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Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Near St David's

Glamorgan Heritage Coast Walking near Llantwit Major, South Wales Coast

Gower Peninsula Coastal Walking, here at Rhossili Bay

Ayr's Point, Northern Tip of the Dee Estuary

Plenty of walking trails for all the family in the forests of Wales

Popular walking country in the Brecon Beacons

Multi-user trails cross Wales through some of the most spectacular scenery

Walking and hiking in the Snowdonia mountains

Walking Breaks in Wales Snowdonia Brecon Beacons Pembrokeshire Coastal Walks

The variety of Walking Holidays in Wales is diverse indeed, with a choice of some of the UK's best national parks here in Wales, plus some of the most spectacular coastline in the UK, much of which is owned by the National Trust. The Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons National Park are the two best know walking hotspots in Wales.

Superb walking holidays in Wales aren't just in Snowdonic and the Brecons! Take time to explore the remote beauty of the central Cambrian Mountains, or walk some of the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Wetlands and natures reserves, perfect for Wales birdwatching holidays abound - checkout the RSPB reserve at the Point of Ayr on the southern tip of the Dee Estuary and the National Wetlands in South Carmarthenshire. Not forgetting of course the beautiful Glamorgan Heritage Coast to the west of Cardiff. Wales is a walking hotspot in the UK, with main national trail Offa's Dyke weaving down from Prestatyn on the north coast all the way to Chepstow in the Wye Valley.

Snowdonia National Park Walking

Snowdonia is often thought to describe the mountainous area in Gwynedd principally around Snowdon itself. In actual fact Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri), designated in 1951, extends south into Powys covering 823 square miles of mountainous countryside. It stretches from near Conway in the north of Wales down to Aberdovey at its southern border and from Bala in the east to Tremadoc in the west. Snowdonia National Park is the largest National Park in Wales and only the second largest in the UK after the Lake District in Cumbria. It's very much a destination for enjoying the outdoor life whether it be mountains, lakes, woodlands or the coast. Snowdonia National Park contains several National Nature Reserves (NNRs) including the stunning waterfall at Ceodydd Aber NNR at the foot of the Y Carneddau mountain in the north of the Park, mountain reserves such as Cwm Idwal, Snowdon, Cadair Idris, the Rhinogs and Berwyns as well as a variety of woodland NNRs such as Coed Llyn Mair and the beautiful coastal reserves of Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn.

Most of the land in Snowdonia National Park is privately owned and farmed so access throughout the area is by Public Rights of Way only. However, some of the land is owned by the National Trust where there is often greater access across land. Suggested walks are available in a variety of books, websites and tourist information. You'll need to make sure you're kitted out for any eventuality especially if you're planning hikes up the mountains. Maps, waterproofs, walking boots are a minimum essential and you need to keep an eye on the time if you're planning a mountain walk.

Snowdonia has a multitude of Information Centres throughout the National Park. Their locations are helpfully pinpointed on an interactive map on the Snowdonia National Park website. You can obtain information on local events, attractions, recreational activities and public transport at all these centres as well as a small exhibition of the Park and local areas. In addition to the Information Centres there are also Information Points at some local Post Offices and shops throughout the area that provide access information and brief information on the National Park.

Snowdonia National Park Information Centre, Royal Oak Stables, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0AH. Telephone: 01690 710426. Snowdonia National Park Information Centre, Unit 3, Stryd Fawr, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 3ES. Telephone: 01766 830360.

Brecon Beacons Walking Wales

The Brecon Beacons National Park contains the highest mountain peaks in South Wales and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007. The National Park stretches from Llandeilo in the west to Hay-on-Wye in the north east covering 520 square miles (1344 square kilometres) of mountains, rolling countryside, woodland, waterfalls and caves.

The western Beacons are dominated by the stark Black Mountain (Mynydd Du) range of hills that includes two glacial lakes at the foot of steep scarp slopes: Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr. This wild upland wilderness contrasts with the rolling green fields below that create a patchwork across the steep sided valleys.

The East Brecon Beacons border England and stretch from Hay-on-Wye in the north to Pontypool in the south. They are dominated by the Black Mountains (Mynyddoedd Duon) which includes their very own Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pen y Fal) in the centre of this part of the National Park. Hillwalking and pony trekking are popular in the east of the Brecon Beacons.

The Brecon Beacons that give the National Park its name are four mountains located in the centre of the National Park south west of Brecon. These are made up of Pen-y-Fan, Corn Du, Cribyn and Waun Rydd. Pen-y-Fan is the most recognisable and at 2,906 ft (886 metres) is the highest peak in South Wales - it dominates the skyline when looking south from Brecon.

Offa's Dyke Welsh National Trail

Offa's Dyke Path is the other main National Trail taking in the Wye Valley area. This one's huge as well, running 177 miles and linking the Sedbuy Cliffs near Chepstow on the Severn estuary to the North Coast of Wales and seaside holiday town Prestatyn. The trail takes it's name fom it's route, essentially thought to be a Dyke constructed during the 8th century by order of King Offa. The Dyke's function was probably to officially divide his Kingdom of Mercia from other kingdoms in Wales.

As Offa's Dyke weaves it's way up to Prestatyn it moves into both the English and Welsh border regions, and it passes through a part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Offa's Dyke National Trail website (linked right) hints at around 2 weeks being a good time period for undertaking the whole trail. It's easy to hook into little sections however, for example from Sedbury Cliffs to Monmouth (17.5 miles) or Hay to Kington (14.75 miles).

Cambrian Mountains Walking

If you're looking to escape the traffic and light pollution then the Cambrian Mountains, one of Southern Britains last remaining really remote areas is where to head. Landscapes are diverse, consisting of Upland Plateaux, narrow and broad valleys and alternative living/technology locations like Machynlleth and eccentric small market towns such as Builth Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells.

Take the scenic railway from jounrey from Aberystwyth on the coast to Devil's Bridge (one of Wales' most beautiful railway journeys). For superb walking bases head to the old spa town of Llandrindod or smaller Builth Wells, and you're in for some stunning landscapes around the Elan Valley.

The Cambrian Mountains are the watershed of Wales - most Welsh rivers start here including the Severn, the Wye, Elan, Irfon, Tywi, Cothi, Teifi and more. High on the plateaux discover numerous peaks rising upto 700m. Mostly rugged moorland up here, with panoramic vieiws down onto numerous lakes. Move down into vallesy such as Afon Gwesyn and Rhiwnant and note the choice of stunning waterfalls. See the Cambrian Mountains Society weblink right for more on landscapes and landscape biodiversity.

Pembrokeshire National Park & Coastal Path

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park consists of 230 square miles is stunning, mostly cliff coastal scenery with heath, beaches and bays and offshore islands, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (one of the UK's 18 official National Trials) winds it's way around the Pembrokeshire coast for 186 miles.

The Pembrokeshire Coastline is renowned for it's varied and rich wildlife - birds are in abundance including puffins, Manx shearwaters and guillemots. In the water spot the grey seals, particularly around Skomer and Ramsey Islands (take a boat trip to view them!) . Migrating dolphins and minke whales can also be spotted around the Pembrokeshire coast. The Pembrokeshire Coast path is very well marked, with maps and information leaflets provided for all sections. Most car parks around the coast are free, and for visitors without a car the aptly named Puffin Shuttle bus service will whisk you around the path.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a major attraction for walkers, particularly those who favour coastal walking. If you haven't yet discovered Pembrokeshire, what awaits is one of the most beautiful and dramatic coastlines in the UK. It's mostly cliffs dotted with beach bays many of which are top surfing, windsurfing, new coasteering and climbing popular haunts. Look to the Preseli Hills for the highest point at Foel Cwm Cerwyn (536m). There are numerous ancient trails criss crossing these hills taking in prehistoric hill forts and more!

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast & the Lleyn Peninsula Coastal Path

Conveniently situated at Southerndown (exit junction 35 off the M4, A473, B4524 down to the coast), the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre is a good starting point for all your information on coastal walking on this heritage coast stretch of South Wales. Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre, Dunraven Park, Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan, CF32 ORP. Tel: (01656) 880157.

The Vale of Glamorgan offers some superb walking, hiking and rambling opportunities, both inland via circular trails and the Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail, and on the coast via the Glamorgan Coastal Path. Checkout the walking Glamorgan weblinks to the right for more details, plus information on guided walks available in the area.

The Llyn Peninsula coast, particularly the North Lleyn coast, is a coastal walking paradise, with most of the coastline owned and protected by the National Trust. Marks of the past are all around the North Lleyn, including old quarries and even older Iron Age Hill Forts.

North Llyn village centres include both Morfa Nefyn and Tudweilliog. The stretch of coast just off Morfa Nefyn at Porth Dinllaen was once a working port area (and considered as a possible centre for ferries to Ireland, but Holyhead on the North coast of Anglesey was eventually chosen), shipping out herring and building ships. All you need look out for here now though is a variety of seabirds and wildlife. Birdwatching and walking holidays are on the menu in North Llyn. You'll be following in the footsteps of early pilgrims, and there's a fair sprinkling of Bronze, Iron and Stone Age sites in the North Llyn area. See the North Lleyn Peninsula pages on this website for more information on the Llyn Peninsula Coastal path.

Walking Trails Wye Valley Wales

Two main walkways criss cross the Wye Valley and both are very popular with walkers. The huge 136 mile long Wye Valley Walk runs from Chepstow to Plylimon, Hafren Forest and takes you through towns such as Monmouth and Hereford, weaving between both England and Wales. A number of trails hook into the main Wye Valley trail, some of which are shorter circular walks.

Wye Valley AONB Office, Hadnock Road, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3NG. Tel: (0) 1600 713977.

Nature Reserves Wales - the Dee Estuary and the National Wetland Centre, South Carmarthenshire

Birdwatchers will be in their element at the RSPB reserve at the Point of Ayr on the northern tip of the Dee Estuary, plus take in other nature reserves at the Gronant Sand Dunes and Connah's Quay Nature Reserve. Stay in the bustling market town of Mold, with it's many restaurants and inns, plus the Clwydian Range just on your doorstep offering stunning walking territory.

The RSPB Nature Reserve at the Point of Ayr is the place to be to view estuary birds! Winter is best when wading birds and wildowl come to feed on the mudflats in their thousands. At high tide the birds move onto the saltmarches here. There are numerous walking trails around Talacre, and sublime views of the Dee Estuary and across to West Kirby and Hoylake. The distinctive Point of Ayr Lighthouse is actually a superb spot for sea watching and spotting Leach's Petrell.

Push down into the Burry Inlet just to the east of Llanelli on the south Carmarthenshire coast, and discover the superb National Wetland Centre. This wetlands centre is one of a selection across the UK, and an important site for conservation. Birds and wildlife abound, including Little Egrets and dragonfly. Check the National Wetland Centre weblink right for the latest monthly reserve report, and bird sightings.

The Wetlands face onto the Gower Peninsula - nicely sheltered. Expect to sea a host of waterfowl and waders including Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Oystercatchers, Spotted Redshank, Snipe and many more species. Little, Tawny and Barn Owls are also regularly spotted here. Regular events run throughout the year including Biodiversity Weekends, Guided Walks, Green Living Fairs and Duckling Days (great one for the kids that one).

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