Our Top Snowdonia Walks

Llyn Crafnant & Llyn Geirionydd Circular 

Length: 5.5 miles
Duration: 3.5 hours 
Parking: Geirionydd Carpark, Trefriw LL27 0YZ
Level: Easy
Best For: Those wanting a relatively easy amble with scenic views of two Eryri lakes 

Take in two beautiful Carneddau lakes on this scenic circular walk from Llyn Geirionydd to Llyn Crafnant. Climb through woodland and over a viewpoint-rich ridge, then enjoy peaceful lakeside paths, mountain scenery and a glimpse of old mine workings along the way. When you return to the carpark, make use of the picnic benches overlooking the lake with your flask and some post-walk rewards.

Mawddach Trail (Accessible) 

Length: 9.5 miles (total trail length) 
Duration: You choose! 
Parking: Dolgellau or Barmouth 
Level: Easy & accessible 
Best For: Those who want to have an easy, accessible adventure in Eryri by wheelchair, pram, bicycle or on foot. 

The Mawddach Trail is a multi-use path which spans 9.5 miles along the disused railway trackbed between Dolgellau and Barmouth. You can choose to do it in sections, from end-to-end or as an all-day out-and-back adventure. If you finish in Barmouth, you’ll enjoy a finale spectacle of crossing the 820-metre Grade II listed timber viaduct over the estuary itself, where a toll fee applies – although please note the timber construction of the bridge can make it uneven for standard wheelchairs or adapted bicycles. Take a look at Eryri’s all-terrain mobility scooter hire if you want to enjoy the reassurance of a tramper.

Other highlights on route include views of the Cadair Idris range, saltmarshes and scenic stop-offs – don’t miss The George III Hotel in Penmaenpool (we’re told that this pub is also accessible, but please give them a call ahead of your visit to ensure it will suit you.)    

Where to stay: Salem The Blue Chapel is an awe-inspiring converted chapel just 23 minutes by car from Dolgellau, or 14 minutes on the train from Barmouth.

Harlech to Dyffryn Ardudwy

Length: Various options – full route is 12 miles 
Duration: Various – you can choose! 
Parking: Castle Square, Harlech, LL46 2YH
Level: Easy
Best For: Those hearing the call of the coast – and historic castles! 

This long, mostly flat linear walk runs from Harlech Castle along sweeping beaches, wildlife-rich dunes and the Wales Coast Path to the ancient burial chambers at Dyffryn Ardudwy. It’s an out-and-back adventure, but the nearby railway and bus links make shorter alternatives easy: walk to Llandanwg or Pensarn and catch transport back, or take the seven-mile Pensarn loop for a shorter circular option from Harlech.  

Where to stay: The beautiful beachside resort of Criccieth is just 30 minutes by car from Harlech – and has yet another castle for you to explore.

Betws-y-Coed Bridges (child-friendly) 

Length: 2.2 miles 
Duration: 1 hour or less 
Parking: Cae Llan Pay & Display Car Park, Station Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AE
Level: Easy 
Best For: Families looking for a short, inspiring circuit with close proximity to a town centre. 

Picked with little legs in mind, this gentle 2.2 mile circular walk explores the bridges, rivers and leafy woodlands around Betws-y-Coed, with plenty of chances to spot birds and other wildlife along the way. Its short length, easy-going paths and fun bridge crossings make it an ideal family adventure, especially for children who may prefer a walk with something to discover around every corner – and lots of lovely post-walk reward options afterwards (did someone say ice cream?)

Just make sure to keep a close eye on your little ones, as sections of the walk run parallel to and overlook the river.

Dyffryn Maentwrog and Llyn Mair

Length: 1.8 miles
Duration: 30-45 minutes 
Parking: Limited roadside parking on the approach to Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3YU. Alternatively, park at the Oakley Arms hotel and enjoy a post-walk reward there afterwards. 
Level: Easy 

Wander through the atmospheric woodlands of Dyffryn Maentwrog to peaceful Llyn Mair, following historic estate paths shaped by centuries of local history. Llyn Mair is a 14-acre lake (and, interestingly, a 21st birthday gift) built in 1889 by William Edward Oakeley of Plas Tan y Bwlch – the lake was a 21st birthday gift for his daughter, Mair. The Millpond in the gorge below Llyn Mair once supplied water to power the estate’s sawmill, flour mill and a turbine which generated electricity for the Plas and village of Maentwrog. Plas Tan y Bwlch is thought to be the first house in north Wales with lighting powered by hydroelectricity.

With abundant wildlife, riverside views and a network of waymarked routes to choose from, it’s an easy-going adventure – you could also enjoy a trip on the heritage Ffestiniog Railway by departing from the nearby Tan-y-bwlch Station.

Where to stay: Criccieth is just 25 minutes away by car, and offers the ideal blend of coast and countryside for your stay.

Aberglaslyn, Llyn Dinas & Cwm Bychan loop 

Length: 5.7 miles
Duration: Up to 5 hours 
Parking: National Trust Parking, Nantmor, Turn, Caernarfon LL55 4YG
Level: Moderate to Difficult – some sections are steep, narrow and rocky underfoot
Best for: A gushing riverside walk combined with local lore and moody mountain vistas.  

With lakes, legends and industrial relics, this 5.7‑mile circular from Nantmor carpark perfectly captures the essence of North Wales. Follow the roaring Glaslyn through Aberglaslyn’s vivid gorge, enjoying an amble into the centre of Beddgelert once you’ve passed the heart-wrenching Gelert’s Grave and uncovered its origins. Climb past Sygun Copper Mine to scenic Llyn Dinas, where the ddraig goch (red dragon) supposedly sleeps beneath still waters. Enjoy a final descent back to the carpark via Cwm Bychan’s heathland, dotted with old mine relics. Gorgeously rugged and rich in myth, this challenging National Trust route is perfect for those seeking the raw magic of Eryri.

Circular Trail around Llyn Cwm Dulyn from Nebo 

Length: 3.7 miles
Duration: 2 hours 
Parking: Limited roadside parking at the end of Fford y Llyn, Nebo, LL54
Level: Challenging – steep uphill sections and a rocky hilltop 
Best for: Those seeking a lesser-frequented, dramatic circuit at the edge of the Carneddau 

Begin in quiet Nebo and follow Ffordd y Llyn alongside Llyn Cwm Dulyn, known as ‘black lake,’, before climbing the steep grassy slopes toward Mynydd Graig Goch’s rocky crown. Descend via stone waymarks, ancient walls and a ruined cottage, tracing green lanes back to the lake. This rugged, 3.7 mile circular rewards walkers with big views across the Nantlle Ridge, wild moorland solitude and curious tales about the ‘black lake’  – all under 3 hours!

Where to stay: What we love about the northern reaches of Snowdonia is that you can combine mountains with the sea – Anglesey’s Menai Bridge is just 27 minutes away by car.

Llyn Ogwen Circular 

Length: 2.9 miles 
Duration: 1 to 2 hours 
Parking: Ogwen Valley Carpark, Bethesda, Bangor LL57 3LZ
Level: Moderate – there are some boulders to climb over at the start, but it gets easier after that. 
Best for: Those who want big mountain drama without the arduous ascent! 

Start at National Trust Ogwen Cottage and cross into a landscape that rivals any Game of Thrones episode. Clamber over ancient boulders beside Afon Llugwy to reach Llyn Ogwen’s glassy shore, where you should stop to drink in vistas of Tryfan and the Glyderau. Follow waymarked paths along the water’s edge, passing WWII pill boxes. Climb gently above the lake, then return via farm tracks and the A5 pavement.

Where to stay: Menai Bridge is Oyster HQ, so you may think we are biased when we recommend it, but it’s just 24 minutes from Llyn Ogwen and the drive there through Bethesda is incredibly scenic.

Swallow Falls & Gwydir Forest Walk

Length: 2.2 miles 
Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours 
Parking: Ty’n Llwyn Carpark Betws-y-Coed LL24 0DH
Level: Challenging – this is a mainly steep walk with narrow and rocky sections. 
Best for: A quick but challenging stomp with waterfall and mountain views 

Waymarked from start to finish, the Swallow Falls walk sets out into the woodland from the carpark, following the sound of the river. You’ll continue on to the Swallow Falls viewpoint, before climbing through the trees once more to a rocky outcrop, where views of Moel Siabod await. Keep in mind that if you want to visit the official viewing platform for Swallow Falls, you’ll be asked to make a £2 donation. 

Want more waterfall walks in Snowdonia? We’ve know of quite a few – take a look at our waterfalls guide.

Torrent Walk, Dolgellau

Length: 2.4 miles 
Duration: 1.5 hours
Parking: Roadside parking on the B4416, in the uphill bend from the small stone bridge – Refail, Brithdir, Dolgellau LL40 2RE
Level: Moderate – woodland path with some uneven trail sections 
Best for: Those looking for a peaceful, riverside woodland stroll with plenty of wildlife and nature

From your parking spot in the layby, walk downhill for about 100-yards watching out for traffic, until you come to a kissing gate on the right. From there, you’ll follow the Afon Clywedog through a leafy woodland gorge. Along the way, look out for (and listen to) tumbling rapids and discover intriguing remains of the area’s industrial past, including an old mill, smithy and iron furnace.

Where to stay: Great news – this walk is just 26 minutes by car to the door of Salem The Blue Chapel – a converted chapel dating back to 1831 with some of the most impressive interiors.

Cwm Idwal Circuit 

Length: 3 miles 
Duration: 2 hours 
Parking: Canolfan Ogwen Centre, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Bangor LL57 3LZ
Level: Moderate – opt for the path that avoids the steep, rocky ascent to Twll Du (Devil’s Kitchen) 
Best For: Those wanting a classical Eryri adventure without too much effort.

Box off one of Snowdonia’s most iconic vistas – Cwm Idwal with a rewarding circular walk beside Llyn Idwal. The route climbs through rugged mountain scenery towards Twll Du, or Devil’s Kitchen (there is an option to avoid this steep section of path) before looping back with unforgettable views of the lake, cliffs and surrounding peaks. The walk starts and finishes at the Canolfan Cwm Idwal Visitor’s Centre, which is also worth a quick look.