Grab your boots and get a move on as Gareth Mitchell seeks out some of the finest walking trails across Wales.
Southgate to Three Cliffs Walk
The Gower peninsula is bursting with beautiful walks, so the Southgate to Three Cliffs Walk is merely an excuse to explore this picturesque location that includes stepping stones and a castle – the ideal beginners walk. Three Cliffs Bay is also an incredible place to have a picnic, with basic amenities, such as parking, a café and toilets nearby. The route is only around a mile long too, so should be more than suitable for families with young children.
Plas Newydd, Anglesey
A short family-orientated walk within the grounds of Plas Newydd, a beautiful stately home orignally built in the 16th century, though it’s undergone many changes since. Walking around the grounds should be easy enough with young kids as there are lots of amenities along the way; you’ll also walk through a plush woodland and past an adventure playground, guaranteed to catch the eyes of the children. There is also a restaurant for anyone who’s worked up an appetite on the way around.
Porthgain to Abereiddy coastal walk, Pembrokshire
A circular route of around four miles, this walk is comprised of utterly majestic views. The terrain may be a little trickier than what some are used to – be careful on those cliff edges – but with some spectacular views, so do remember your camera. A particular highlight is the site of an old quarry that’s since been transformed into the iconic and beautiful Blue Lagoon. The route makes visible the industrial past of Wales, with disused buildings making for sublime views along the way: Porthgain in particular, with its quarry laying on the side of the harbour has its own rugged beauty, as well as The Shed, one of the finest seafood restaurants in the UK.
Tredegar House, Newport
Slightly different than the others here, Tredegar House in Newport showcases some pleasant greens just outside the wilderness of the urban jungle. It’s only a mile-long, traipsing around the placid lake in the Tredegar House ground, and generally popular with families and dog walkers, with plenty of amenities available. Certainly one to take if you’re not looking for a heartstopping adventure.
The Welsh Desert
Not an area of Wales that’s magically baking hot and sunny all year round, but a spread of land just north of the Brecon Beacons, otherwise known as the Cambrian Mountains, which is one of the least inhabited areas in the UK – almost entirely human-free, save for a few farms. Walking in this area can be a risky business, what with the sheer isolation, so it’s one only for hardened hikers, but the rewards are endless, with various wildlife and stunning views, almost entirely unspoilt.
Vale Of Ewyas, Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons
Pen-Y-Fan gets most of the selfies, but its sheer popularity can make it a bit of a chore at high season. But the Brecon Beacons are nothing if not full of stunning walks to undertake. On the east corner there’s the Vale Of Ewyas, which also includes the Llanthony Priory. It can be rough going here, with few amenities and a generally less populated area, but well worth it if you’re prepared.
Dyffryn Ardudwy to Y Llethr, Snowdonia
Again, Mount Snowdon gets more of the footfall, but it’s always worth seeking out some of the other peaks in Snowdonia. This near-12-mile walk is a challenge amongst the rugged harshness of Snowdonia, but you don’t have to charge down it, with plenty of beautiful spots to stop for a rest. Y Llethr covers the Rhinogydd area of Snowdonia, and it’s less tricky than some other peaks but, nevertheless, still not wholly easy.