Emma Way picks out five of the best walking tours of Wales on the horizon for those who wish to do it by foot in late ’22…
GOWER WALKING FESTIVAL
The annual Gower Walking festival returns this September, celebrating both the rolling cliffs and beaches of the Gower Peninsula and the 10th anniversary of the Wales Coastal Path (WCP). Running for nine days, with 33 walks in total to try, more than half of those walks will be via the coastal path.
Operating since 2005, the festival is a non-profit event, run entirely by volunteers; it’s run under the umbrella of the Mumbles Tourist Association, aiming to raise money to keep the (also independent and volunteer-managed) Mumbles and Gower Tourist Information Office open. Volunteer leaders will be able to share their knowledge of the local landscapes.
Sat 3-Sun 11 Sept. Prices vary per walk (between £6 and £12).
Info: here
SUNSET TREK FOR BOWEL CANCER UK
Experience the Gower Peninsula with an evening walk across Rhossili Beach and 13km of beautiful coastline. The sunset trek begins in the afternoon across the sands of the beach before ascending to the top of Rhossili Down just in time for the sun to set. The money raised from the walking tour will aid Bowel Cancer UK.
Sat 10 Sept. Price: £35 adults, £20 ages 12-15.
Info: here
SNOWDON AT NIGHT CHALLENGE
If you’re looking for something to test your physical and mental limits, this nighttime trek to the summit of Snowdon will see you ascending the mountain under a moonlit sky while also raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The hike, beginning in Llanberis, is also led by experienced mountain leaders.
Sat 24 + Sun 25 Sept. Price: £40 (non-refundable registration), £325 minimum sponsorship.
Info: here
LAND OF LEGENDS WALK
Wander as you will. A Snowdonia walking weekend set from a hostel in the breathtaking Conwy Village, this weekend away allows you to relish in the outdoors to your heart’s content, visiting the wild and remote Dulyn valley, twin lakes and Conwy Mountain, amongst other optional walking paths nearby.
Fri 7 Oct. Price: £159 shared room / £119 early bird / £330 private.
Info: here
BARMOUTH WALKING FESTIVAL
Set in coastal Snowdonia, Barmouth Walking Festival attracts over 150 people over the course of its 10-day duration. The extensive programme of graded walks, now a decade old, is one of the largest within the UK and is led by local guides. This year’s programme includes Wales Coastal Path trails, short rambles and full-day hikes.
Sat 17-Sun 25 Sept. Price: £8.50 per walk.
Info: here
words EMMA WAY
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