experience feel even more special. Plus, those fiery sunrise colours seeping over the mountain tops will surely make your early start worthwhile.
This unforgettable mountain walk is available throughout the summer and private bookings are available. There are several routes to choose from depending on your skill level, so you can enjoy a thoroughly personalised experience. Throughout the walk, you will be able to rely on the knowledge – and dazzling repartee – of your local guide, who will help you to experience the very best that Snowdon has to offer.
4. Take a detour into the area’s legendary past
It’s not just Snowdonia mountain walks that deserve your attention. If you’d like your local jaunt to include a magical dollop of history and legend, then you should take the trail along the River Glaslyn to visit the gravesite of Gelert.
If you don’t know the story, Gelert was a legendary hound said to belong to Llywelyn the Great. The dog was mistakenly killed by his master due to a misunderstanding, after protecting the prince’s child from a vicious wolf attack.
This easy 40-minute to 1-hour walk along the river will take you to the dog’s supposed gravesite. Here you will encounter an exquisite bronze statue erected in tribute to the faithful animal. Along the way, you will be able to soak up beautiful views of the riverbank and surrounding landscape. Plus, you may even spot some local wildlife, such as herons and dippers.
5. Explore the Aberglaslyn Gorge
Keen walkers who would like a more challenging route are sure to relish this awe-inspiring 3.5-mile trail. The walk kicks off at the National Trust car park in Nantmor and takes you along the banks of the rushing stream and then up onto the slopes of Bryn Du. You will visit the old tower on top of the hill, and then continue on to pay your respects at Gelert’s grave. The trail then plunges you into the ancient woods of the Aberglaslyn Gorge, before taking you back to the car park where you started.
Taking roughly 1.5-2.5 hours to complete, this picturesque circular route will get your heart pumping and the blood surging in your veins. Not to mention rewarding you for your efforts with many spectacular views along the way.
Strap on your walking boots – Snowdonia awaits
Dubbed ‘the place of the eagles’, Snowdonia is the perfect place to enjoy scenic mountain walks. It doesn’t matter if you are a total novice or an experienced hiker, you will be able to appreciate the spectacular views either way. And there are a variety of trails available which cater to different levels of ability and experience.
During your time in these majestic mountains, don’t forget to take advantage of the other fun-filled activities they have to offer – from horse riding to mountain biking.
Looking for a unique experience during your stay? How about booking a few days on a working farm to get a feel for what it’s like to live and work on the land in this remarkable corner of North Wales? Alternatively, opt for a luxury Snowdonia holiday cottage for a relaxing break away from it all.
