The Best Short Walks in North Wales
From Llyn Idwal and Beaumaris to hidden beaches and forest reserves, discover scenic and accessible walking routes across North Wales for all ages and abilities.
North Wales is one of the best places to go walking anywhere in the world, with its diverse mix of beaches, coastal walks, nearby mountain views, lakes, and forests.
Both Clash of the Titans and Half Light were filmed in Anglesey, taking in the breathtaking scenery and epic skylines, so if it’s good enough for Hollywood then why wouldn’t you want to see this rugged and spectacular place for yourself?
At Birch Stays we’re huge advocates of the local areas and communities that we invite our guests to and part of that is recommending the best places to eat, drink, relax and walk.
We take enormous pride in the welcome we’ve received from the local community and always endeavour to use local suppliers and work with local businesses where we can and have ensured that we always acknowledge and celebrate the heritage and history of the areas we work in.
We host families in our North Wales holiday stays and we’re often asked for the best places to go walking, so we’ve decided to put together our top 5 for you right here.
They’re all recommended by experts and designed to be easy, shorter walks for families and those that prefer a more leisurely stroll around this amazing place, with our specialty in outstanding family holidays.
Llyn Idwal loop – Eryri / Snowdonia National Park
Length: 2.9 miles
Rough time: 90 minutes
Starting point: Ogwen Cottage, Bethesda, LL57 3LZ
Based in the Snowdonia national park, this brisk walk takes in the incredible scenery of the world famous hills.
Starting right next to an easily located car park, the walk takes you through to Ogwen Cottage as the first checkpoint of your walk. From there you’ll walk via Llyn Idwal where you’ll see amazing rock pools and small lakes trapped within the Snowdonia hills.
Elevating higher into the hills you’ll be greeted with stunning views over the valley and the Llyn Idwal lake.
From there you’ll descend through the awe inspiring canyon back to your starting point.
Rhosneigr Circular
Length: 2.2 miles
Rough time: 45 minutes
Starting point: Ffordd Maelog Car Park, LL64 5JL
This circular walk around the beaches of Rhosneigr provides a perfect short walk for groups of all abilities to take in the incredible scenery of the dunes and rock pools of Rhosneigr beach as well as the views of the sea stretching out into the horizon.
Starting at an easily accessible car park to the left immediately past the road bridge on the A4080, it’s a walk that goes via a circuit of Llyn Maelog on easily accessible and well trodden paths, making this a good walk for beginners or youngsters.
From there you’ll pass a small lake and island featuring an abundance of wildlife so it’s worth taking a short break to see what you can spot! From here you’ll follow the rougher terrain past a caravan park and some bracken around the pathway.
You’ll then follow the path to the East around the lake which will then take you to a timber kissing gate. At the end of this path you’ll turn left to reach the T-junction on the A4080.
From this point you’ll follow the pathway until you turn right to walk along Traeth Llydan towards Rhosneigr to reach the river running from Llyn Maelog to the sea and, eventually, back to your starting point.
Church at Cribinau loop from Aberffraw
Length: 4.1 miles
Rough time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Starting point: St Cwyfan’s Church, LL63 5YR
This walk starts from the idyllic and charming St Cwyfan’s Church in Aberffraw and takes you through the winding countryside of Cribinau and along the coastline.
The church can be reached via public transport as there is a bus route that can take you to your starting point and this is a good walk for families and groups who prefer a more relaxed stroll rather than steep elevations and rough walking tracks.
The walk itself is in a loop so it’s more than easy enough to set off from the pretty historic church down to the coast via the well walked paths, along the coastal pathways and around back to the starting point whilst taking in the rugged views and impressive vistas.
Borth Wen Beach loop from Rhoscolyn
Length: 2.6 miles
Rough time: 1 hour
Starting point: Borth Wen, Rhoscolyn, LL65 2NX
This is another walk designed for beginners up to intermediaries, and is a relaxing and scenic walk around the stunning Borth Wen beach, not far from Rhosneigr.
There’s an easily accessible car park to use as your starting point that can be found by taking the A55 Junction 3, then the A5 to Valley and left onto the B4545 signed for Trearddur Bay. Over the Four Mile Bridge you’ll take a left where signed to Rhoscolyn. Continue past the chapel and turn right at the sign for Traeth/Beach.
With relatively level and straightforward accessible paths you needn’t worry about your fitness level as it’s a walk that’s suitable for most abilities. You’ll come out of the car park onto the coastal pathway and then take a left into the green wild fields of Rhoscolyn.
From here you’ll follow the well worn path up and around to your right in a loop towards the coast, where you’re able to follow the coastal path back to your starting point.
It’s also worth noting that the RSPB protected wetlands aren’t far from here and also well worth a visit.
Beaumaris Loop
Length: 1.3 miles
Rough time: 45 minutes
Starting point: Beaumaris, LL58 8RA
This is one of the shorter walks recommended to us for more relaxed groups that prefer scenic and relaxing routes through the Welsh coast.
A short and flat route it takes in the wonderful scenery of the mountains and is close enough to the coast to take in the amazing smells and sounds of the sea.
Starting at an easily accessible car park, you’ll then walk by the nearby castle which dates back to 1295 and has much of the structure still intact for you to explore.
The trail is open all year round and can be enjoyed as a summer stroll across the coastal pathways in the sunshine or as a blustery walk to take in the rugged views and Welsh views.
Designed as an easy to follow loop the pathways are well trodden and easy to see when taking this route which is nearby to local attractions, shops and pubs.
Porth Wen Brickworks Walk
Rough length: 2 miles
Rough time: 90 minutes
Starting point: The Pines, Penmon, Beaumaris, LL58 8RN
One of our favourite walks because it runs straight from the doorstep of The Pines and takes you past the historic Porth Wen Brickworks.
This coastal walk takes about an hour and you’ll need to follow the coastal pathway from The Pines and up and around towards Porth Wen. More specifically, from Anglesey Coastal Path from Cemaes Bay on the North Anglesey coastline. The scenery of the seascape and fresh Welsh coastal air will make you feel fantastic as you traverse the pathways.
Designed for families and groups looking for a more leisurely walk, the Porth Wen Brickworks is a historic site taking in Welsh industrial history and culture. Now out of use, the old factory is waiting to be explored and according to local advice is best viewed at high tide to get a sense of the importance of the works as a working port transporting bricks all around the world from this amazing spot.
Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest, Anglesey
Length: Multiple routes
Rough time: Multiple routes
Starting point: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, LL61 6SG
One of the great treasures of Anglesey, the Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest is a fantastic place for groups of all types to visit for great walking and scenery.
Located on the South West corner of Anglesey, together with Ynys Llanddwyn island it was declared the first coastal National Nature Reserve in Wales in 1955.
The nature reserve features some of the finest sand dunes in the country as well as Pine forests and coastal pools and plenty of places to explore. There’s a number of different walks throughout the reserve which are all clearly marked so you’re able to choose the best route for your group before you try them.
