I’ve lived in North Wales for over 30 years and during that time I’ve done hundreds of family-friendly walks, whether it was during my own childhood or now with my own three children. It’s while I’m out walking that I feel so lucky to call this gorgeous place home!
One day we could be strolling along a sandy beach, the next we’ll be hiking through ancient woodland or tackling a mountain trail with views that stretch for miles. There are so many things to do in North Wales but hiking is always at the top of the list!
But some of the best walks in North Wales are actually really attainable for most ability levels. Yes, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is incredible but there are plenty more walks that are a little more enjoyable for the whole family.
You don’t need expensive hiking gear or elite fitness levels. Some of my favourite walks are little more than a gentle wander with a coffee stop at the end.
If you’re planning a trip to North Wales or you’re looking for inspiration for your next weekend adventure, these are my favourite walks in the region. I’ve included everything from easy family-friendly routes to more challenging mountain hikes suitable for older families.
How to find your walking trails
Many walking trails are very easy to find, with spacious car parks and well-signed paths. Other walks are a little more challenging to follow. Either way, I usually follow a trail via the AllTrails app. I’m not a great map reader and this makes it so easy to follow and make sure I don’t miss the highlight of the hike! It’s also good to know how long you have left so you can plan your speed accordingly.
Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey
- Best for: Everyone
- Recommended Route: Traeth Llanddwyn and Ynys Llanddwyn (6km)
If I had to recommend just one walk in North Wales to first-time visitors, this would probably be it. The walk through Newborough Forest on Anglesey is beautiful in itself, with winding forest paths and glimpses of the sea through the trees. But the real highlight is reaching Llanddwyn Island.
This tidal island feels magical. There are sandy beaches, rocky coves, historic buildings and one of the most photographed lighthouses in Wales. It’s easiest to walk across at low tide but, honestly, you can just take your shoes off and roll your trousers up and wade across at hide tide.
The views across to Snowdonia are incredible on a clear day and the sunsets here are spectacular too.
You can make this walk as short or as long as you like. You can do the full Newborough Forest Circular hike which is nearly 18km but it’s just as enjoyable to walk from the car park along the beach to Llanddwyn Island which is the walk linked above.
Even when my kids were little, we did this with a pushchair (Mountain Buggy) lots of times! I always park in the beach car park as it’s huge and there’s toilets, cold showers and there’s often a food truck and an ice cream van.
Newborough is definitely one of my favourites beaches but here are 10 more of the best beaches in North Wales.
Cwm Idwal, Northern Snowdonia
- Best for: Young teens wanting an easy adventure
- Recommended Route: Llyn Idwal Circular (4.8km)
Cwm Idwal is one of those walks that delivers maximum reward for relatively little effort. It’s actually less than 5km but the photos will look like you’ve been on an epic mountain adventure!
The circular route around the lake is manageable for most people and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Towering mountains surround the glacial lake and waterfalls tumble down the rocky slopes.
It feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different world.
This is often one of the first walks I recommend to visitors because it gives you that dramatic Snowdonia experience without requiring a full mountain hike.
Wear decent footwear as parts of the path can be rocky and uneven.
Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd
- Best for: Adventure for all abilities (including pushchairs)
- Recommended Route: Aber Falls There & Back (4.2km)
The route to Aber Falls is one of the most accessible and family-friendly walks in North Wales. The path is relatively straightforward with a well-maintained gravel path all the way and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
The waterfall itself is incredible, plunging nearly 40 metres down a rocky cliff face. After heavy rain it’s even more spectacular!
This walk works particularly well if you’re travelling with children because there’s enough adventure to keep everyone interested without being too challenging. Just arrive early as the car park fills up quickly.
Conwy Mountain, Conwy
- Best for: Castles and ponies
- Recommended Route: Conwy Mountain (5.3km)
Conwy is a lovely day out thanks to the castle, the historical town walls, the marina, the cute shops and cafes and it’s home to the smallest house in Great Britain! I like to combine a day in Conwy with the Conwy Mountain walk.
This walk isn’t particularly long but it is steep in places. Thankfully, little legs are kept occupied by all the wild ponies you’ll pass along the way! Bigger legs will appreciate the stunning views.
Llyn Padarn, Gwynedd
- Best for: An easy ‘big walk’
- Recommended Route: Llyn Padarn Lake Walk (8.2km)
Llyn Padarn is one of my favourite places for a relaxed walk.
The lake sits beneath the mountains around Llanberis and offers incredible views without requiring a difficult climb. You can walk sections of the shoreline or tackle the longer circular route around the lake.
The scenery changes constantly, from wooded paths and lakeside trails to mountain views and old industrial heritage sites.
If you’re visiting with friends, this is the kind of walk where conversation flows easily because you’re not constantly gasping for breath on steep inclines.
South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey
- Best for: Coastal views
- Recommended Route: South Stack Loop (2.9km)
This walk combines dramatic coastal scenery with one of the most iconic landmarks in North Wales.
Located on Anglesey, South Stack is famous for its lighthouse perched on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The coastal paths around the lighthouse are stunning and there are much longer ones you can do if you’re up for a bigger hike.
Expect rugged cliffs, crashing waves and incredible sea views. It’s also one of the best places in North Wales for spotting seabirds.
Bring a camera because you’ll probably stop every few minutes to take photos.
The Mawddach Trail, Barmouth
- Best for: An long but accessible hike
- Recommended route: Mawddach Trail: Penmaenpool and Barmouth (23.3km but can easily shortened)
If you’re looking for an easy walk with beautiful scenery, the Mawddach Trail is hard to beat. At over 23km, this is a long walk but the entire path is accessible so it’s great if you want a big hike but with a pushchair. It’s also a nice one if the kids want to ride their bikes while the adults walk.
Following a former railway line, this route runs alongside the Mawddach Estuary and offers some of the most peaceful walking in North Wales. Because it’s relatively flat, it’s ideal for families, casual walkers and anyone who simply wants to enjoy the scenery without too much effort.
The views across the estuary towards the mountains are gorgeous. You can walk a short section or tackle a longer stretch depending on how much time and energy you have.
Beddgelert and Gelert’s Grave, Beddgelert
- Best for: Kids
- Recommended route: Gelert’s Grave Circular (2.6km)
Beddgelert is one of the prettiest villages in North Wales and the surrounding walks are equally beautiful.
One of the most popular routes is the short walk to Gelert’s Grave, linked to the famous Welsh legend of Prince Llywelyn’s faithful hound. It’s a short and easy walk to the remains of the prince’s house. There’s a statue of his loyal dog, Gelert, and you can read the story of his untimely and tragic death.
Once you’ve recovered from the tragedy (honestly, still brings a tear to my eye!) you can enjoy the gorgeous riverside setting. There are plenty of places for lunch, ice creams or coffee in one of Beddgelert’s cosy cafés.
If you’re up for a big walk (not suitable for small children) then one of my favourites is the Nantmor, Llyn Dinas, and Beddgelert Circular.
The Great Orme, Llandudno
- Best for: Easy coastal walk
- Recommended Route: The Great Orme Coastal Walk (6.8km)
The Great Orme in Llandudno offers some of the best coastal views in North Wales.
There are several walking routes to choose from, ranging from gentle paths to longer circular walks around the headland but this one is fairly easy for competent walkers.
The views stretch across the Irish Sea and along the North Wales coastline and on clear days you can see for miles.
Keep an eye out for the resident Kashmiri goats who have become almost as famous as the scenery!
Llyn Brenig, Corwen
- Best for: A quieter option on popular days
- Recommended Route: Brenig Reservoir Dam (3.9km)
Llyn Brenig is one of my favourite places when I want a peaceful walk away from the busier tourist hotspots – so it’s a great one for sunny bank holidays or busy Saturdays!
The reservoir is surrounded by forest and rolling hills, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. There are several routes around the lake, making it easy to choose a distance that suits you. The paths are generally well maintained and the visitor centre is excellent if you fancy a coffee afterwards.
Porthdinllaen, Nefyn, Llyn Peninsula
- Best for: A pint in the pub
- Recommended route: Nefyn – Porthdinllaen (3.7km)
This walk combines two of my favourite things: beautiful beaches and a fantastic pub. What’s not to love!?
The scenery is stunning, with turquoise water, sandy beaches and sweeping coastal views.
At the end you’ll find the famous Ty Coch Inn sitting right on the beach. It regularly appears on lists of the world’s best beach pubs and it’s easy to see why.
The Porthdinllaen and Edern Circular walk (8.7km) is another lovely one if you’re able to walk further.
Llyn Cau and Cadair Idris, Snowdonia
- Best for: More experienced walkers
- Recommended route: Llyn Cau and Penygadair (Cadair Idris summit) (8.7km)
For experienced walkers looking for a challenge, the route to Llyn Cau on Cadair Idris is spectacular.
This isn’t a particularly long walk at just over 8km but it also isn’t a casual stroll. You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and appropriate footwear.
The reward is some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Wales! The glacial lake sits in a dramatic mountain bowl surrounded by towering cliffs and it’s one of those views that makes every step worthwhile.
The Tin Man walk, Llanbedrog, Llyn Peninsula
- Best for: Combining with a beach day
- Recommended route: Mynydd Tir-Y-Cwmwd (3.5km)
The Tin Man walk in Llanbedrog is one of those walks that perfectly combines a bit of adventure with a big reward at the end. The route takes you up through woodland on the headland above Llanbedrog Beach to the famous Tin Man sculpture, where you’ll be treated to incredible views across Cardigan Bay and the Ll?n Peninsula.
It’s a relatively short walk but there are some steep sections, so be prepared for a bit of a climb. From here you can either climb back down or do a circular loop walk around the headland.
If you start in the National Trust car park you’re close to Aqua Beach Bar, the cafe within Plas Glyn y Weddw Gallery or the Ship Inn.
The Watkin Path, Snowdonia
- Best for: A bike hike (but you can just do the start)
- Recommended Route: Llyn Dinas, Watkin Path, and Yr Aran Circular (13.8km)
The Watkin Path is one of the most scenic routes on Yr Wyddfa. Even if you don’t plan to reach the summit, the lower sections of the path are worth exploring.
The route passes waterfalls, streams and beautiful mountain scenery.
It’s often quieter than some of the more popular Snowdon routes, which makes it feel a little more special. Just remember that mountain weather can change quickly, so always come prepared.
Coed y Brenin, Dolgellau
Best for: Forest walk
Recommended Route: Coed y Brenin Circular (8.4km)
Mountain bikers might be more familiar with Coed y Brenin, but it’s also fantastic for walking.
I love coming here when the weather isn’t great for hiking, whether it’s raining or too hot, because you’re sheltered by the trees for a lot of the walk.
There are several waymarked trails through woodland, alongside rivers and past waterfalls. The routes are well maintained and suitable for a range of abilities.
Tips for walking in North Wales
The weather in North Wales has a habit of doing whatever it wants.
I’ve started many walks in sunshine and finished them in drizzle, fog or strong winds. Always bring a waterproof layer, even if the forecast looks promising.
Good footwear is also worth investing in. You don’t need full hiking boots for every route, but sturdy trainers or walking shoes will make a huge difference.
If you’re heading into the mountains, check conditions before you set off and allow extra time. The views are incredible but safety should always come first.
Final thoughts on the best walks in North Wales
One of the things I love most about North Wales is that you never run out of places to explore.
There are walks I’ve done dozens of times that still manage to surprise me. The light changes, the weather changes and every season brings something different.
Whether you’re looking for an easy family stroll, a scenic coastal wander with friends or a challenging mountain adventure, North Wales has a walk for you.
The hardest part is deciding where to go first.
