North Wales is one of the most popular walking destinations in the UK!
On offer are mountain peaks, lush valleys, waterfalls, echoes of the area’s industrial past and views of the coast from high ground.
Many of the well known paths and routes - especially up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself - can become very busy.
So here are some less popular but no less rewarding alternative walks and hidden gems that we have enjoyed ourselves and recommend!
All are not far from us at Crafnant House, our B&B in the village of Trefriw.
The Pathfinder Guides series of books gives detailed instructions for these walks, and Ordnance Survey maps are also useful - we have copies at Crafnant House you can borrow!
Planning a North Wales walking holiday?
Book our B&B in Eryri | Snowdonia here!
The best alternative walks in North Wales!
Walk 1
The Lledr valley, near Dolwyddelan
(6 miles / 9.4 km)
This route begins at Dolwyddelan Station (between Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog) and heads east, initially providing a succession of outstanding views of the surrounding mountains - notably Moel Siabod.
It continues in attractive woodland and after approximately three miles you head back west towards Dolwyddelan for a wonderful river walk.
This section takes you past the Lledr gorge before continuing through the lush meadows which border the Afon (river) Lledr back to the start.
The trail is a mix of bridleways, footpaths and quiet lanes.
Parking :
At Dolwyddelan railway station
Refreshments :
Small grocery store in Dolwyddelan, or en route at Plas Penaeldroch Manor cafe (NB. temporarily closed), east of Pont-y-Pant station on south side of Afon Lledr / A470
Walk 2
Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant, Trefriw
(8 miles / 13 km)
On their eastern side, the Carneddau mountains drop steeply to the broad Conwy valley and a number of reservoirs have been cut into their flanks.
They blend in so well though with their surroundings that it is difficult to tell them apart from natural lakes!
This walk is an excellent and popular option from the door of our B&B in Trefriw.
The route first takes you up from the village through woodland after which you reach Llyn Geirionydd.
At the end of the lake you head up and over the top to Llyn Crafnant, giving you stunning views of both the mountains of Eryri | Snowdonia and the Conwy valley, before the descent back to Trefriw.
If it is a fine day Llyn Gerionydd offers you the opportunity of excellent wild swimming!
Parking :
On Gowers Road opposite the woollen mill in Trefriw
Refreshments :
En route at the Llyn Crafnant Lakeside Cafe (weekends only in the summer)
Trefriw has a cafe, pubs and our excellent butcher / grocer opposite Crafnant House for packed lunch supplies!
Walk 3
Moelfre, Din Lligwy & Yr Arwydd, Anglesey
(10 miles / 16km)
This lengthy but fairly flat walk on the east coast of Anglesey is mostly along quiet lanes, field and coastal paths.
Starting in the pretty traditional fishing village of Moelfre it also takes in Anglesey’s highest point.
Along the way it includes a series of ancient and medieval historic sites and a wide variety of scenery including woodland, moorland, magnificent coastline and the broad sandy beach at Lligwy.
After Lligwy beach the route hugs the Angelsey coastal path back to Moelfre.
It is one of our favourite walks in North Wales - highly recommended!
Parking :
In Moelfre (public car park at the toilets signposted in village)
Refreshments :
En route at Lligwy beach cafe; also Ann’s Pantry and pubs in Moelfre
Walk 4
Beddgelert, Aberglaslyn Gorge and Cwm Bychan
(5.5 miles / 9 km)
This beautiful and varied walk is a loop through a majestic landscape which offers views of the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) mountain range, glimpses of the coast near Porthmadog and takes in the remains of the old copper mine workings of Sygun and Cwm Bychan mines.
As much of the route goes through National Trust land they have a useful map and guide here ⮕
We recommend starting at Llyn Dinas though instead of Beddgelert - this gets the steepest climb out of the way first and you can have lunch in Beddgelert just over half-way!
It starts steeply but before long flattens out and offers a wide variety of scenery including lakes, bogs, rugged upland and the powerful Glaslyn river.
The latter section is a path hugging the river through the Aberglaslyn gorge and is by far one of the best river walks in North Wales!
There is then a visit to the pretty village of Beddgelert, home of the legend of Gelert, Prince Llewelyn’s loyal dog, before you return to Llyn Dinas.
Parking :
In Beddgelert, or in large lay-by on A498 by Llyn Dinas
Refreshments :
En route in Beddgelert, including Glaslyn Ices and The Real Coffee Stop
Caffi Gwynant at Nant Gwynant on A498
Walk 5
Tanygrisiau and Rhosydd
(5.5 miles / 8.6 km)
This route starts in Tanygrisiau near Blaenau Ffestiniog and offers a fascinating glimpse into North Wales’ industrial heritage of slate quarrying.
The walk starts at Cwmorthin Waterfall and first takes in the ruined quarry and village of Rhosydd with its tumbledown buildings echoing strongly of the past.
Throughout, the landscape is inspiring and rugged with views of familiar mountains from unusual perspectives and the walk ends by taking you between the twin peaks of Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach.
We describe it as a “mini greatest hits of North Wales” as it has the lot - slate, mountain views, rivers, waterfalls and lakes!
This is now firmly one of our favourite walks - we do it regularly!
Parking :
On the outskirts of Tanygrisiau, west of the bridge over the stream from Llyn Cwmorthin (GPS SH 683 452)
Refreshments :
At the Lakeside Cafe at Tanygrisiau reservoir (close by but not on the walk itself)
Walk 6
Grey Mare’s tail waterfall, near Llanrwst
(5.5 miles / 9 km)
Another walk that can be done from the door of Crafnant House, this first starts up through woodland, then takes in two waterfalls, the second of which - the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall - is a bit of a well kept hidden secret!
The beautiful Grey Mare’s Tail is a stunning double waterfall - quite well hidden! - and after passing that there are views north and south along the Conwy river.
The route then meanders down into the valley and follows the river past Llanrwst through open fields, right on the edge of Snowdonia national park.
(This walk can easily be extended by following the forest path to Betws-y-Coed rather than turning towards Llanrwst after Gwydir chapel; there are train / bus services back to Llanrwst / Trefriw)
Parking :
On Gowers Road opposite the woollen mill in Trefriw
Refreshments :
Cafe and pubs in Trefriw, and cafes in Llanrwst - we love The Old Tannery!
The spectacular Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall near Llanrwst
Walk 7
Conwy Mountain and Sychnant Pass
(6.5 miles /10 km)
The breezy, gorse- and bracken-covered slopes of Conwy Mountain (not that high at only 809 feet!) offer easy access from one of the most delightful and historic towns in Wales.
Once above the town and over the mountain you will be at the head of the Sychnant Pass.
There are clear paths throughout and it is relatively easy climbing.
As a reward you will get magnificent panoramic views both inland towards the castle, and of the coast of North Wales from Anglesey in the west towards Rhyl in the east (and on a clear day, as far as Liverpool!)
Parking :
Pay and display car parks in Conwy town centre
Refreshments :
Numerous cafes in Conwy - we recommend L’s Coffee and Books
Walk 8
The Great Orme, Llandudno
(up to 6.6 miles /10.7 km)
The Great Orme is the headland that dominates over the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno.
There are several walking routes around the Orme, many of which take in flora and fauna unique to this designated country park.
You can also take in historic sites including ancient quarries and religious buildings - there has been human activity on the Great Orme since the Stone Age.
Despite the proximity of the busy town of Llandudno you can soon get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy quiet paths and stunning coastal views!
Conwy County Borough Council has produced a comprehensive range of guides and maps for walks of varying lengths and gradients to suit all ages and abilities.
See the guides and maps here ⮕
All routes offer superb views east and west along the coast as well as the chance to learn more about this archeologically and environmentally significant area.
Parking :
In Llandudno town centre, or at West Shore beach
Refreshments :
On the Great Orme at the Summit Complex
Lots of pubs and cafes in Llandudno - we like Providero and the West Shore Beach Cafe
Crafnant House is our bed and breakfast in the village of Trefriw, Eryri | Snowdonia.
Our Victorian home has five guest bedrooms decorated in a modern style, and a delicious breakfast is served each morning in our dining room.
We look forward to welcoming you to North Wales soon!
Are you planning you holiday in North Wales in 2024 and thinking about climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)?
At 3560 ft (1,085 m) high it is a justifiably popular outdoor activity and can be both a real adventure and an exhilarating day out with breathtaking views, especially if you get a ‘cloud-free’ summit!
We get lots of guests staying at our accommodation - Crafnant House, our B&B in the village of Trefriw - who come to climb ‘Yr Wyddfa’ (the Welsh name for it) - the highest mountain in Wales and England.
As experienced walkers we’ve hopefully included everything you need to know about the the different paths up and down and our honest opinions on the best and most scenic routes!