Gwynedd: Long Walks in Snowdonia National Park

16/4/2018

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom.

No visit to North Wales is really complete without at least one visit to Snowdonia.

Guest post contributed by Ruby Daub.

No visit to North Wales is really complete without at least one visit to Snowdonia, but if you want to really enjoy the majestic beauty of Snowdonia National Park then the best way to truly appreciate it is by following one of the many walks in the local area. From fantastic mountain climbs, peaceful walks along the riverside, strolls along the edge of a lake and rugged coastal paths - if you love walking, then Snowdonia has everything you could wish for.

Llyn Tegid

The largest natural lake in Wales, Llyn Tegid, perhaps better known by its English name Lake Bala, provides a relatively gentle but none the less spectacular way to explore Snowdonia. Take in the stunning views of the lake from its banks, explore the forest that surrounds it to the east and you’re sure to enjoy your trek. This is an 8.5 mile walk that is relatively easy to complete. Allow around 4 and a half hours to complete the walk. There are plenty of places to stop and eat a picnic along the way, and you are likely to spot plenty of wildlife - especially birds - whilst you do so.

Pen-Y- Gwryd

If you prefer a walk with a little bit more to it then Pen-Y- Gwryd might be the one for you. This is a circular walk that takes in the Snowdon Horseshoe, in a route that takes you beneath the summit of Snowdon itself. There is some uphill involved in this walk, but not much, and the views over Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn are worth every step. This is a medium walk at around 7.21 miles and should take around 4 hours to complete. Don’t forget your camera this walk is sure to afford you plenty of stunning views that you will want to capture.

Rhosgadfan

No visit to Snowdonia is truly complete without trying a walk that is a little more challenging, and this Circular walk around the peak of Moel Tryfan is ideal. A medium to hard walk that covers 8.5 miles and should take around 6 hours to walk, this is a route that will offer you a little of everything. Starting at the heritage centre in Rhosgadfan that was once the home of
Kate Robert, the walk takes in some fantastic viewpoints, you should be able to see Holyhead Mountain on Anglesey on a clear day. It takes in mixed woodland, rocky outcrops and stunning views of Snowdon with plenty of wildlife, you may be able to see Peregrine Falcons at the right time of the year, and even slate quarries.

Mawddach Estuary

Of course, not every walk in the Snowdonia National Park need to involve climbing or stunning views from the top of a big hill, if you prefer something with sea views then the Mawddach Estuary is packed with interesting things to see. There is plenty of birdlife inhabiting the hedgerows along the way; you might be lucky enough to see flocks of finches and siskins as you pass the Arthog Bog nature reserve at the beginning of the walk. This is a walk that will take you past a number of sites of historical interest, from the grass covered banks that mark the remains of Llys Bradwen medieval court, to the Bronze Age burial cairn of Arthog Circle. This a longer walk at just over 10 miles, but it is relatively easy and as such should take around 6 hours to complete.

And if you are looking for local accommodation, Porthmadog, often referred to as the gateway to Snowdonia is perfectly situated just a short distance away.

snowdonia National Park Location

Gwynedd, Wales, United Kingdom

Guest Post Author

Contributed by Ruby Daub.
Ruby is a great writer who has been sharing her travel experiences through her blogs and articles for the last couple of years. Ruby loves to explore her ideas on travel and holidays. You can follow Ruby on twitter @rubydaub.