The famous Snowdonia National Park offers a wealth of walking opportunities in North Wales but there are slightly less well travelled routes to explore in this part of the country. Between mountains and coast and with hundreds of miles of breathtaking landscapes whichever way you turn, North Wales’ walks – especially those with a pub at the end, are in plentiful supply. We feature a few of our favourites…
Coed Y Felin North Wales Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve is a feast for the eyes and the ears, with old pathways crisscrossing this ancient woodland site. A National Trust site, expect to see carpets of bluebells in season and explore peaceful walks with beautiful views. You can download several walking and cycling routes nearby from Ordinance Survey.
If the landscapes won’t leave you, you could move here! Pentre Gwysaney Farm, Denbigh Roadm Rhydymwyn, Mold is a superbly restored Georgian former farmhouse providing spacious and adaptable accommodation occupying a rural yet convenient location with outbuildings and land. Guide price £895,000. View details.
Llangollen History Trail begins in the lovely town of Llangollen and takes you on a six-mile walk through stunning countryside, with views high above the town that are worth the walk, including across the Dee Valley. Some of the walk may be a challenge to a complete novice but the reward at the end makes it worthwhile. Once back down, you can explore the town with its railway, canal and museum. Explore routes here.
There’s also a rather marvellous pub to rest your weary legs and take in some Welsh hospitality. The Corn Mill, Dee Lane, LL20 8PN, is an 18th century waterside pub/restaurant with water wheel and a deck looking onto the white waters of the River Dee. Take in the views and take in a pint!
To Anglesey next and the Benllech to Moelfre coastal path, which happens to be quite close to one of our properties for sale – a fairly flat path suitable for most active people, it meanders for four miles past the beach at Benllech – winner of the European Blue Flag award since 2004, fantastic views towards the Great Orme and Penmon Point. Well signposted, this walk takes you to Traeth Bychan and its sheltered beach.
The route finishes at Moelfre – a pretty village with harbour where tired travellers can take a break at the Kinmel Arms.
Like what you see? Move here! Tyn y Sargent, Tyn-Y-Gongl, near Benllech, Anglesey is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a handsome farmhouse complemented by 3 letting cottages and lake with fishing offering a potential for a useful income, in a rural yet accessible location. Guide price £1,195,000. View details.
Next, to the ever-popular Abersoch and a walk from the pub – or to the pub if you prefer. St Tudwal’s Inn, Stryd Fawr, LL53 7DS provides private rooms should you wish to stay here after your walk. The Cim Farm Circular Walk takes you on a tour of the breath-taking Llyn Peninsula with beach stop-offs, views across to Saint Tudwal's Islands, where you might spot a seal or two, and on to Cilan Head – a bird breeding ground. Hell’s Mouth is next (watch out if it’s windy!) and through the sedate country lanes of Abersoch back to the pub. There are several walking and cycling routes.
Deep in Snowdonia you will find the circular walk linking the riverside village of Dolwyddelan and Dolwyddelan Castle. There’s a free car park, from where the walk begins taking in rivers, footbridges, picnic areas, steep paths, farmland and the castle. It can be wet in winter so make sure to pack your boots. At the end, rest your feet at Y Gwydyr pub, a warm and welcoming place with food and ales.
