Top 5 Recommended Walks & Hikes in Wales

At RidgeMonkey, we live and breathe the outdoors, so when it came to picking our favourite Welsh walks, our team pulled together their top recommendations. From soaring mountain peaks to dramatic coastlines and hidden valleys, these five hikes capture the very best of Wales and the freedom that comes with exploring it.

1. Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon — via Rhyd-Ddu or Llanberis Path

Scale the heights of Wales’s highest mountain (3560 ft / 1085 m) and be rewarded with commanding summit views that stretch all the way to Ireland and the Isle of Man on clear days. The quieter Rhyd-Ddu Path offers a peaceful ascent through old quarry tracks, while the classic Llanberis Path is gentler and well waymarked.

2. Pen y Fan & Corn Du — Brecon Beacons Horseshoe / Cwm Llwch Loop

This iconic South Wales hike climbs to the highest point in southern Britain, with stunning panoramas across Brecon Beacons and, on crisp days, as far as Snowdonia. Whether you choose the classic horseshoe route or the Cwm Llwch alternative with its glacial lake, it's a stirring adventure.

3. Rhossili Headland, Gower Peninsula

Ranked among Wales's favourite short circular walks, this 3.5-mile route showcases epic coastal views over Rhossili Bay and the dramatic Worm's Head tidal island. It's brief, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.

4. Cwm Idwal Loop, Snowdonia

Discover the icy allure of this glacial corrie with a serene 5 km circuit around Llyn Idwal set in the heart of Snowdonia. Rugged terrain, mythic ambiance, and panoramic mountain views make this a standout for moderate hikers.

5. Llŷn Coastal Path or Llithfaen Circular via Yr Eifl

For coastal hiking with wild rugged charm, explore:

• The Llŷn Coastal Path: a long-distance route (approx. 146 km) with hidden coves, cliffs, and wildlife including dolphins and Atlantic grey seals.

• Llithfaen Circular via Yr Eifl: a moderate-to-difficult 8-mile loop over the Rivals peaks, passing Iron Age hillfort Tre’r Ceiri and offering sweeping views across Cardigan Bay and, on clear days, to Ireland.

Why RidgeMonkey Outdoors Recommends These Trails

• Safety-focused adventure: Each trail ranges from moderate to challenging, making them ideal for well-equipped walkers who appreciate robust terrain and brilliant scenery.

• Varied Welsh landscapes: From mountain summits like Snowdon and Pen y Fan to dramatic coasts and ancient valleys—these walks capture the full breadth of Wales’s natural beauty.

• Accessibility and character: Many are day routes with accessible starting points, while offering cultural or natural highlights—perfect for those camping; staying in RidgeMonkey-equipped bases; or simply wanting memorable outdoor experiences.

• Photogenic potential: Each route is a visual stunner—whether for your brand’s social feed, blog, or user-generated content campaigns.

Get out, explore, and as we like to say at RidgeMonkey—find your freedom.