Handpicked Walks for your North Wales Staycation

Are you planning a staycation for 2021? With uncertainty around holidays abroad, now is the perfect time to start making plans to make sure you don’t miss out on your well-deserved UK getaway, so let’s make this year’s staycation one to remember! North Wales undoubtedly offers one of the most varied and rich landscapes in the UK, presenting fantastic opportunities for some wonderful walks – which is just what we need after spending so much time in our homes over the last year.

We’ve cultivated a list of 10 of the National Trusts recommended best routes the region has to offer – taking in mountainous ranges, coastal views, forest meandering and so much more for your perfect getaway. Catering for all abilities and ranging from just one to five hours, you’ll be sure to find a walk that’s perfect for you…

 

Cwm Idwal walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carneddau-and-glyderau/trails/cwm-idwal-walk

This walk offers some of the most dramatic mountainous scenery in the UK at the oldest National Nature Reserve in Wales.

• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: Three hours
• Length: Three miles

 

Glan Faenol wildlife and woodland walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-newydd-country-house-and-gardens/trails/menai-strait-wildlife-and-woodland-walk

Explore the walled woodland that is Glan Faenol. Catch a glimpse of a seal in the Menai Strait and see how many bird species you can identify from the hides and platforms.

• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: One hour – One hour 30
• Length: 1.5miles

 

Porthor and the Whistling Sands walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/llyn-peninsula/trails/porthor-and-the-whistling-sands-walk

The views are spectacular along this rugged coastline on the northern side of the Llŷn Peninsula. This is a great walk to absorb some of the history and heritage of the area.

• Difficulty level: Easy
• Duration: 30mins – one hour
• Length: One mile

 

Cemlyn and Llanrhwydrus circular walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-newydd-country-house-and-gardens/trails/cemlyn-and-llanrhwydrus-circular-walk

A truly atmospheric three-mile walk. If you time it right you’ll see the sun setting into the Irish Sea.

• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: Two hours
• Length: Three miles

 

Llyn Ogwen circular walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carneddau-and-glyderau/trails/llyn-ogwen-circular-walk

Escape the crowds and enjoy stunning views on this moderate walk around Llyn Ogwen. Legends say it’s the last resting place of King Arthur’s sword Excalibur.

• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: One – two hours
• Length: 2.9miles

 

Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas circular walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/craflwyn-and-beddgelert/trails/craflwyn-hafod-y-llan-and-llyn-dinas-circular-walk

Get off the beaten track and explore Nant Gwynant’s wild side. This route takes in the lonely lower slopes of Yr Aran, impressive waterfalls on the Watkin Path, ancient woodlands and a beautiful lake.

• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: Three – four hours
• Length: 6.5miles

 

Aberglaslyn, Bryn Du and Beddgelert walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/craflwyn-and-beddgelert/trails/aberglaslyn-bryn-du-and-beddgelert-walk

There are so many routes to explore around Beddgelert, but this one is our ranger’s personal favourite.

• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Duration: One hour 30 – two hours 30
• Length: 3.5miles

 

Aberglaslyn, Llyn Dinas and Cwm Bychan walk

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/craflwyn-and-beddgelert/trails/cwm-bychan-and-aberglaslyn-pass-walk

A varied circular walk with some of the best scenery in the area. The route starts and finishes at the National Trust Nantmor car park.

• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Duration: Four – five hours
• Length: 5.7miles

 

Rhaeadr Ddu and Coed Ganllwyd walk https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trails/-rhaeadr-ddu-and-coed-ganllwyd-walk

A great waterside walk, taking you alongside the turbulent River Gamlan and past the magnificent Rhaeadr Ddu waterfalls.

• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: One to one hour 30
• Length: 2 miles

 

Dinas Oleu walk, Barmouth https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trails/dinas-oleu-walk-barmouth

Wander through the winding old town up to the gorse-covered Dinas Oleu, donated by Victorian Fanny Talbot to the people of Barmouth.

• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Duration: Two hours
• Length: 1.2miles