Walking in Snowdonia
Snowdonia is a great place to come walking and we have a network of walks for people of all abilities. Whether you want the challenge of ascending Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales, or prefer one of our leisurely walks along the coastline, you’re guaranteed breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes. We have a varied terrain here in Snowdonia from rugged mountain peaks, long sandy beaches to crystal clear lakes and rivers. The Snowdonia National Park continues to develop a network of footpaths geared towards walkers of all abilities. Below is a snapshot of the different types of walks available.
Hard Strenuous Walks
Whether you want to ascend one of the six paths up Snowdon or tackle Cader Idris in southern Snowdonia, these paths can be demanding in places. The mountainous terrain can become challenging with steep gradients, rocky paths and some scrambling required. Exceptional care should be taken when attempting these paths in winter conditions as the ground underfoot can become treacherous and should not be attempted by novice walkers. You should look out for loose scree and steep slopes if undertaking these walks. Always remember to wear appropriate clothing and footwear before venturing out into the mountains and check the weather forecast before you set off. Please read the safety advice on the Snowdon paths page.
Pony Path, Tŷ Nant, Cader Idris
Distance: 6 miles - 10Km (there & back)
Ascent: 2,384 feet - 727 metres
Time: Around 5 hours (there & back)
Start/Finish: Tŷ Nant Car Park (SH 697 153)
Parking: SNPA Car park at Pont Dyffrydan
Post Code: LL40 1TL
Relevant Map: OS Ordnans Exp OL23 (Cader Idris & Llyn Tegid)
Minffordd Path, Cader Idris
Distance: 6 miles - 10 km (there & back)
Ascent: 2,585 fteet - 788 metres
Time: Around 5 hours (there & back)
Start/Finish: Dôl Idris Car Park (SH 732 116)
Parking: Dôl Idris car park at junction of A487 & B4405
Post Code: LL36 9AJ
Relevant Map: OS Ordnans Exp OL23 (Cader Idris & Llyn Tegid)
Moderate Walks
Many of the Snowdonia National Park's moderate walks are circular and vary from a few hours’ walking to an all day outing. They are a great opportunity to see the Snowdonia National Park without having to compete with undulating terrain or venture onto our more challenging paths. Although our leisure walks are less demanding, the terrain can vary according to location. When starting out on one of these walks, be prepared for farmland, rough footpaths, tarmac roads, streams, marshes and some steep sections. These walks are great for the whole family. A good pair of walking boots and suitable clothing is recommended.
Llyn Tegid, Bala
Distance: About 6 miles (10Km)
Time: About 4-5 hours
Start: SNPA Car Park on Llyn Tegid foreshore
Finish: Commemorative Monument, Llanuwchllyn
Grid Reference: SH 923 357
Parking: Pay & Display car park Llyn Tegid
Postcode: LL23 7YE
Relevant Map: OS Explorer OL23 (Cadair Idris & Llyn Tegid)
Cwm Idwal, Ogwen Valley
Distance: 3 miles - 5Km
Ascent: 460 feet - 140 metres
Time: About 2 hours
Start/Finish: Ogwen Warden Centre, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda (SH 649 603)
Parking: Pay & Display car park at Ogwen Warden Centre
Post Code: LL57 3LZ
Relevant Map: OS Ordnans Exp OL17 (Snowdon & the Conwy Valley
Leisurely Walks
What’s great about these leisure walks is that they are all on the flat and cover easy ground with little or no gradient. You can either walk part of the route or complete the whole trail–it’s entirely up to you. With the exception of the Mawddach Trail, all these easy leisure walks can be completed within a few hours leaving you free to explore the Snowdonia National Park at your leisure. Comfortable waking shoes are recommended.
Tomen y Mur, Trawsfynydd
Distance: 4 miles - 6.5 km
Time: Around 3 hours
Start/Finish: Car park near Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station (SH 697 384)
Parking: Car park near Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station
Post Code: LL41 4DS
Relevant Map: OS Ordnans Exp OL18 (Harlech, Porthmadog and Bala)
Lôn Gwyrfai, Rhyd Ddu
Distance: 4½ miles - 7 km
Time: Around 3 hours
Start/Finish: SNPA Car Park in Rhyd Ddu or Beddgelert
Parking: SNPA Car Park in Rhyd Ddu or Beddgelert (both are ‘Pay and Display’)
Post Code: Rhyd Ddu LL54 6TN / Beddgelert LL55 4YJ
Relevant Map: OS Ordnans Exp OL17 (Snowdon & the Conwy Valley)
Cynfal Falls Walk
Distance: Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Time: 2-3 hours
Start / Finish: Car park in the centre of Llan Ffestiniog (SH 701 420 / LL41 4PB)
Postcode: LL41 4LR
Relevant Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL 18 (Harlech, Porthmadog & Bala)
Access for All Walks
If you’re looking for walks where accessibility is a key factor and perhaps distance is also an important consideration, then these accessible walks should address both.These walks are relatively short and most have sections that are accessible to wheelchair users. They are also suitable for those who want to use pushchairs and are great leisure walks. Most of these accessible walks have facilities nearby including parking, picnic tables and toilets.
Mawddach Trail
Distance: 9 miles - 15km (one way)
Start/Finish: Dolgellau (SH 725 175) or Barmouth (SH 615 155) (It is possible to join the Mawddach Trail at various points between Dolgellau and Barmouth)
Parking: Dolgellau and Barmouth Car Parks ar owned by Gwynedd Council. Summer Charges (March to October) Winter Charges (November to February)
Post Code: Dolgellau LL40 1UU - Bermo LL42 1NF
Relevant Map: OS Ordnans Exp OL23 (Cader Idris & Llyn Tegid)
Benar Boardwalk, Harlech
Distance: Approx. 200 metres
Start/Finish: Morfa Dyffryn car park (SH 572 224)
Parking: Morfa Dyffryn car park
Post Code: LL44 2RX
Relevant Map: OS Ordnans Exp OL18 (Harlech, Porthmadog and Bala)
Bala - Lake, River & Town
Distance: 2 miles - 3.25 km
Time: 1.5 hours
Terrain: Leisure route which is semi-accessible
Start/Finish: Llyn Tegid Foreshore pay & display car park
Parking: Accessible car park
Post Code: LL23 7SR
Relevant Map: OL23 Cader Idris and Llyn Tegid
For further information on the different walks highlighted above go to the Snowdonia National Park website.