5 of the Best Hikes in Snowdonia National Park

28 September 2019

Nestled on a hillside in Snowdonia National Park lay quaint log cabins and bunkhouses. Trawsfynydd Holiday Village overlooks some of the most fascinating and mesmerising views in the country. It presents the perfect base to relax, escape crowds, refresh, and explore. And what better way to explore this amazing area than on foot? Snowdonia National Park offers numerous walks for every ability.

Whether you want the challenge of an ascend or a more leisurely stroll along the coastline, you are guaranteed diverse landscapes and unbelievable scenery. Here are 5 of our favourite hikes in Snowdonia National Park.

The Oldest Nature Reserve in Wales – Cwm Idwal Walk

3 Hours | 3 Miles

Moderate Walk

Under an hours drive from our holiday village, you will discover some of the most dramatic mountainous scenery you’ve ever seen. This moderate upland walk will take you through beautifully ice-sculptured Cwm Idwal. This is a bowl-shaped hollow which is elegantly filled with crystal clear waters. Here you will find rare and fragile plant life and amazing rock formations.

This walk is around 3 miles and is relatively easy to follow due to paths and signs. It should take around 3 hours dependant on how leisurely you are strolling, whether you are stopping for breaks, photos etc.

You will begin from the Ogwem Cottage Ranger Base and continue on the footpath until you reach the lake. You will then explore the nature reserve, meet various grazing animals, vegetation, rock formations, 10,000-year-old glaciers and the famous Idwal Slabs.

For a full map and step by step instructions for this walk, simply check out the National Trust website here.

Cwm Penamnen, Dolwyddelan

1 Hour | 2 Miles

Easy & Leisurely (Harder option available) 

Just over a 20-minute drive from the holiday village and you will reach Dolwyddelan train station. This is the starting point for this leisurely, more relaxed walk. There are two options – a 6 mile and a 2 mile – which can change depending on your mood, walking group and energy.

Throughout this 2 mile stroll, you will walk through the woods up to Cwm Panemnen valley. Where you will be gifted with magnificent views of the Snowdonia mountains. The valley is steeped in history with parts of the walk following the ancient roads that linked the forts of Tomen y Mur and Caerhun.

Along the way, you will find facilities, shops, toilets and most importantly, views of a lifetime. If you opt for the smaller walk, it should only take you an hour. This leaves more than enough time to stop for a picnic and a photo opportunity.

To see the full instructions for both walk options and a map, simply click here.

Gelerts Grave Walk

40 Mins – 1 Hour | 1 Mile

Dog Friendly and Easy

Why did Beddgelert become such a popular spot for early travel writers such as Thomas pennant and artists such as Turner? This walk will certainly show you why! 

This walk is ideal if you have little ones or a less mobile family. The path is pushchair friendly, wheelchair friendly and dogs are welcome!  You can extend the route down Aberslaslyn Gorge along the Fisherman’s Path if you wanted a longer walk.

You will get to see Gelert’s Grave, as well as Cae Gel, which was created to commemorate Alfred Bestall who illustrated the famous Rupert Bear cartoons and who lived in the area.

If you aren’t familiar with the legend of Gelert, click here to find out more! If this sounds like a walk for you and the family, click here to go to the National Trusts simple and easy-to-follow instructions and map!

Llanberis Path, Snowdon

6 Hours | 9 Miles
Hard & Strenuous 

The Llanberis Path is the longest and most gradual of the six main paths to the summit of Snowdon. Whilst it may be a challenge, the fantastic views you will be rewarded with at the top will be worth it. You will witness views of Cwm Brwynog, Llanberis and over the Menai Strait towards Anglesey.

The path is easy to follow as it mainly follows the Snowdon Mountain Railway and stops at many stations. However tempted you may be to hop on, resist! Before the railway opened in the late 1800s, visitors would use avid walkers as guides to lead them to the summit on mule-back!

Be prepared for a challenge, but a rewarding one, and be sure to bring plenty of water and supplies, including food! Simply click here for full information and details on the difficult trek.

Off the Beaten Track – Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas Circular

3 – 4 Hours | 6.5 Miles

Moderate, but prepare for a day out!

Ready for a true adventure? This walk is everything you could want for a classic day out exploring Snowdonia. Only parts of the route are marked so ensure to have your trusty map and compass at the ready, check the weather and be fully prepared! Expect wildlife, amazing views, livestock, uneven terrain and excitement!

This route is just over a 30-minute drive from the holiday park to the starting point at Craflwyn. It will take you around Llyn Dinas and beyond, allowing you to explore the much wider Nant Gwynant valley.

Prepare yourself to take in the wild scenes of nature, the low slopes and the high peaks, amazing waterfalls and stunning lakeside views. Along the way, you will even learn about the fascinating landscape you are witnessing and what is being done to protect it.

There are numerous stops along the way, perfect for a picnic and a photo opp. Are you ready for a fun-filled adventure in Snowdonia? Simply click here for full details from the National Trust.

If you are looking to explore the amazing Snowdonia National Park and all the brilliant walks it has to offer, Trawsfynydd Holiday Village is an ideal base. Ranging from 2-bedroom log cabins to the bunkhouse which sleeps 10-20 people, there is an accommodation option for everyone. After all, everyone should experience the beauty that Snowdonia has to offer. 

Why not check out our holiday accommodation in Snowdonia here, or simply get in touch with our friendly team for more information?