Wales by foot

Explore some of Wales’s most beautiful mountain ranges within the Brecon Beacons National Park, rich in local history and folklore. Undulating dramatically for 45 miles from Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire to the English border, this national park encompasses some of the finest scenery in Southern Wales. Discover its wild landscapes of high peaks, mountain grasslands and heather plateaus with glacial lakes, rushing streams and wooded waterfall-splashed valleys.

For a relaxed introduction to walking in Wales, take a woodland walk through a peaceful forest to find the four spectacular waterfalls of Ystradfellte, each unique and characterful in their own way. Venture on behind the Sgwd Yr Eira waterfall to watch the water cascade into the river below. The tranquillity of these bubbling streams often distracts from the more challenging walks. Continue to one of Wales’s best kept secrets, Henrhyd Waterfalls, which you may recognise as Batman’s famous lair in the Dark Knight Rises film. From rushing streams and tumbling waterfalls to liquid gold, you may wish to unwind at the end of your day with a tutored tour and tasting at Penderyn Whisky Distillery.

No walking trip in Wales would be complete without tackling Pen Y Fan. Rising 886m above sea level, this is the highest point to be found within this spectacular national park. With four well-worn routes to the summit, the peak attracts a wide range of hikers looking to enjoy the outstanding panoramic views from the Brecon Beacon’s highest peak. The summit is marked by a well-preserved Bronze Age Cairn, and the skies here seem so vast, they’re almost close enough to touch. After your descent, the more energetic might take time to explore the pretty Wye valley, the Georgian market town of Crickhowell, and world-renowned Hay on Wye, famous for its Literary Festival and historic Norman castles.

Travel into Carmarthenshire to hike to the beautiful Llyn Y Fan Fach, a glacial lake set beneath the precipitous ridgeline of Bannau Sir Gaer. This magical setting has a special place in local folklore with the story of the lady in the lake. Enjoy a picnic on the shoreline before climbing up higher for perfect views of the glistening lake below. For those wishing for a more relaxed day, visit Llangorse, the largest natural lake in Wales, perfect for a gentle stroll and a spot of wildlife watching. If the weather is right, you may wish to jump in and enjoy some water sport activities on the lake. Continue your journey west, making sure you stop on the Taf estuary at Laugharne, 'the strangest town in Wales,' as its most famous inhabitant called it –Swansea-born writer, Dylan Thomas. Walk and drink in his footsteps to understand more about Wales’s greatest poet and the town that inspired him.

Lapped by sea on three sides, Pembrokeshire is the ‘jewel in Wales’s crown,’ with landscape protected by the unique Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and its world-renowned coastal path. Explore its 186 miles of crinkled coastline from St Dogmaels to Amroth, its limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, islands, secret coves, and pretty harbour villages. Pembrokeshire’s landscape is peppered with everything from mysterious prehistoric tombs to medieval castles and Celtic religious shrines.

Spend the day exploring the extraordinary Stackpole estate and the surrounding area. Stackpole is a nature reserve renowned for its historic court, grand lily ponds and soft sandy beaches. Take in the history of this unique setting, follow the edge of the ponds, and settle quietly to watch nature from its glorious eight-arch masonry bridge. Reach the golden sands of Broad Haven South and follow the rugged coastal path to discover the romantic charm of Barafundle bay. With sparkling blue sea and dazzling white sand, this secluded cove is the perfect spot for a picnic or swim. Find St Govan’s chapel, a tiny 6th century church hidden in the cliff line, and visit Pembroke Castle, to learn about Henry Tudor, the proud Welshman who became King of England.

Experience one of the most incredible wildlife experiences in Britain. Take a boat trip to Skomer Island to experience the Atlantic puffin colony and be delighted with dramatic clifftop views of the Pembrokeshire coastline. Explore this magical place with its famous residents whilst looking out for dolphins, harbour porpoises and families of grey seals. Make time to visit St Davids, de facto ecclesiastical capital of Wales, named after Wales’s patron saint, Saint David. It’s a magical city with an impressive Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. Stop and grab an ice cream whilst exploring all the local and independent shops in this quaint town.

Walk across the spine of the Preseli Hills. The ‘Golden Road’ is a gently undulating 7-mile route steeped in myth and legend and offering views as far away as Ireland. Find ancient monuments, burial places, cairns and rocky tors. Discover two of the quarries from which stones are believed to have been taken to Stonehenge 4000 years ago. After your walk, take time to explore the pretty village of Newport and its ancient port of Parrog. This is the perfect place to settle, enjoy some great Welsh hospitality and watch the sunset over its estuary.

Snowdonia National Park showcases the mightiest peaks that scrape at the glowering skies. With such a formidable mountain range it’s little wonder that the north has held tightly to the more traditional Welsh language and culture, and this area distils the very essence of Welshness. Snowdonia and Anglesey certainly pack a punch, known as the outdoor adventure capital, this area is home to Wales Coast Path, a World Heritage Site, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast – there’s truly something for everyone.

Explore the Cambrian Coast, a loosely defined mountain-backed strip of land running from Cardigan Bay up to the Llyn Peninsular, on a winding route is full of spectacular coastal views. Fall for the eccentricities and architectural whimsy of Portmeirion, inspired by the multicoloured facades of Portofino in Italy. This surreal Welsh village will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to another land. Meander out into the wildly beautiful, remote and rugged Llŷn Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and steeped in Welsh culture and history. It’s dotted with iron age forts and boasts stunning sandy beaches against the backdrop of Snowdonia.

Marvel at Telford’s Menai Bridge, the first modern suspension bridge in the world and a crossing to the unmatched beauty of Anglesey. Explore the island, find the beautiful seaside village of Rhosneigr, its sandy beaches and local seafood. Discover charming Beaumaris, a captivating pastel-painted seaside town with a mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, and views across the Menai Straits to Snowdonia. Head to Ynys Llanddwyn, known for the romantic ruins of St Dwynwen’s church, the patron saint of Welsh lovers. Follow a circular route to find popular photo spot at Twr Mawr lighthouse and the stunning Newborough Forest. It’s the perfect way to spend one of your last days exploring North Wales.

Head deep into the Snowdonia National Park, an ancient slate-scarred mountainscape with breath-taking beauty. Hike to the summit of the highest peak in Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for some of the best views across North Wales. Follow our favourite route from the small village of Llanberis. If you don’t fancy walking to the summit, jump onboard the unforgettable mountain railway that will take you up to the summit. After your walk, soak up the majesty of this setting and its twin lakes that cut through the mountain range, creating the Llanberis Pass. Shadowed by towering slate mountains, visit the National Slate Museum housed in the Industrial Victorian Workshops of the enormous Dinorwig slate quarry, which once employed well over 3,000 men. Learn more about the industrial legacy of these mountains, from strikes and suffering to craftsmanship and community.

Start the day with a short walk to the mesmerising Aber Falls from the tiny Welsh village of Abergwyngregyn. Explore the World Heritage Site at Conwy Town, one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval towns. Preserved ancient walls, the most intact in Europe, enclose a town of narrow cobbled streets, nooks and crannies chock-full of historic buildings. Visit its magnificent Edward I Castle, a rare 14th century merchants dwelling, and the Elizabethan Town House of Plas Mawr. Finish the day by at the traditional Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno, with a stroll along its promenade and pier. Reflect on your magnificent journey in a unique Welsh country house set in over 200 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful formal gardens, with magnificent views across to Conwy Castle and Snowdonia.