Best walks in Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of north-west Wales and contains the country's highest peak, Snowdon.

The region, designated as a national park in 1951, was sculpted by glaciers, leaving behind a spectacular landscape of craggy mountains and hills, deep valleys and over 100 lakes.

There are numerous ways to explore the park – mountain biking routes, driving tours and even by canoe – but for a truly immersive experience, why not take on one of Snowdonia's best walks?

From a classic Snowdon ascent to a less-gruelling riverside amble along the Afon Artro, here is our guide to the best walks in Snowdonia. Each route includes walking directions and a map.

The mountains around Llyn Idwal in northern Snowdonia/Credit: Getty

Best walks in Snowdonia

Rhosgadfan, Gwynedd

Ellyn Cwellyn and Mynydd Mawr in north-west Snowdonia/Credit: Alamy

Enjoy this nine-mile mountain walk through open hills and slate quarries in the Snowdonia National Park.

The route

13.3km/8 miles
5 hours
Challenging

Rhosgadfan walking route and map

Yr Eifl, Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd

Looking north at Yr Eifl and the Llyn Peninsula/Credit: Alamy

A three-hour loop walk above the verdant valleys of the Llyn Peninsula and on to the crown of Yr Eifl with views of the Menai Strait.

The route

7km/3.4 miles
2.5 hours
Moderate

Yr Eifl walking route and map

Mawddach Estuary, Gwynedd

Barmouth Bridge over Mawddach Estuary/Credit: Getty

Savour the beautiful scenery on this 10-mile walk to the stunning Cregennen Lakes in the foothills of Cader Idris in Snowdonia National Park.

The route

15.3km/9.5 miles
6 hours
Moderate/challenging

Mawddach Estuary walking route and map

Llanbedr Woods, Gwynedd

The Afon Artro is 4.5 miles long/Credit: Getty

Pass through this ancient woodland teeming with wildlife in north-west Wales. This walk is especially glorious in late summer and autumn when the woods are filled with colour and foraging creatures.

The route

10.2km/6.3 miles
4 hours
Moderate

Llanbedr walking route and map

Snowdon, Gwynedd

Take on the peaks and crags of Snowdon and immerse yourself in what is one of the wildest places in Wales with this seven-mile mountain walk.

The route

12km/7.5 miles
5 hours
Challenging

Snowdon walking route and map

Tŷ Hyll, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy

Ty Hyll (The Ugly House), Snowdonia/Credit: Alamy Alamy

Despite its epithet, this stocky-stoned, moss-spattered building, enveloped by lush oakwoods, may just be Snowdonia’s most endearing tearoom. If somewhat sluggish after a lunch of succulent ‘secret recipe’ Welsh rarebit, a stroll may be required.

The route

7.1km/4.4 miles
2.5 hours
Moderate

Ty Hyll walking route and map

Llyn Tegid, Gwynedd

Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) near the small town of Bala in Gwynedd in Wales in the United Kingdom. — Ellyn Tegid, known as Lake Bala in English, sit in the east of Snowdonia National Park/Credit: Getty

Known in English as Lake Bala, Llyn Tegid is the largest natural lake in Wales – explore its banks and surrounding forests in the east of Snowdonia National Park with this 8.5-mile hike.

The route

14.3km/8.9miles
4.5 hours
Moderate/challenging

Llyn Tegid walking route and map

Gwydir Castle, Llanrwst, Conwy

Wonder around the lush grounds of Gwydir Castle in Snowdonia/Credit: Alamy

Stroll around this Tudor mansion and its former estate on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in Wales' northern region of Conwy.

The route

8.5km/5.2 miles
3 hours
Moderate

Gwydir Castle walking route and map

Aber Falls, Gwynedd

View of Aber Falls in Showdonia National Park — Autumn encroaches on Aber Falls in Snowdonia/Credit: Getty

Admire Aber Falls and discover the surrounding history and wildlife on this dramatic valley walk through the north-west fringes of Snowdonia National Park.

The route

6.7km/4.1 miles
2.5 hours
Moderate

Aber Falls walking route and map

Coed y Brenin, Gwynedd

Coed y Brenin waterfalls/Credit: Getty Getty

This refreshing 3.5-mile route through ancient forest, thick with greenery, mist and roaring torrents is the perfect family walk.

The route

5.6km/3.5 miles
2 hours
Easy/moderate

Coed y Brenin walking route and map

Harlech to Llandecwyn, Gwynedd

Bryn Cader Faner – or ‘The Welsh Crown of Thorns’ as it is often called – was described by archaeologist Aubrey Burl as one of the wonders of prehistoric Wales/Credit: Alamy

From the cylindrical towers of a 13th-century castle, ascend into the Snowdonia mountains to follow a prehistoric trackway to an extraordinary Bronze Age cairn.

The route