It's been a heavy few weeks for the average household, eating leftover dinners for breakfast followed by a box of celebrations or two, and it's a habit hard to crack. So whilst we're getting back to normal life, it's understandable that the thought of going for a 6 hour round trip hike might not be appealing to you right now (but if it is, fair play to you, where can we buy some of that motivation at?).
Why not ease yourself back into it by going on an easy to moderate walk in some Welsh beauty spots? Cold, crisp, sunny mornings are perfect for these 1-2 hour scenic strolls!
Tip: 1-3 North Wales, 4-5 Mid-Wales, 6-7 South/West Wales
1. Porthdinllaen walk, Llŷn Peninsula
- Distance: 4KM / 2.5 Miles
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Terrain: Mostly flat / short parts moderate
- Dog friendly? Absolutely!
- Key selling points: beach walk, grey seals
A leisurely shoreline beach walk which navigates around headlands and past a stretch of land including the Ty Coch Inn. The moderate part of the route begins after the Caban Griff information point, walking over rocks, up a steeper slope to reach the top for the best view.
Interested? Read more: Llyn Peninsula
2. Llyn Ogwen Circuit - Snowdonia
- Distance: 4.6KM / 2.9 Miles
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Terrain: Mostly flat, short rocky section at the beginning
- Dog friendly? Yup!
- Key selling points: views of Tryfan and Glyderau mountains as you walk lakeside without having to complete a strenuous climb
Starts at the Ogwen Cottage & Ranger Base, you enter the rocky section in the early stages but it gets easier, with a few short, subtle inclines in the route. A few stiles and footbridges along the way, you'll walk along the stunning lake shore. The farmhouse marks the end of the lake, where you'll begin to turn back.
Interested? Read more: Llyn Ogwen
3. Aber Falls Walk - Snowdonia, Abergwyngregyn
- Distance: 4KM / 2.5 Miles
- Time: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
- Terrain: Flat with gently incline
- Dog friendly? Yes!
- Key selling points: the waterfall and surrounding forestry
Straight forward path leading up to the beautiful falls from a nearby car park, a great route to take after rainfall! There is an option to take a slightly more difficult route through the forest which is steeper and extend the walk to 7.5KM on a more difficult circuit.
Interested? Read more: Aber Falls
4. Severn Break It's Neck Trail - Hafren Forest, Llanidloes
- Distance: 2.5KM / 1.5 Miles
- Time: 1 hour
- Terrain: Small inclines, cascade and natural trail
- Dog friendly? Yes, this couldn't be more of a haven for dogs!
- Key selling points: walk over the powerful waterfall via footbridge, picnic areas along route, river walk, wildlife spotting
Starting at the Hafren Forest car park, this trail is set in the remote countryside outside of Llanidloes. It follows the river severn along a board walk and natural trail, through woodland and meadows, with picnic tables along the way to the waterfall.
Interested? Read more: Severn Break It's Neck
5. Craig-y-nos Circuit - Abercraf, Brecon Beacons
- Distance: 4KM / 2.5 Miles
- Time: 1 1/4 hours
- Terrain: Flat throughout
- Dog friendly? Of course!
- Key selling points: lakes, ponds, stepping stone crossings
Starting at the fish pond, this route takes you through a country park surrounded by countryside and rivers. Get fully immersed by crossing shallow rivers using stepping stones. This is definitely one to take spare socks and shoes to!
Interested? Read more: Craig-y-nos
6. St Davids Head - Coetan Arthur
- Distance: 4.4KM / 2.7 Miles
- Time: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
- Terrain: Moderate due to uneven paths and occasional incline
- Dog friendly? Yes but must be kept on leads!
- Key selling points: watch out for livestock, cliff edge walk, coastal views
Plenty to see on this coastal walk in Pembrokeshire as it takes you along the Welsh cliff edges, hills and beach with distant views.
Interested? Read more: St Davids Head
7. Dinefwr Park - Carmarthenshire
- Distance: 2.4KM / 1.5 Miles
- Time: 1 - 1 1/2 hours
- Terrain: Easy, flat path through fields and woodland
- Dog friendly? Sadly no, due to the close proximity of deer
- Key selling points: goes through a deer park, keep your eyes peeled!
Begin at the Welcome Centre car park at Dinefwr Park, and take a family stroll through the countryside filled with large ancient trees, keeping watch for nearby deer, ducks and other animals that live in this dense country park!
Interested? Read more: Dinefwr Park|
Happy walking!