Eryri offers more quality walking per square mile than almost anywhere in Britain, from a 2km stroll through sessile oak woodland to a 50km traverse of all 15 Welsh 3,000-footers in a single day. The walks below are grouped by difficulty and represent the best of what Eryri offers. For more ideas see our easy family walks in Eryri and classic mountain walks beyond Yr Wyddfa, and if you enjoy company on the hill, our guide to walking festivals in and around Eryri.
Easy Walks (2-5km, no significant ascent)
Fairy Glen, Betws-y-Coed (2km circular)
A short woodland gorge walk on the Afon Conwy, 2km south of Betws-y-Coed village. The path follows the river through a steep-sided wooded glen of sessile oak, ash and rowan. Easy going on good paths and suitable for all ages. Park in Betws-y-Coed and walk south along the river.
Swallow Falls to Betws-y-Coed (3km linear)
From Swallow Falls (3km west of Betws-y-Coed on the A5), a path follows the Afon Llugwy downstream through woodland towards the Miners’ Bridge and Betws-y-Coed. The falls are best seen from the viewing platforms (small admission charge).
Llanberis Lakeside Walk (4km linear)
A largely level walk beside Llyn Padarn through Padarn Country Park, passing the National Slate Museum and running alongside the Llanberis Lake Railway, with views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Mostly on good paths.
Moderate Walks (5-12km, 200-600m ascent)
Cwm Idwal Circular, Ogwen (5km)
Start from Ogwen Cottage on the A5 at the head of Nant Ffrancon. Follow the path south to Llyn Idwal and circuit the lake past the Idwal Slabs and the Devil’s Kitchen (Twll Du, a dark slot in the cliff above the head of the lake). Return via the eastern shore. One of the finest 2-3 hour walks in Eryri, through Wales’s first National Nature Reserve. See the Cwm Idwal guide.
Mawddach Trail (about 14km one way, virtually flat)
The disused railway trackbed from Dolgellau towards Barmouth Bridge follows the Mawddach Estuary. It is surfaced and suitable for cycling and walking, and the views across the estuary to the Cadair Idris ridge are exceptional throughout. The estuary is rich in birdlife, with RSPB reserves nearby: oystercatchers, curlews, redshanks and, in winter, mergansers and goldeneyes work the tidal flats.
Precipice Walk, Dolgellau (6km circular, 250m ascent)
The “Precipice” refers to the view down to the Mawddach Estuary rather than any real danger. The path circles the hill of Foel Faner above Llyn Cynwch, with wide views taking in Cadair Idris, the Rhinogydd and the Mawddach valley. It starts a few kilometres north of Dolgellau. Allow 2-3 hours; no technical difficulty. Our Precipice Walk route guide covers parking and tips.
Challenging Walks (10-20km, 700-1,200m ascent)
The Snowdon Horseshoe (12km circular, about 1,000m ascent)
Start at Pen-y-Pass. Ascend to Crib Goch via Bwlch y Moch (Grade 1 scramble), traverse the ridge to Yr Wyddfa, descend to Bwlch y Saethau, ascend Y Lliwedd and descend to the Miners’ Track and back to Pen-y-Pass. One of the finest mountain circuits in Britain. Requires scrambling experience and a head for heights. Allow 6-8 hours. Parking at Pen-y-Pass is very limited, so check current parking and bus arrangements before you travel.
Tryfan North Ridge (5km return, 600m ascent)
From the A5 beside Llyn Ogwen, ascend to the base of the North Ridge and follow it, with increasing hands-on involvement, to the summit (917m). The summit is crowned by the twin stones Adam and Eve. Grade 1 scramble throughout. One of the great short mountain days in Britain. See the Tryfan guide.
Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path (10km circular, 900m ascent)
Starting from the Minffordd car park near Tal-y-llyn, the path climbs through oak woodland into the cwm of Llyn Cau, a dark, cliff-ringed lake of great drama, then climbs the rim of Craig Cau to the summit, Penygadair (893m). Return via Mynydd Moel. Allow 5-7 hours; serious mountain terrain in poor weather.
Serious Mountain Days
The Carneddau Ridge Traverse (25km, 2,100m ascent)
The full traverse from Pen yr Ole Wen to Foel Fras, taking in Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn, Yr Elen, Foel Grach and Garnedd Uchaf. A long, remote high-level walk over the largest expanse of high ground in Wales. Start from Ogwen and descend to Bethesda or north via Aber Falls. Allow 8-12 hours; navigation skills are essential on the featureless plateau in poor visibility.
The Welsh 3,000s (about 50km, 4,300m ascent)
The classic Welsh mountain challenge: all 15 Welsh summits over 3,000 feet in a single continuous journey. Typically completed in 14-24 hours by fit walkers; mountain runners do it much faster. It requires excellent navigation, fitness, a weather window and either a very early start or a night section.