Top 5 Must Do Hikes in North Wales for Breathtaking Views
North Wales is a paradise for hikers, offering rugged mountains, coastal paths, and scenic valleys. Whether you’re looking for a challenging summit or a peaceful walk, this region has something for everyone. Here are five of the best hikes in North Wales that should be on your adventure list.
1. Snowdon (via PYG & Miners’ Track)
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Time: 5–7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
No North Wales hiking list is complete without Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales at 1,085m. The PYG Track offers a rocky, scenic ascent, while the Miners’ Track provides a gentler descent, passing stunning mountain lakes. On a clear day, the summit rewards hikers with breathtaking views across Snowdonia and even as far as Ireland.
Why go? The ultimate North Wales hiking challenge with stunning alpine scenery.
2. Tryfan (via North Ridge)
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Time: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Challenging (scrambling involved)
For those who love adventure, Tryfan is an exhilarating scramble rather than a simple walk. The North Ridge is the most famous route, requiring hands-on rock scrambling all the way to the summit at 917m. At the top, you’ll find the iconic Adam and Eve stones—if you’re brave, you can leap between them for good luck!
Why go? One of the UK’s most exciting scrambles with incredible views of the Ogwen Valley.
3. Cader Idris (via Minffordd Path)
Distance: 6 miles (10 km)
Time: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Cader Idris, located in southern Snowdonia, is a dramatic mountain with a rich legend—some say spending the night here will turn you into a poet or drive you mad! The Minffordd Path is the most scenic route, leading past the stunning Llyn Cau lake before climbing to the summit at 893m.
Why go? A quieter alternative to Snowdon with epic mountain and lake views.
4. Glyder Fach & Glyder Fawr
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging (rocky terrain)
This hike takes you across two of Snowdonia’s most dramatic peaks—Glyder Fach (994m) and Glyder Fawr (1,001m). The landscape is surreal, with jagged rock formations, including the famous Cantilever Stone, which makes for a great photo opportunity. The route starts near Llyn Ogwen and involves steep climbs and boulder-hopping.
Why go? A wild, otherworldly landscape with unforgettable summit views.
5. Aber Falls & Drum Summit
Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
Time: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
For a mix of waterfalls and mountain views, this hike is a must. Start at Aber Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wales, then continue up through scenic moorland to the summit of Drum (771m), where you’ll get stunning coastal views over Anglesey. It’s a great option for those wanting a varied and rewarding hike.
Why go? A mix of waterfalls, mountains, and coastal views in one hike.
Final Thoughts
North Wales is packed with incredible hiking opportunities, from thrilling scrambles to peaceful mountain lakes. Whether you tackle Snowdon or scramble up Tryfan, these hikes will give you a true taste of Wales’ wild beauty.
Which hike will you try first? Let me know if you need more recommendations!