Walking holidays in Snowdonia

Mountains, rivers and forests

Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) is known as the adventure capital of Europe and there are spectacular walking trails for all abilities. Mount Snowdon, of course, is the jewel in the crown, but there are countless walks and trails in the great open spaces of this beautiful corner of Wales, making it one of the best spots on the UK for a walking holiday.

If you only take one walk...

Gelert's Grave

From the centre of Beddgelert village, the circular walk that takes in Gelert’s Grave instantly immerses you in the mythology and the beauty of the area. It’s an easy 1.6km, 40-minute walk that follows the Glaslyn River and brings you to the spot that marks Gelert’s Grave. Here you will find out the tragic story of how Beddgelert acquired its name. Look back from here for a stunning view of the village and the Snowdonia mountains beyond. After crossing the river and heading back to Beddgelert, enjoy refreshments at one of the many pretty tea shops and restaurants.

Beddgelert Forest trails

Walks on your doorstep

From your cabin, cross the Welsh Highland Railway line at the crossing and enter Beddgelert Forest where you can explore meandering trails, follow the river and discover tumbling waterfalls. Climb through the foothills of Moel Hebog (bare hill of the hawk) to discover the hidden waters of Llyn Llewelyn. Rest at the tranquil lakeside picnic area and enjoy breath-taking views across the valley. The trail to Llyn Llewelyn is a challenge and sturdy walking boots are essential

Longer walks from your cabin

Enjoy the views

From your cabin you can walk to Beddgelert or Rhyd Ddu, following the Lon Gwyrfai Path, a multi user route which is well way-marked. The path is wide, steep in places, and the views are amazing Beddgelert is 2.5km away, around a 20-30-minute walk. In the other direction, pretty village of Rhyd Ddu is around 5.2km away.  You can see Snowdon (yr Wyddfa), and other mountains such as Yr Aran and Cnicht from a viewpoint around 20 minutes along the route, where there is also a gallery and refreshments. If you don’t want to walk back from either direction, you can catch the steam train or the Sherpa bus. 

Nearby walking trails

The Fisherman's path

Start at the Gelert’s Grave and Riverside Walk in Beddgelert village. Along the riverside, a gate carved with two fish depicts the start of the Fisherman’s Path. The walk is a 10km round route and takes around 4-6 hours. It’s a strenuous walk with some tricky narrow paths that can be slippery but it rewards with some fantastic views and follows the Afon Glaslyn through the stunning Abeglaslyn Pass. Look out for the Welsh Highland Railway steam trains that follow the route too. On the way back, you climb through Cym Bychan past the remains of old copper mines and down towards the restored Sygum Copper Mine before returning to Beddgelert. 

Snowdonia hiking

Climb Mount Snowdon

If you are a keen hiker, Snowdon is a must. The Rhyd-Ddu path, just 5 minutes’ drive from Beddgelert Snowdonia, is the quietest of the main routes up and has great views of Moel Hebog and the hills of Nanttle.  It is 12km there and back from the car park at Rhyd Ddu and takes around 6 hours.  This is a strenuous walk that should only be undertaken with the appropriate equipment and planning but the sense of achievement, having climbed the highest UK mountain outside Scotland, is worth the effort.