5 fantastic walks in Snowdonia

Eryri – formerly known as Snowdownia – in North Wales is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. Make the most of your visit by following one of these wonderful walking routes.

“Its peacefulness befalls me as I breathe the mountain air / And gaze with deepest awe upon this land beyond compare.”

So wrote Andrew Blakemore in his poem Snowdonia, a glowing tribute to the North Wales national park known by the locals as Eryri. Covering 823 square miles (2,130 square kilometres), this rugged region is blessed with some of the UK’s most breathtaking scenery – not just imperious peaks such as Snowdon and Tryfan, but glimmering lakes, heather-strewn valleys and ancient woodlands, too. For this reason, Eryri is hugely popular with walkers, and, with dozens of designated routes to choose from, there are seemingly endless opportunities for adventure.

We’ve handpicked some of the best walking routes in Snowdownia – including a very special route curated by The Ramblers. As well as giving you the key information for each one, including the start points, the distance and who it’s suitable for, we’ve provided details of what you’ll experience on your journey.

Boundless offer: Remember that Boundless Plus members get access to 50,000 guided Ramblers walks for themselves and one adult guest, in addition to unlocking 4,000 online routes and getting discounts on walking gear and accessories.

The Woodland Reservoir Walk, Penrhyndeudraeth

Located between the soaring summits of Snowdonia and the spectacular coastline of the Llyn Peninsula, Penrhyndeudraeth is an ideal base for walkers. Newly curated by The Ramblers, this 6.9-mile (11.1km) circular route begins at the town’s High Street car park and continues in a clockwise direction, bringing you into contact with some of North Wales’ most idyllic scenery: think dry stone walls, babbling brooks and forests teeming with wildlife.

With a 400m ascent, the walk is considered moderately difficult, but, as with all the routes on this page, you can always choose to complete a section of it rather than the whole thing. Either way, reward yourself with a pint of Welsh ale in the Y Griffin on your return to Penrhyndeudraeth.

The legendary trail of Dinas Emrys

No matter which Eryri walking route you choose, you’re guaranteed to see some breathtaking scenery. But if you want to add some historical intrigue to your hike, then this route is an ideal choice. Featured in the National Trust’s Top 10 walks in Eryri, it starts at the Princes of Gwynedd Centre in Craflwyn – a permanent exhibition dedicated to local folklore – before meandering in a north-easterly direction past ancient woodlands and waterfalls, towards the rocky hillock known as Dinas Emrys.

Climb to the top and you’ll encounter a square tower, said to have been erected by the Princes themselves – not to mention spectacular views across Snowdonia. Just be careful not to make too much noise, in case you wake the dragons that, according to legend, reside beneath the surface.

With steps, uneven paths and a tricky section towards the top of Dinas Emrys, this route is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

Boundless offer: Members save 10% every time they purchase a National Trust gift card via Daily Discounts, which can be used for admission, to pay for goods at National Trust shops and cafés, and when buying National Trust membership.

Getty ImagesThe Ugly House, Swallow Falls & Miners’ Bridge

It’s hard to believe that an Eryri attraction could be described as anything but beautiful, but The Ugly House’s mocking moniker is probably well deserved. Purchased by the Snowdonia Society in 1988, this quirky abode has been a shepherd’s cottage, a tea room and an antiques shop – and you’ll enjoy perusing it as part of this leisurely circular walk (3.8 miles/6.1km).

Curated by The Ramblers, the largely woodland route also takes in the somewhat more attractive Swallow Falls – an awe-inspiring, two-tiered cascade upon the River Llugwy (entry £2) – and the historic Miners’ Bridge, once used by workers to straddle the Afon Llugwy river on their way to the local lead mines.

Watkin Path

Love a challenge? Well, as far as Eryri walking paths are concerned, they don’t come more challenging than Watkin Path. The first designated footpath in Britain, it’s one of six routes to the summit of Snowdon (aka Yr Wyddfa) – and easily the most difficult. Though the eight-mile (13km) ascent is a tough task, and requires a high level of fitness and navigational skill, the rewards are magnificent.

Starting at Pont Bethania Car Park, you’ll weave your way between ancient oaks and awesome waterfalls, before the path opens out onto truly stunning views across Snowdonia. It’s about as close to the heavens as you can get.

Foel Ispri Path

Of course, hiking shouldn’t be just for adults or able-bodied people, and this short, 0.18-mile (0.3km) route is accessible for people of all ages, as well as wheelchairs. Starting at the Foel Ispri Car Park near Llanelltyd, the gentle jaunt leads to an incredible vantage point overlooking the Mawddach Estuary (take a pair of binoculars and look out for the abundant wildlife that populates the area).

If you have time after your walk, take a short drive to Llanelltyd. Home to the 12th-century Cymer Abbey, and St Illtyd’s – one of the oldest parish churches in Wales – it’s a worthwhile stop for history buffs.

Boundless offer: If you’re visiting Eryri from another part of the UK, why not make a short break of it. Using your Boundless membership, you can get 5% off all bookings with Cottages.com, up to 20% off at Haven Holidays, up to 10% off at Warner Hotels, 5% off at Hoseasons, plus exclusive discounts with Hotels.com

^{This article was accurate at the time of publication. Please note information and offers shown may change over time.}