It’s no secret that Wales is a popular hiking destination and has been for a very long time. It’s also home to an ancient language, more castles than you could ever visit and a strong literary history. And lucky for us, there are plenty of options for walking holidays!
We're going to introduce you to:
National Parks of Wales
Wales is a natural paradise and the fact that 20% of the country’s total landmass is protected by national parks shows how much the Welsh people treasure their wild land. There are three national parks and one “almost” national park.
Snowdonia National Park
The most famous of Welsh’s national parks, Snowdonia boasts some impressive mountains and villages that will leave you thinking you woke up in a fairy tale. Summit seekers (or peak baggers) will want to hike up Mt. Snowdon and Cader Idris but there are plenty of easier trails with equally amazing views.
Brecon Beacons National Park
This national park in south Wales has epic waterfalls, wild ponies, castles and ancient ruins. You’ll find yourself believing in Arthurian legends and dragons if you choose to hike here — especially if you stay in Hay-on-Wye, a book lovers paradise.
Pembrokeshire Coast
The oldest national trail in Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast was established in 1970 and covers the shoreline between Amroth and St. Dogmeals. At 187 miles it’s a much easier goal to attain than the much longer Wales Coast Path. It’s also one of the more popular sections due to its well-developed resort towns and gorgeous beaches.
Cambrian Mountains
Almost designated a national park in the 1960s, the Cambrian Mountains are actually more hills than mountains. This remote region between Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons is a hidden gem known for its vast moors, farmland and rural communities.
Trails of Wales
There are a lot of trails to choose from in Wales, much more than we can include here, so we’ve selected the 10 best routes that make good walking holidays (good lodging+support services+multi-day hiking). Most are covered by walking tour operators but some are lesser-known paths that you can DIY.
Beacon’s Way
The official trail of Brecon Beacons National Park, this 98-mile trail combines all the natural wonders this park has to offer. From mountains to waterfalls and sleeping under designated Dark Skies, it’s a strong contender for best walking tour in Wales.
Cambrian Way
This is the Welsh trail for anyone who loves mountains. This 298-mile path connects Conwy to Cardiff, traversing through several mountain ranges. Highlights include popular Mt. Snowdon and Cader Idris but you’ll also hike through the Brecon Beacons and remote Cambrian Mountains. This is the most challenging route on this list, as it requires excellent navigation skills through unmarked sections.
Glyndŵr’s Way
Rebels at heart will appreciate this trail. Named for the last native-born Prince of Wales who led a rebellion against the English, Glyndŵr’s Way is the newest of the three national trails but it is not the newest trail. Glyndŵr’s Way is a loop trail covering 135 miles that lies between Snowdonia National Park and the Shropshire Hills Natural Preserve. With abandoned abbeys, castles, pubs and moorland, you might think you’re in England. This is a great choice for those seeking the less-traveled paths.
Heart of Wales Line Trail
Opened in 2019, this 141-mile trail follows a path between stops along the Heart of Wales railroad line. It provides a link between the following trails: Shropshire Way, Offa’s Dyke, Glyndŵr’s Way, Wye Valley, Cambrian Way, Beacon’s Way, St. Illtyd’s Walk and Wales Coast Path. For hikers who love railroads or who wish to support rural communities, this could be an excellent choice.
North Wales Pilgrim’s Way
Also called the Welsh Camino, this is a 135-mile path that crosses most of the northern section of Wales, from an abbey near Holywell to Bardsey Island off the coast of the Llŷn Peninsula. Not to be confused with the northern section of the Wales Coast Path, this route covers a more inland path and focuses on sites of religious significance. Some sections follow the Coast Path so you’ll still get plenty of coastal views.
Offa’s Dyke Path
Offa’s Dyke follows an 8th century dirt wall built by the English King of Mercia to separate himself from Wales. It follows and crosses the modern border with England several times and runs from Wales’ northern to southern coastline. Besides its important place in history, Offa’s Dyke is full of old market towns and passes through Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. It’s also easier than most of the trails on this list and offers lots of variety.
St. Thomas Way
Located in south Wales between Swansea and Hereford, St. Thomas Way is a heritage trail that feels like a pilgrimage. It follows the path of William Cragh who miraculously returned to life after being hanged by a Norman lord. In gratitude, Cragh walked (noose still intact) to the tomb of St. Thomas of Hereford. If that doesn’t peak your interest, maybe this will: this route doesn’t require any assistance from a walking tour operator. It’s a series of 13 short circular walks which can easily be done with a car and the maps freely provided on the trail’s website.
Three Castles Walk
The shortest path on this list but one that’s popular with walking holiday tour operators. It’s a 19-mile circular route connecting medieval castles through wooded landscapes and lovely Welsh villages. There’s a lot to love about this short walk!
Wales Coast Path
At 870 miles, the Wales Coast Path is a long-distance hiker’s dream trail. It covers the entire coastline of Wales and connects nearly every area of natural beauty that Wales has to offer. If you combine it with Offa’s Dyke, you’ll hike over 1,000 miles and almost cover the whole border of Wales.
Wye Valley Walk
Considered one of the classic walks of Wales, this 136-mile trail follows the River Wye and like Offa’s Dyke it crisscrosses the English-Wales border. Several tour operators cover this route and there are luggage transport services as well for those who wish to DIY.
Walking Tour Operators in Wales
Here are our top picks for best operators offering multi-day walking holidays in Wales. All are either based in or near Wales and have been thoroughly reviewed by Trips to Walkabout.
Anglesey & Wales Walking Holidays
Welsh-owned company based in northern Wales. Founded in 2006 when the Anglesey Coast Path opened, it has since expanded to cover all of Wales. They provide tailored self-guided walking tours along the Wales Coast Path, Offa’s Dyke, North Wales Path, Anglesey, Snowdonia, Glyndŵr’s Way, Wye Valley and a combo that includes Wicklow Way (Ireland). They are our Local Choice for north Wales.
Celtic Trails
Small family-run company based in Wales offering tailored self-guided walking holidays. They were the first to offer self-guided walking holidays in Wales and with 25 years of experience they are our Local Choice for walking holidays in Wales. Their Welsh walking tours cover the Anglesey Coastal Path, Beacon’s Way, Carmarthen Bay, Wales Coast Path, Offa’s Dyke, Glyndŵr’s Way, Three Castles and Wye Valley.
Encounter Walking Holidays
A small UK company based in Cornwall focused on self-guided walking holidays in Wales and the UK’s southwest region. All trips are customized for each client so you won’t find detailed trip itineraries on their site. They cover the coastal routes in Wales.
Further Resources
Long Distance Walkers Association
Excellent resource for long distance trails throughout the UK. It covers the big trails as well as the small and is a great way to find less-traveled paths.
OS Maps
Preferred site in the UK for digital trails maps for walking/hiking/cycling. Created by Ordinance Survey, Great Britain’s national mapping agency. Requires paid subscription for full access.
Ramblers
Use this site to find local hiking clubs, trail info and group hikes in Wales and elsewhere in the UK.
Stay in Wales
Directory of local accommodations in Wales allowing you to book directly with owners. Good local alternative to Airbnb.
Visit Wales
The official tourism site for Wales, best place to start before visiting this beautiful country. Check out their Places to Stay section which has a great collection of accommodations.
We visited Wales briefly in 2022 and it was enough to entice us to return for a longer walking holiday. Read our story about Walking the Llŷn Peninsula.
