Top 10 Free Things to do in Snowdonia National Park, Wales

May 7, 2022 Mollie Coke

Discover the best top things to do in Snowdonia National Park, United Kingdom including Snowdon, Y Garn, Glyderau, Cader Idris, The Mawddach Trail, Harlech Beach, Dinorwic Slate Quarry, Watkin Path, New Precipice Walk, St. Michael's Old Church.
Restaurants in Snowdonia National Park

1. Snowdon

Snowdonia National Park LL55 4UL Wales https://www.snowdonia.gov.wales/addysg-education/primary-education/snowdonia/snowdon
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,629 reviews

Snowdon

The highest mountain in Wales (higher than any in England) at 3,560 feet.

Reviewed By PD280875 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Came here this year instead of the lakes for our annual walking holiday , an amazing area of outstanding beauty , we went up via Crib Goch which was an exhilarating experience (dont look down) , some fantastic views all the way up and some challenging areas to scramble over , plenty of different paths too the top and even a steam train ! would deffo like to do this again

2. Y Garn

Snowdonia National Park Wales
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Y Garn

Reviewed By Penndela123

what a beautiful place.. even in mid-winter. the paths are well maintained and the scenery is amazing well worth a visit

3. Glyderau

Caernarfon, Snowdonia National Park LL57 3LX Wales +44 1248 600954 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carneddau-and-glyderau/
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Glyderau

Reviewed By mrh102018 - Bury, United Kingdom

Sunday 22nd hike. Gorgeous weather. Great views. I did the reverse route and tackled devils kitchen first and the harder scramble up towards Glyder Fawr. Had a wild camp out facing the east facing side of Tryfan... Cold night and quite windy but was worth it for the cloudless night to see the stars and the sunrise was well worth the 5.30 wake up to tackle the return trek. Well worth the hard work

4. Cader Idris

Snowdonia National Park, Dolgellau Wales http://www.snowdonia.gov.wales/visiting/walking/mountain-walks/pony-path-ty-nant
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 503 reviews

Cader Idris

Reviewed By lucyharries_89 - Cardiff, United Kingdom

After reading about the different tracks you can take up to the summit, I decided to opt for the Minffordd path, and I was not disappointed! I managed to get here on the T2 bus from Dolgellau - it drops you off next to Dol Idris Car Park - just ask the driver where to jump off if you're unsure. Once you reach the car park, follow the signs to the start of the track - there is also a little cafe en route if you need any supplies, but don't rely on it too much as it wasn't open on the day that I went! The Minffordd Path itself is relatively easy to follow. After a steep initial ascent (with lot's of steps through a woodland) you reach a split in the path - a little stone bridge going right will take you up the Mynydd Moel path, which is a giant scree slope. The left will continue your journey along the Minffordd path and takes you to Llyn Cau,which is a really pretty lake, and a gorgeous spot to have a chill and recharge before continuing. After you've relaxed a bit, or just stopped for a photo opportunity, continue along the ridge, keeping the lake to your right and prepare for another steep climb towards Craig Cwm Amarch, the first peak you reach (after climbing over a stile). After taking a moment to admire the views, continue along the downward path for about 10-15 minutes and eventually the path will start ascending again - the path is pretty clearly marked until you get to this point, but then it becomes a bit difficult to follow as you begin the ascent as there is a lot of loose rock - just try and keep to the right and you'll eventually reach the trig point! From the top, you can choose to either go back the same way or choose a different descent. For anyone relying on the buses, like me, you can take the Mynydd Moel path back to the Dol Idris car park. Follow the flat ridge on the summit for a good while (it is essentially a circular route around the opposite side of Llyn Cau that you ascended). After a while you reach a stile - cross this and begin your descent down the scree slope. You eventually cross the little stone bridge that you saw on the way up, which then joins the Minffordd Path again for the final part of the descent back to the car park. Be warned, the descent down the Mynydd Moel is really tough on the knees - I thought mine were okay but this mountain proved me wrong! Overall, this was a challenging hike, but I would do it gain. The views never get tiring and, having done Snowdon 2 years previously, this was a far more spectacular walk. It really is not to be missed!

5. The Mawddach Trail

Dolgellau to Barmouth, Snowdonia National Park, Dolgellau Wales +44 1341 422888 http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/Easy-Leisure-Walks/Mawddach-Trail
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 429 reviews

The Mawddach Trail

Reviewed By 533carmelr - Bolton, United Kingdom

Started at Barmouth Beach and walked over the bridge (a train came across at the same time!) It was sunny and such a nice stroll. Bikes overtook us, as did joggers but it didn't matter! We walked from Barmouth to the George 111 pub, and then onto dolleglau. It was about 9 miles so we got the bus back (free on weekends) It's a flat walk and can be done at any pace. I might even try to do a bike next time!!

6. Harlech Beach

Snowdonia National Park, Harlech LL46 2UG Wales
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 592 reviews

Harlech Beach

Reviewed By JSHD2016 - Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

This beach is stunning and the water is quite warm in patches in the summer months. Definitely go and definitley take your golf clubs too because there is a golf course within stones throw of the beach along with camping and the steepest street in the world (according to Guiness World Book of records) just down the road plus castle. Enjoy

7. Dinorwic Slate Quarry

Llanberis, Snowdonia National Park LL55 4TY Wales http://www.penmorfa.com/Slate/dinorwic.html
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 63 reviews

Dinorwic Slate Quarry

Reviewed By 274caroline - Bridgend, United Kingdom

We were lucky enough to have Dinorwig Slate Quarry nearly right on our doorstep when we stayed at Blue Peris for a weeks holiday in September, and there are so many paths to follow , interesting sights to see, and amazing 360* views! Highly recommend a visit 5 Star *+*+*+*+*

8. Watkin Path

Snowdonia National Park Wales http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/mountain-walks/watkin-path
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Watkin Path

Reviewed By furnesscumbria

Beautiful walk from small car park with family and dog well worth a visit to swim and jump into the pools. Luckily we had gorgeous weather but I’m sure it’s well worth the walk at anytime dramatic picturesque place. No toilets but beautiful picnic Place

9. New Precipice Walk

Snowdonia National Park, Dolgellau Wales
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

New Precipice Walk

Reviewed By SJCiren

The New Precipice Walk and the Precipice Walk are two entirely different walks. The New Precipice Walk is not easily accessible for buggies or people with mobility issues. The climb up through the forest from Llyn Tan-y-Graig is beautifully peaceful and the panoramic views at the top over the Mawddach estuary and Cader Idris are simply stunning. It's about 7km - although we got a little lost and added some distance! We went on to find the start of the Precipice Walk and walked around the beautiful reservoir Llyn Cynwch. On a sunny day this would make a perfect picnic spot for those with younger children.

10. St. Michael's Old Church

Ffordd Hen Eglwys, Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AL Wales +44 1492 643526 [email protected] http://www.stmichaelsbyc.org.uk
Excellent
55%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 120 reviews

St. Michael's Old Church

Small 14th century church standing on the banks of the River Conwy. Now redundant, it is in the care of the St Michael's Betws-y-Coed Trust.

Reviewed By 255helenn - Newport, United Kingdom

This is a lovely old church, slightly away from the centre of Betws-y-Coed. There is a fine stone effigy of a knight, and a font that is older than the church building. A recording of choral music adds to the peaceful atmosphere. If you like historic buildings or are looking for a restful retreat for a few minutes, away from the busy streets of Betws-y-Coed, this is well worth a visit.

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