Walking holidays in Wales

The fact that Wales boasts three national parks is testament to the wealth of natural beauty crammed within its borders. Our Welsh walking holidays focus on two of these protected areas: the Brecon Beacons in the south and Snowdonia in the north, both of which boast their own unique charms.

Which you choose will depend partly on how much walking you wish to do. Despite being an area of lofty peaks, Snowdonia lends itself to quite leisurely walking, with nostalgic railway lines which can whisk you into the hills. For something slightly more demanding, choose the Brecon Beacons, where you can follow towpaths on some days and on others head into the hills for sweeping views.

What time of year you choose for your walking holiday in Wales depends on your priorities. For the warmest temperatures, travel in summer (June to September). However, these are also the busiest months, so if you’d prefer less bustle, you should travel in spring or autumn.

Spring is a wonderful time of year in the Welsh hills, with flowers by the wayside, blossom in the trees, and lambs gambolling in the fields.

Similarly, autumn is also a very attractive time thanks to the turning leaves, which are particularly spectacular along the Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal.

Whatever time of year you are visiting Wales, you should be prepared for wet weather! That means waterproof trousers as well as a rainproof and wind-resistant jacket. Take a variety of thin, polyester or nylon layers for your top half, plus a fleece or a wool jumper for warmth. For your legs, walking trousers are the best option; you could buy some which convert into shorts in case the weather is warm. As for your feet, it’s down to personal preference whether you take boots or specialist walking shoes, but bear in mind that your feet are more likely to stay dry in boots, plus boots have the advantage of providing ankle support.

It is advisable to carry a few first-aid essentials with you, plus plenty of water (especially in warm weather), some high-energy snacks, a whistle, a torch and a compass (make sure you know how to use it!).

The weather in Wales can be changeable, so always check the forecast in the morning before setting out, particularly on days when you are heading into the uplands of Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons, and adapt your plans if need be.

If it’s warm enough for short sleeves, don’t forget to apply plenty of sun cream. Always heed any warnings in the route notes about paths to avoid, and if you are exploring solo and there is a choice of routes, tell the hotelier which one you are intending to take and when you expect to be back.