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Best wildlife hikes in Wales
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Best wildlife hikes in Wales

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Wales.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Clwydian Way

Denbighshire, Wales · star 4.6 (52) · 193.1 km · Est. 11 days

2

Medium

Caerhun to Carmarthen via Wales Coast Path

Conwy, Wales · star 4.6 (41) · 247.4 km · Est. 14 days

3

Medium

Dee Valley Way

Denbighshire, Wales · star 4.6 (40) · 39.8 km · Est. 3 days

4

Medium

Taith Ardudwy Way

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.6 (44) · 36.9 km · Est. 3 days

5

Medium

Torrent Walk - Dolgellau

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.4 (42) · 2.7 km · Est. 42 min

6

Easy

St Govan’s Head

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.5 (41) · 1.8 km · Est. 26 min

7

Medium

Crimpiau - Capel Curig

Conwy, Wales · star 4.5 (43) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 40 min

8

Medium

Llyn Idwal

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.6 (45) · 5.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 26 min

9

Easy

St Davids Airfield

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.5 (53) · 3.9 km · Est. 48 min

10

Easy

The Gann

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.4 (44) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 22 min

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Reviews for wildlife hikes in Wales

Jeremy Weiss avatar

Clwydian Way

Jeremy Weiss · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Dr. Refugio Kovacek avatar

Caerhun to Carmarthen via Wales Coast Path

TrailheadSummitview72 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

David Hitchcock avatar

Dee Valley Way

David · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Dee Valley way is 21 km and can easily be done in a day. The calculation here appears to be for out-and-back.

Estefana Oberbrunner avatar

Taith Ardudwy Way

RoamerMountainlover90 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Dylan Peters avatar

Torrent Walk - Dolgellau

Calmest Place · reviewed 12 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.

Frequently asked questions for hikes 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.

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