Winter Walks in North Wales

Winter is a beautiful time of year for a trip away. The  crisp, mornings are ideal for a brisk walk with a foaming pint of bitter and a hot pie at the end of it.

If you’re a keen walker then North Wales is the ideal location for you; with the Snowdonia National Park, the coastal paths and tonnes of countryside to explore. We’ve pulled together some walks which are especially good to do in Winter:

Winter at Plas Newydd

The woodland walk at Plas Newydd is a favourite all year round. This map shows a guided walk you can take through the grounds, through woodlands and along the shores of the Menai Straits. You start at the picnic area at Glan Faenol and walk on to take in the expanse of the Menai Straits. You’ll be able to pop in to the bird hide and see if you can spot an Oystercatcher or even a seal. 

The walk then takes you through the woodlands where you’ll be able to see wildlife such as red squirrels. Finally as you head back, you could have a look in the house and reward yourself with tea and scones in the café.

Swallow Falls walk

Take a 6 mile walk through the Betws-y-Coed valley where you’ll find the spectacular Swallow Falls in all it’s glory. Starting at the Llyn Sarnau picnic site car park, you’ll make your way along forest trails and paths so it’s a fairly easy ramble. 

Stroll past autumn woodland in it’s blaze of shimmering colours and walk alongside the River Llugwy. You’re likely to see lots of bird life along the walk such as Buzzards and Goldcrests. If you’re a keen cyclist the route is also a popular off-road option so you could bring your bike instead.

Aberglaslyn Pass

A slightly more demanding four to five hours walk but the views make it well worth the effort.

This walk allows you to explore Snowdonia National Park, including the Aberglaslyn Gorge. Starting at the National Trust car park, this walk takes in the roaring river Glasyln and goes past Gelert’s Grave.

When you get to Llyn Dinas, one of the many beautiful lakes in Snowdonia National Park, take a while to stop and admire the breath-taking scenery. Better still bring a flask of warm tea or coffee and warm up while taking in the view.

You’ll also get to see some of the areas that copper mining has taken place in, giving the walk a historical edge too. 

Dolmelynllyn Estate walk

If you want a slightly less challenging walk through Snowdonia National Park, then this one is ideal. Still about four hours long, there’s less of a climb and less tricky terrain to traverse.

The walk starts at Ganllwyd car park and will take you along a route that includes Rhaeadr Ddu (also known as the Black Falls) which are spectacular all year round.

After the falls you’ll head through woodland and then past an old gold mine. It’s unlikely you’ll strike gold but it’s an interesting piece of history.

After all that why not come back to our restaurant near Porthmadog to replenish and revive?