Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks - South
From Ffestiniog to the Dyfi, and Bala to the coast
Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks - South
From Ffestiniog to the Dyfi, and Bala to the coast
Guidebook describing low-level and easy walking in Snowdonia, Wales. From 3km to 18km, these routes showcase the region's beautiful scenery and rich history and culture. Part of a 2-volume set, this southern volume includes Trawsfynydd, Bala, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, the Harlech Coast and the valleys of the Mawddach and Dyfi.Discover the quieter landscapes of southern Eryri National Park, where wooded valleys, estuaries and rugged hills create a wide variety of walking terrain away from the highest peaks. From the Rhinogydd mountains and the Mawddach Estuary to the lakes and valleys around Bala and Cadair Idris, this region offers peaceful paths through ancient woodland, coastal landscapes and historic Welsh countryside.
This Cicerone guidebook, Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks – South by Alex Kendall, features 30 day walks across southern Snowdonia. Designed for walkers of all abilities, it provides clear route descriptions, mapping and practical information to help you explore the national park’s landscapes, wildlife and heritage with confidence.
- 30 low-level and easy day walks ranging from 3–19km (2–12 miles) are described, typically taking between 1 and 6 hours, offering flexible options for relaxed outings across southern Eryri National Park
- Each walk includes clear step-by-step route descriptions supported by 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 mapping from Ordnance Survey to help you navigate the valleys, forests and coastlines of southern Snowdonia
- Walks explore diverse landscapes, including the Rhinogydd hills, Mawddach Estuary and valleys around Bala, Dolgellau and Cadair Idris
- Downloadable GPX files are available, allowing easy digital navigation using GPS devices or smartphone apps while exploring woodland paths, lakes and estuary trails across the region
- Practical information highlights terrain, local points of interest, and facilities in key centres such as Harlech, Barmouth and Dolgellau, with insights into the history, geology and wildlife that shape the landscape
Whether you’re seeking gentle valley walks, coastal paths or scenic routes beneath Snowdonia’s dramatic mountains, this guidebook opens the door to some of the most rewarding and accessible walking in Wales. Discover hidden gems and navigate with confidence thanks to expert guidance from outdoor writer Alex Kendall.
Complete the collection with Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks – North to discover even more easy walking routes across Eryri, Wales' most popular National Park.
Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks - South - Quick Facts
Guidebook: Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks – South
Trail area: Southern Snowdonia / Eryri National Park
Location: Gwynedd, Wales
Walk type: Low-level and easy day walks
Number of walks: 30 routes
Distance range: ~3–19 km / 2–12 miles
Typical duration: ~1–6 hours per walk
Route format: Circular day walks (1 route makes use of buses)
Navigation: Step-by-step descriptions with 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping and GPX files
Terrain: Valleys, woodland paths, lakes, estuaries, low hills
Difficulty: Easy – suitable for walkers of all abilities
Highlights: Rhinogydd Hills, Mawddach Estuary, Cadair Idris
Nearby towns and villages: Harlech, Barmouth, Dolgellau
Best season: Suitable for year round walking; winter-walking alternatives to higher routes
Author Highlight
“The Snowdonia area is far more than just the high peaks. Far below the soaring summits are beautiful woodlands, tranquil valleys and rambling paths to thundering waterfalls. And perhaps the most surprising thing for people who have only ventured here to climb Snowdon is that these hills are a coastal mountain range, with miles of sand dunes, unspoilt beaches and cliffs.”
- Alex Kendall, author of Snowdonia: 30 Low-Level and Easy Walks - South
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781852849856
Availability
Published
Published
21 Sept 2020
Edition
First
Pages
168
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.05cm
Weight
210g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device. To access your eBook, you will need an eReader app. For more details, visit the eBook FAQs.
Walk 15 Morfa Mawddach and the Blue Lake
Bala to Dolgellau
Walk 16 Brithdir
Walk 17 Foel Caerynwch
Walk 18 Afon Melau
Walk 19 Llyn Arenig Fawr
Walk 20 Afon Lliw
Walk 21 Gwastadros
Walk 22 Bala Lake/Llyn Tegid
Cadair Idris to the Dyfi
Walk 23 Cwm Cywarch
Walk 24 Castell y Bere
Walk 25 Abergynolwyn
Walk 26 Birds’ Rock
Walk 27 Dolgoch Falls
Walk 28 Cwm Ratgoed
Walk 29 Aberdyfi
Walk 30 Machynlleth
Appendix A Useful contacts
Seasons
Suitable for year round walking. Excellent in summer, but still accessible in winter or poor weather when higher routes are inaccessible.
Centres
Llan Ffestiniog, Trawsfynydd, Y Bala, Harlech, Barmouth, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberdyfi
Difficulty
Easy/moderate routes, mostly low-level and on clear paths. From 3km to 18km, covering valleys, lowlands and small hills. Suitable for walkers of all abilities and the whole family. GPX files available to aid navigation.
Must See
Walking in Snowdonia is more than just Snowdon: sandy beaches; abandoned slate mines; ancient woodlands of Ceunant Cynfal and Coed Aber Artro; cormorants and choughs on Birds' Rock; Tomen y Mur fort; Harlech Castle; Cefn Coch gold mine; Pistyll Cain waterfall; and the first National Trust property
April 2025
Walk 3 Tomen y Mur
The car park at the start has been dug up and it is not possible to park there.
There is room for a couple of cars 50m further on, on the right, but people must be careful not to block tracks or the road.
September 2024
Walk 4 Llyn Trawsfynydd
The bridge across the south part of the lake is closed, which requires extra road walking, and the cafe at the top of the lake is also closed
November 2021
Walk 9 Barmouth
The route has been very firmly closed by the council at llanaber when you turn down by the cemetery to cross the bridge over the railway line as lt is unsafe. You need to carry on along the pavement for a couple of hundred yards before you can turn down a small road signed to seafront to reach the prom.
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