Winter is a wonderful season to go walking or exploring in Wales: the crunch of frost, the crisp air, and (if we’re lucky) the dusting of snow makes its landscapes all the more magical. Megan Tomos picks out some places across the country that are undeniably unmissable during the colder months.
YSGYRYD FAWR
Ysgyryd Fawr, also known as Skirrid, is a wonderful gem of south Wales to walk in during winter. This small peak in the outlier edges of the Brecon Beacons is a couple hours’ hike on a slow incline and is an easier, much more moderate alternative to other hikes in the National Park. On a crisp winter day, this mountain offers unmissable panoramic views of frosted Monmouthshire. Begin your ascent through the footpaths of Caer Wood, and continue up as the woodlands open to reveal the outstanding Welsh countryside. Reward yourself with a stop at the infamous Skirrid Mountain Inn – deemed the oldest (and most haunted) pub in Wales!
BEDDGELERT
A picturesque village nestled amongst some of Eryri’s most astounding landscapes, Beddgelert is truly the idyllic winter escape. The quaint, stone-built village attracts thousands of visitors every year, with nature walks and dramatic scenery that showcase Wales at its best during the winter season. Bundle up and take a stroll along the infamous Glaslyn river, or immerse yourself in the tale of Gelert at the foot of his grave just beyond the centre of the village. Warm up in one of the handfuls of pubs and cafes that are peppered along the river. Beddgelert is also a great gateway to some of the other beautiful sights in the Snowdonia National Park, as well as a station stop for the unmissable Welsh Highlands Railway steam train.

LLYN VYRNWY
Truly an unmissable spot to walk in in Wales, this idyllic reservoir in Powys is the perfect choice for spectacular Winter scenery and family-friendly activities. The lake, often considered the most beautiful in the country, sits just outside Snowdonia National Park, in a remote area amidst the incredible Berwyn Mountains. The area has plenty to offer, one of the most popular being the 11-mile circular walk or bike around Vyrnwy, which showcases the incredible landscapes and wildlife of the season. Visitors can also walk around the visionary Sculpture Park that sits right underneath one of the most breathtaking dams in Wales. End the day with a rewarding warm drink at the balcony of the Lake Vyrwny Hotel restaurant, overlooking the entirety of the extraordinary lake.
RHOSILLI
Rhosilli Bay has a lot to offer for a winter’s day out on the south Wales coastline. Wrap up warm and take a brisk coastal stroll along one of Wales’ most beautiful sandy beaches – or take a walk along the cliff to Worms Head, overlooking dramatic landscapes that are incredible in all weather! Winter is a great time to explore Rhosilli without the major crowds, and a great season to venture along some of the most beautiful parts of the Wales Coast Path in the Gower. Indulge in a warm meal as the sun sets in one of the village’s renowned restaurants overlooking the bay.

CWM IDWAL
Take a short, rewarding walk up to the lake of Cwm Idwal in winter to witness some of north Wales’ most incredible and dramatic mountainous landscapes in their most epic glory. The infamous lake, shadowed by the snowy ridges of the Glyderau and Y Garn, is also a preferred spot for some wild swimming in winter. The ascent to Cwm Idwal from the Ogwen Valley is a local’s favourite during Winter, and truly one of the best spots in Eryri.
words MEGAN TOMOS
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