Walking Guide to Eryri (Snowdonia)

Gentle wanders, big hikes & places to cool off – your guide to the best of Eryri (Snowdonia)

Snowdonia (Eryri) is made for walking. Whether that means a slow wander to a waterfall, a lakeside loop with plenty of stops, or a full mountain day that leaves you happily tired. This guide brings together some of our favourite Snowdonia walks and hikes, covering all abilities and corners of the national park.

Staying nearby makes all the difference. Base yourself in one of our Snowdonia Shacks and you can start early, dodge the crowds, and end the day somewhere warm, quiet, and completely your own.

We’ve grouped these walks by pace, not pressure. Pick what fits the day.

The Slower Paths in Snowdonia

Easy walks with space to breathe, wander and linger

Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr)

If you want a walk that delivers quickly (and dramatically), Aber Falls is hard to beat. This is Snowdonia at its most generous — great paths, surrounded by nature, and a waterfall you can hear long before you see it.

• Area: Near Abergwyngregyn, North Snowdonia
• Distance & difficulty: 4km return | Easy
• Why go: One of the tallest waterfalls in Wales, with minimal effort
• Parking: Aber Falls car park (pay & display)
• Good to know: Mostly accessible paths. Days following heavy rain fall make the falls even more impressive
• Find the details for this walk here.

Llyn Idwal Circular Walk (4km loop)

This is a walk that feels quietly epic. Llyn Idwal sits low in the Ogwen Valley, surrounded by towering rock faces – all the drama, without much exertion at all. Visiting with children or want a slightly shorter walk? Adventure to the lake and back which will take you approximately 1 hour 30 with enough time for a coupe of stops.

• Area: Ogwen Valley
• Distance & difficulty: 5km loop | Easy–moderate
• Why go: A classic Snowdonia lakeside walk with huge scenery
• Parking: Ogwen Cottage car park
• Good to know: Popular at peak times; early mornings are calmer
• Find details for the Llyn Idwal Circular here.

Beddgelert & Llyn Dinas Circular Walk

Gentle, scenic, and deeply calming. This circular walk weaves riverside paths, woodland stretches, and the still waters of Llyn Dinas, finishing in one of Snowdonia’s prettiest villages. Worked up an appetite? we recommend stopping at Caffi Colwyn, a dog friendly riverside tearoom which you’ll find on the way to the famous Gelert’s grave.

• Area: South Snowdonia
• Distance & difficulty: 6km | Easy–moderate
• Why go: River views, forest paths, and learn about a famous hound named Gelert who was buried there
• Parking: Beddgelert village car parks
• Good to know: Read the story about Gelert here
• Find details for the Beddgelert & Llyn Dinas walk here.

Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol)

Swallow Falls is a must if you’re near or passing Betws-y-Coed and want maximum impact with minimal walking. After, head into the town itself which is full of lovely tearooms, outdoor/adventure shops and plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by.

• Area: Betws-y-Coed
• Distance & difficulty: Short walk with steps | Easy
• Why go: One of Snowdonia’s most powerful waterfalls
• Parking: Swallow Falls car park (pay & display)
• Good to know: Slippery steps – take care after rain
• Find our more about Swallow Falls here

Snowdonia Hikes for Avid Walkers

Longer routes, bigger climbs, unforgettable views

Important Safety Note

For harder walks and mountain routes, please only set out with proper footwear and suitable equipment, including a map. Always check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared to turn back if conditions change.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon): Pyg Track up, Miners’ Track down

A Snowdon route that balances challenge with beauty. The Pyg Track feels purposeful and wild on the ascent, while the Miners’ Track softens the way down with lakes and wide-open views.

• Area: Central Snowdonia
• Distance & difficulty: 11km | Hard
• Why go: A classic Snowdon hike with varied terrain
• Parking: Pen-y-Pass car park (pre-booking recommended)
• Good to know: Start early for quieter paths
• Read this guide on The Six Walking Routed To The Summit Of Snowdon

Cader Idris

At 893m(2,930ft), Cader (or Cadair) Idris is one of the highest mountains in Eryri (Snodoniw). It feels more remote than its popularity suggests, and its unique shape can be seen for miles around.

• Area: Southern Snowdonia
• Distance & difficulty: 10km | Hard
• Why go: Dramatic scenery and a true mountain feel
• Parking: Minffordd car park
• Good to know: Rough ground and steep ascents – not suitable for those who don’t like heights.
• Check out a couple of routes up Cader Idris here.

The Glyderau

The Glyderau (Glyders) is a shorter walk than Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) but much more difficult. Expect rocky paths, strange shapes, and views that feel earned rather than given.

• Area: Ogwen Valley
• Distance & difficulty: Variable | Hard
• Why go: Wild landscapes and fewer crowds
• Parking: Ogwen Cottage car park
• Good to know: Navigation skills needed in poor weather
• Take a look at organising a guided hike here.

Explore our off-grid cabins in Snowdonia

Tucked into the wild beauty of Snowdonia (Eryri), North Wales, our off-grid shacks are a place to take things at your own pace. Life here moves with the mountains – wander when you feel like it, pause when you don’t. Thoughtfully designed, quietly comfortable and happily untethered, each stay will leave you feeling grounded and ready to take on the world again (if you want to).
Choose your Shack here.