Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks - North

Beneath the dramatic peaks of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), northern Eryri (Snowdonia National Park) unfolds with glacial valleys, tranquil rivers, wooded forests and a wild coastline, offering stunning scenery at every turn. From the Ogwen and Conwy Valleys to the Gwydyr Forest and the Vale of Ffestiniog, this region provides low-level walking opportunities suitable for walkers of all abilities.

Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks – North presents 30 low-level routes, most circular, ranging from 4–22 km (2–14 miles) and taking 1–7 hours to complete. Designed for walkers seeking manageable terrain, the guidebook covers areas including the north coast, lower Conwy Valley, Betws-y-Coed, Gwydyr Forest, Snowdon and the Ogwen Valley, and the Vale of Ffestiniog and the west.

• Each walk includes clear step-by-step route descriptions and 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps to make navigating Snowdonia simple and confident
• Information on terrain, access, and local facilities is provided, such as parking and refreshments, in key locations such as Conwy, Tal-y-bont and Porthmadog
• Discover the rich history, geology and wildlife of northern Snowdonia, from the rivers and valleys of Conwy in spring to the wooded slopes and mountains of the Ogwen Valley in autumn, making every walk a worthwhile experience, no matter the season
• Downloadable GPX files are available as an additional digital navigation option as you walk and explore the Gwydyr Forest, the coast or the mountains
• Part of a two-part volume set, an accompanying guidebook, Snowdonia: Low-level and Easy Walks — South, is also available to extend your Snowdonia adventure

Northern Snowdonia’s diverse landscapes—from coastal paths and wooded valleys to riverside trails and glacial landforms—reveal something new at every turn. With this Cicerone guidebook in hand, walkers can explore the region fully prepared, enjoying the scenery, history and culture of one of Wales’ most iconic national parks.

Seasons

Most of these routes can be walked at any time of year. If there is ice on the ground some of the higher routes should be treated with care.

Centres

Conwy, Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis, Bethesda, Beddgelert, Capel Curig, Porthmadog, Dolwyddelan, Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Difficulty

The routes are easy to moderate; there are all lengths from 1½ hours to a full day out, but all are low-level and nearly all are on clear paths or tracks. There is no grading system, but notes on length, ascent, projected time and terrain are given.

Must See

Valleys - Cwm Idwal, Conwy Valley, Nant Gwynant, Fairy Glen, Vale of Ffestiniog
Waterfalls - Conwy Falls, Aber Falls, Swallow Falls, Pass of Aberglaslyn
Lakes - Llyn Padarn, Llyn Dinas, Llyn Gwynant, Llyn Llydaw, Llyn Crafnant
Historical sites - Neolithic settlements, Iron Age Forts, Dolwyddelan Castle, Dolbadarn Castle, Conwy Castle, copper mines, slate quarries
Other features - Sarn Helen Roman Road, Gelert's Grave, Taliesin's Birthplace, sites from the Mabinogion, River Conwy

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

Introduction

The walks

Landscape

History

Wildlife

When to go

Getting there

Accommodation

What to take

The Countryside Code

Maps and GPS

Understanding Welsh placenames

Safety

Using this guide

The North Coast and Lower Conwy Valley

Walk 1 Conwy Mountain/Mynydd y Dref

Walk 2 The Druid’s Circle/Meini Hirion

Walk 3 Aber Falls/Rhaeadr Fawr

Walk 4 Craig y Dulyn

Walk 5 Trefriw

Betws y Coed and Gwydyr Forest

Walk 6 Gwydyr Forest

Walk 7 The Fairy Glen and Conwy Falls

Walk 8 Pont Gethin

Walk 9 Dolwyddelan

Walk 10 Lledr and Llugwy

Walk 11 Crafnant and Geirionydd

Snowdon and the Ogwen Valley

Walk 12 Capel Curig

Walk 13 Cwm Idwal

Walk 14 Bethesda and Penrhyn

Walk 15 Cwm Pen-Llafar

Walk 16 Moel y Ci

Walk 17 Llanberis and Dolbadarn

Walk 18 Llyn Padarn

Walk 19 The Miners’ Track

Walk 20 Cwm Llan

Walk 21 Beddgelert to Pen-y-Gwryd

The Vale of Ffestiniog and the West

Walk 22 Nanmor and Aberglaslyn

Walk 23 Cwm Croesor

Walk 24 Blaenau Ffestiniog

Walk 25 The Vale of Ffestiniog

Walk 26 Coed Llyn y Garnedd

Walk 27 Coed Felinrhyd

Walk 28 Cwm Pennant

Walk 29 Tremadog

Walk 30 Moel-y-Gest

Appendix AUseful contacts