Best lake hiking trails in Wales
Share:

Best lake hiking trails in Wales

Want a trail where the views are as smooth as the water’s surface? These lake-side paths will have you reflecting on nature’s beauty—literally—while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors.

Here are some great trails to explore in Wales.

Most popular trails

1

Difficult

Snowdon by the Pyg and Miner's Tracks from Pen-y-pass

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (70) · 12.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 36 min

2

Medium

Fisherman's Path and Cwm Bychan

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (38) · 9.8 km · Est. 2 hrs 32 min

3

Difficult

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (51) · 13.0 km · Est. 4 hrs 19 min

4

Extra Difficult

Tryfan by the North Ridge from Ogwen Valley

Conwy, Wales · star 4.0 (48) · 3.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 41 min

5

Difficult

A Glyderau trio - Glyder Fach - Glyder Fawr and Tryfan

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (45) · 11.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 50 min

6

Medium

Keeper's Pond and Blorenge

Monmouthshire, Wales · star 4.0 (29) · 12.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 4 min

7

Medium

The Black Mountain - Brecon Beacons

Carmarthenshire, Wales · star 5.0 (55) · 12.3 km · Est. 3 hrs 30 min

8

Difficult

The Snowdon Horseshoe

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (46) · 11.8 km · Est. 3 hrs 56 min

9

Difficult

Tryfan and Llyn Ogwen from The Ogwen Valley

Conwy, Wales · star 5.0 (41) · 8.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 38 min

10

Easy

Bala Lake River and Town

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (39) · 3.5 km · Est. 42 min

SHOW MORE TRAILS

Reviews for lake hiking trails in Wales

Charlotte rae avatar

Snowdon by the Pyg and Miner's Tracks from Pen-y-pass

Charlotte · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Amina Larson avatar

Fisherman's Path and Cwm Bychan

TimberBasecamper42 · reviewed 7 months ago

star star star star star

Daniel Colquhoun avatar

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Dan Colquhoun · reviewed 2 months ago

star star star star star

Fantastic route. Slight shame the summit was in cloud and so busy... The South Ridge is stunning!

nkpearce avatar

Tryfan by the North Ridge from Ogwen Valley

Stuntnugget · reviewed 11 months ago

star star star star star

avatar

A Glyderau trio - Glyder Fach - Glyder Fawr and Tryfan

RoverScout95 · reviewed 7 days ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Wales

What is the climate like for hiking in Wales?

In Wales, winter (December-February) presents colder, wetter conditions and fewer daylight hours, making hiking challenging. The mild spring (March-May) is a fine season for hiking with longer daylight and blossoming landscapes. Summer (June-August) offers the best conditions, while autumn (September-November) offers vibrant foliage. Find weather information here.

Do I need a permit to hike in Wales?

In Wales, public paths and rights of way typically don't require permits for hiking. For access to private lands or protected areas, contact the local authority or Natural Resources Wales. Obtain permits for national parks through their individual websites, like Snowdonia National Park.

Is wild camping allowed in Wales?

Wild camping in Wales is technically illegal without landowner's permission, but is often tolerated in higher fell areas if practiced responsibly. Be discreet, leave no trace, and camp only for a night. Check guidelines from the UK's Countryside Code.

Are there mountain rescue services in Wales?

In case of hiking emergencies in Wales, contact the local Mountain Rescue team via the UK emergency number, 999, then ask for 'Police', then 'Mountain Rescue'. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is the overarching organisation for local teams.

Are there dangerous plants in Wales?

While hiking in Wales, you'll encounter a variety of flora. The countryside blooms with heather, gorse, and bluebells, while the woodlands host a variety of mosses, lichens, and ferns. In Snowdonia, rare plants like the Snowdon lily are a treat. More information at Plantlife.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Wales?

In Wales, hikers may spot red kites, Welsh mountain ponies, and otters. Watch out for midges and ticks in warmer months, and take precautions against Lyme disease. Keep an eye on the skies for peregrine falcons in mountainous areas. For more information, visit RSPB.

Related articles

Peak-Bagging in the Snowdonia National Park picture
about 3 years

Peak-Bagging in the Snowdonia National Park

Snowdon Summit Circuit via Watkin and Rhyd Ddu Path picture
over 3 years

Snowdon Summit Circuit via Watkin and Rhyd Ddu Path

More trails in Wales

by difficulty

by type

by activity