Do you enjoy long walks in nature but, instead of going from A to B, you’d rather find the best circular walks in North Wales? We’ve got you.After all, if you’re driving to a place, it’s much more practical to choose a walk that will take you right back to your car rather than, say, leave you stranded in the next town. Thanks to its varied landscapes and its coastal, mountainous and hilly nature, North Wales offers lots of circular walks. While we admit that it was incredibly hard to choose, these are our favourite ones.
5 of the Best Circular Walks in North Wales
Starting and ending at a tactical car park, this is a dog-friendly walk that will offer you 5.7 miles of natural wonders. What we love the most about it is that it’s very diverse: it allows you to follow the fisherman’s pass along the narrow Aberglaslyn gorge, go through some quiet railway tracks, see the relics of the local copper mining industry, and even cross a bridge that, according to local folklore, was built by the devil himself. Before heading back south to close the loop, you’ll be able to take in the peaceful view of Llyn Dinas, a quiet lake surrounded by hills and green vegetation.
More info >>
You might have heard of its big brother, the famous Great Orme, but this lesser-known stunning walk is ideal for those who want to spend most of their day in Llandudno and enjoy a little detour to make the most of its sea views. Being 3.2 mile long and 463 feet high, it should only take you a couple of hours to complete it.You can easily park in town and enjoy the Victorian vibes of its promenade. Following the North Wales Path, you’ll encounter prickly hedgerow plants like blackthorn and brambles that, being a popular nesting choice for many local birds, might allow you to spot robins, blackbirds, wrens or chaffinches. Walking uphill, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the sea and the coastal towns of Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Rhos on Sea, as well as the Conwy valley, the island of Anglesey and the majestic Snowdonian mountains in the background. You will also be able to admire the limestone grassland that makes up most of the countryside surrounding Llandudno.We recommend taking the time to gaze down onto the cliffs of Angel Bay before rejoining the original path through the woodland: if you’re lucky and you go between September and December, you might even see some seals!
More info >>
Are you after an extremely challenging walk? Do heights and mountainous terrains excite you, rather than put you off? Then we definitely have something for you. This mountain trail is one of the most popular circular walks in Snowdonia: being 9.3 miles long and taking around 6 hours, it will make for an unforgettable day out and impressive pictures.Start from the village of Beddgelert and don’t forget to grab some refreshments, as you’ll need a lot of energy to complete this hike. To reach Moel Hebog, you’ll go through a steep walk but, with lots of viewpoints and a 2,584 feet high summit, the incredible view will instantly make you forget all your efforts.
More info >>
Not one of the most touristy walks, this mountainous 10 mile loop is a hidden gem out in the open. Arenig Fawr is located near Bala, Gwynedd, and offers some of the widest views in Snowdonia thanks to its 2,802-feet summit. While your way uphill overlooks Llyn Celyn, you’ll also be able to admire the beautiful lake named after this mountain, and find a wind shelter to take a much-needed break. Continuing towards Moel Llyfnant will allow you to turn this hike into a circular mountain walk.
More info >>5. Talacre Beach walk
Don’t worry: not all the best circular walks in North Wales involve steep hikes uphill! If you’re after a more relaxed experience, we recommend the one-hour loop around the sandy Talacre beach. This is a peaceful and dog-friendly flat walk that is perfect for the whole family, but you also have the option of exploring its sand dunes, if you prefer. You will get to gaze at the iconic Point of Ayr lighthouse and, depending on the tide’s whims, walk towards it or see it partially submerged in the sea.Whether you prefer mountains, rivers or the seaside, we are confident that these walks will satisfy your wanderlust and desire to immerse yourself in nature whilst allowing you to comfortably return to your car.These are some of the best circular walks in North Wales, but, if you wanted to plan other types of hikes too, keep an eye out for our up-coming roundup article on the best local walks, which includes coastal and mountain hikes, as well as family and dog-friendly paths.Looking for a holiday getaway near these gorgeous walks?
