12 Best Walks in Snowdonia (2025)

Cwm Idwal Circular

Short, stunning, and life-changing. The walk that converts people to Snowdonia.

Under 5km, mostly flat, yet delivers scenery that rivals anything in the Alps. The glacial amphitheatre of Cwm Idwal with its dark lake, towering cliffs, and the dramatic gash of Devil's Kitchen is genuinely awe-inspiring. It's the walk that Charles Darwin raved about. Perfect for families, wheelchair users on the first section, and anyone who wants Snowdonia's drama without Snowdonia's exertion.

Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr)

Wales's most dramatic waterfall, accessible to almost everyone.

A 37-metre waterfall at the end of a flat, well-surfaced 2km track through meadows. That's an absurdly good return on investment. After rain, Aber Falls is genuinely thundering — you can feel the spray from 50 metres away. The approach through the Coedydd Aber nature reserve is beautiful in its own right, with ancient oaks and possible red kite sightings.

Llyn Crafnant & Llyn Geirionydd

Two lakes, ancient forest, and barely a soul around. The secret Snowdonia.

This circuit linking two gorgeous lakes through conifer and broadleaf woodland is the walk that local Snowdonia residents actually do on their days off. Llyn Crafnant is achingly pretty — often mirror-still — and the connecting path through the forest to Llyn Geirionydd is varied and interesting. You'll see fly fishers, red squirrels if you're lucky, and almost no tourists.

Snowdon via the Watkin Path

The toughest route up Snowdon — and arguably the most rewarding.

If the Llanberis Path is Snowdon on easy mode, the Watkin Path is the final boss. It starts gently through lovely woodland, passes old copper mine ruins and the Gladstone Rock, then turns brutal with a steep scree scramble to the summit. It's the most scenic approach to Snowdon and far less crowded than the north-side paths. The Nant Gwynant valley setting is stunning.

Beddgelert Forest & Llyn Dinas

Fairy-tale woodland, a legendary lake, and the prettiest village in Snowdonia.

Beddgelert is impossibly pretty — a stone village at the meeting of two rivers with a legendary grave (of Gelert the faithful hound). This walk extends into the surrounding forest and along Llyn Dinas, a lake that legend says hides Merlin's treasure. The combination of village, forest, riverside, and lakeside walking makes it wonderfully varied. Perfect for a half-day with a pub lunch in the middle.

Torrent Walk (Llwybr y Torrennydd)

An enchanted riverside walk through ancient woodland near Dolgellau.

The Torrent Walk follows the Afon Clywedog through a narrow, ancient oak gorge near Dolgellau. The path clings to the hillside above the river, which crashes over rocks below. It's deeply atmospheric — all moss-covered boulders, dappled light, and the constant roar of water. Short enough for anyone, beautiful enough for everyone. A genuine hidden gem that even many Welsh people haven't discovered.

Moel Siabod from Capel Curig

The best 360° viewpoint in Snowdonia — see every major peak from one summit.

Moel Siabod's central position means its summit delivers the best panoramic view in the whole park. Snowdon, the Glyderau, the Carneddau, Moel Hebog — they're all laid out before you. The walk from Capel Curig is a satisfying half-day with varied terrain. Not as intimidating as the bigger peaks but still feels like a proper mountain day.

Precipice Walk (Llwybr Cynwch)

Don't let the name scare you — this gentle circuit has the most dramatic views for the least effort.

Despite its alarming name, the Precipice Walk is a gentle, nearly flat circuit around Foel Cynwch near Dolgellau. The views are outrageous — the Mawddach estuary, Cadair Idris, Coed y Brenin forest, and the coast at Barmouth. All from a path that barely gains any height. It's the best walk in Snowdonia for people who don't want to climb but still want jaw-dropping scenery.

Swallow Falls & Miners' Bridge Circuit

Betws-y-Coed's greatest hits — waterfalls, gorges, and a historic miners' bridge.

This circuit from Betws-y-Coed combines Snowdonia's most famous waterfall (Swallow Falls) with the atmospheric Miners' Bridge over the River Llugwy. The riverside walking is gorgeous year-round, and the falls are impressive even in dry weather. It's the perfect walk to pair with exploring Betws-y-Coed's shops, cafés, and outdoor gear stores.

Y Garn from Ogwen

A proper mountain summit that's achievable for strong walkers — no scrambling required.

Y Garn gives you one of Snowdonia's best summit experiences without requiring scrambling skills. The views down to Llyn Idwal and across to Tryfan are stunning, and the broad ridge makes navigation straightforward. It's the mountain we recommend when people say 'I've done Snowdon, what's next?' — a step up in seriousness without the intimidation of Crib Goch or Tryfan.

Lôn Gwyrfai (Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu)

A flat, riverside walk with Snowdon towering overhead. Zero effort, maximum views.

This gentle walk follows the old railway line between Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu along the River Gwyrfai. It's flat, easy, and delivers constant views of Snowdon's south face — arguably the mountain's most dramatic aspect. The Welsh Highland Railway runs alongside, so you can walk one way and catch the train back. Ideal for families or anyone who wants to admire Snowdon without climbing it.

Barmouth Bridge & Mawddach Estuary

Cross Wales's most beautiful railway bridge, then walk an estuary trail with Cadair Idris as your backdrop.

The half-mile wooden railway bridge at Barmouth is one of Wales's most iconic structures. Cross it (£1 toll for pedestrians), then walk the Mawddach Trail — a flat, traffic-free path along the estuary towards Dolgellau. The combination of bridge, estuary, mountain backdrop (Cadair Idris), and birdlife is wonderful. Walk as far as you like and turn back, or go the full 15km to Dolgellau.