Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Gwynedd, Wales

Skomer Island

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Torrent Walk - Dolgellau

Gwynedd, Wales

Blorenge - Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal - Llanfoist and Govilon

Monmouthshire, Wales

St Govan’s Head

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Crimpiau - Capel Curig

Conwy, Wales

Cnicht from Tanygrisiau

Gwynedd, Wales

Llyn Idwal

Gwynedd, Wales

St Davids Airfield

Pembrokeshire, Wales

The Gann

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Best wildlife hiking trails in Wales

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich trails give you the chance to spot some of the forest’s cutest (or wildest) inhabitants while keeping a respectful distance, of course.

Here are some great trails to explore in Wales.

Most popular trails

Difficult

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (53) · 13.0 km · Est. 4 hrs 19 min

Easy

Skomer Island

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.0 (48) · 6.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 32 min

Medium

Torrent Walk - Dolgellau

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.0 (42) · 2.7 km · Est. 42 min

Medium

Blorenge - Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal - Llanfoist and Govilon

Monmouthshire, Wales · star 4.0 (43) · 13.2 km · Est. 3 hrs 27 min

Easy

St Govan’s Head

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.0 (41) · 1.8 km · Est. 26 min

Medium

Crimpiau - Capel Curig

Conwy, Wales · star 5.0 (42) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 41 min

Medium

Cnicht from Tanygrisiau

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (34) · 13.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 35 min

Medium

Llyn Idwal

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (45) · 5.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 26 min

Easy

St Davids Airfield

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.0 (53) · 3.9 km · Est. 48 min

Easy

The Gann

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.0 (44) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 22 min

Show more hikes

Reviews for wildlife hiking trails in Wales

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Dan Colquhoun · reviewed 8 months ago

star star star star star

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

Skomer Island

SummitWanderer56 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Torrent Walk - Dolgellau

Calmest Place · reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

Pleasant forest walk. Looked like there were a few places for a dip in better weather. Worth doing if you are passing and have an hour or two to spare.

Blorenge - Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal - Llanfoist and Govilon

TrekkerMeadowwalker84 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

St Govan’s Head

WildwoodFootstep35 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Wales

What is the climate like for hiking in Wales?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.