Wales

Wales is a highly popular walking destination, celebrated for its rugged mountains, tranquil valleys, dense woodlands and spectacular coastline. Iconic walking regions include - the Brecon Beacons National Park, Snowdonia National Park, the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Gower Peninsula. Wales attracts fewer foreign tourists than other parts of Britain so maybe there’s a little less airbrushing than elsewhere.

Walkers are spoilt for choice with many waymarked trails including three of England & Wales’ sixteen National Trails (allocating Offa’s Dyke Path, which jumps back and forth over the England/Wales border, to Wales). Inspirational scenery abounds and most walks are accessible from nearby villages and towns.

There’s no “one best walking region” in Wales, but there are regions that are best suited to different travellers. At Walk Travel Advisory, our aim is to help our clients select locations, walks and walk “products” that are most likely to appeal to them.

We’ll now describe some of the walking regions of Wales. Further detail is then provided via the links at the bottom of this page.

In the north-west of Wales lies the mighty Snowdonia National Park. The landscape of Snowdonia was originally forged by volcanic fire and ice. The result is a region replete with majestic mountains, grand panoramas, river valleys and stunning waterfalls. The highest mountains in England and Wales are here, and areas such as the Snowden Massif provide vast areas of elevated terrain. Its entire 60 kilometre coastline is a Special Area of Conservation.

In mid-Wales you’ll find remote and uncrowded walking territory. This area is home to the Cambrian Mountains, generally considered as providing some of the best unspoilt landscapes in the United Kingdom. Welsh culture flourishes here and is evident in popular events such as the Hay Writers Festival (November), Brecon Jazz Festival (August) and HowTheLightGetsin Philosophy and Music Festival (May). A mid-Wales walk that provides wonderful insight into Welsh culture is the National Trail, Glyndwr’s Way.

Far south-west Wales houses the renowned Pembrokeshire Coast. This coastline together with its hinterland constitutes the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the UK’s only coastal National Park. It offers the best of coastal scenery with dramatic sea cliffs, sandy beaches, fishing villages, invigorating sea air, wildflowers and mountain vistas in the distance. Wildlife in the region includes seals, seabirds, peregrines and porpoises. 

Central, southern Wales provides more spectacular coastal walking on the Gower Peninsula. The scenic attraction of this area is evidenced by the fact that it was the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Peninsula is easily accessible from Swansea and features rugged cliffs, heathland and abundant birdlife.

South-eastern Wales is a treasure trove for walkers. In particular, the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Brecon Beacons National Park are full of spectacular scenery and wildlife. Well-marked trails take walkers through varied landscapes featuring mountain ranges, rivers, ancient fortifications, castles, ruined abbeys, market towns and gardens. Offa’s Dyke Path starts here, as does the Wye Valley Walk.

Mid Wales

Mid-Wales is wonderful walking countryside. It offers two National Trails: Glyndwr’s Way and Offa’s Dyke Path. These trails showcase rolling hills, river valleys, moorlands, historic landmarks and lively towns. Mid-Wales takes you into the heartland of Welsh culture and its ‘off the beaten track’ walks allow you to experience that culture.

South-East Wales

The Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are full of natural beauty and wildlife, as well as fascinating historical sites. Amazing views are provided from the region’s highest mountain peaks, Pen y fan and Cribyn. There are also fascinating limestone formations and stunning waterfalls.