The best walks and hikes in the Cambrian Mountains

Embark on the Snowdon via Pyg and Miners' Track Loop, a moderate hiking route that takes you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. This 7.7 miles (12.3 km) journey involves a significant ascent of 2245 feet (684 metres), typically completed in about 4 hours and 56 minutes. As you climb the Pyg Track, you'll experience dramatic mountain scenery, with views opening up towards Llanberis Pass and the imposing cliffs of Y Lliwedd. The return via the Miners' Track offers a different perspective, tracing the shores of Llyn Llydaw and Llyn Glaslyn, providing a varied and engaging experience.

Your adventure begins at Pen-y-Pass, a high starting point that helps reduce the overall vertical climb to Snowdon's summit. Be aware that parking here is very limited and often requires advance booking, particularly during busy periods. It's highly recommended to explore public transport options to reach the trailhead, ensuring a smoother start to your hike. Both the Pyg and Miners' Tracks are rated as strenuous by the National Park Authority, so come prepared with a good level of fitness and essential navigation skills for a safe and enjoyable outing.

This popular circular trail offers more than just a summit experience; it's a journey through the rich history of Eryri / Snowdonia National Park. The Miners' Track, in particular, follows the historic routes once used by quarrymen, passing old mining structures and a notable stone causeway across Llyn Llydaw. This blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage makes the route a distinctive way to explore Snowdon's majestic landscape.

Embark on the Pen y Fan and Corn Du Circular Walk, a moderate hike that takes you through the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. As you ascend, you will experience well-trodden upland footpaths that give way to uneven surfaces and steep steps near the summits. This 4.7-mile (7.6 km) route, with an elevation gain of 1491 feet (454 metres), offers a true mountain experience, typically completed in about 2 hours and 43 minutes, surrounded by grassy hills and heather.

Before you set out, remember that weather conditions on these peaks can change quickly; always check the forecast and pack waterproof clothing, a map, and a compass. You can find parking for the Pen y Fan circular walk at the popular Pont ar Daf car park, which serves as a convenient starting point. Be aware that a section of the route might be closed for forestry work between December 2025 and March 2026, so plan your visit accordingly.

This trail is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views from the Pen y Fan and Corn Du summits. On a clear day, you can see far-reaching vistas that include the Black Mountains, the Bristol Channel, and even the distant Cambrian Mountains. The route provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty and expansive landscapes that define this iconic Welsh national park.

Embark on the Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls Walk from Cwm Porth, an easy 4.5-mile (7.3 km) hike through the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park. This route, which takes around 1 hour and 59 minutes to complete, guides you through ancient woodlands, rolling fields, and serene riverside paths, offering 394 feet (120 metres) of elevation gain. You will discover four impressive waterfalls, including the iconic Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk behind the curtain of water. Expect diverse terrain with some muddy and rocky sections, especially near the waterfalls, which add to the adventure.

To begin your journey, head to the Cwm Porth car park, a popular starting point that often provides facilities like toilets. It is wise to arrive early, particularly during peak seasons, as parking spaces can fill up quickly. While the overall trail is rated easy, be prepared for some steep descents and ascents on uneven steps when approaching the waterfalls directly. Sturdy, grippy walking boots are highly recommended for navigating these sections safely, especially after rain.

This trail is a highlight of "Waterfall Country," an area known for having one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in Wales. Beyond the four main cascades, you will encounter lush woodlands, hidden plunge pools, and smaller cascades, creating a tranquil atmosphere. For the adventurous, there are opportunities for wild swimming in some of the plunge pools along the route, adding a unique element to your hiking experience.

The Cadair Idris loop on the Minffordd path offers a challenging hike, covering 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2776 feet (846 metres). You can expect to spend around 5 hours and 8 minutes on this difficult route. It begins with a steep climb through the wooded gorge of Nant Cadair, where you will see impressive waterfalls. The path then opens up, circling the dramatic glacial lake of Llyn Cau, nestled beneath towering cliffs. As you ascend towards the summit, Penygadair, you'll get glimpses of the peak and eventually be rewarded with panoramic views across southern Snowdonia and the coast.

This difficult route requires a good level of fitness due to its consistent steepness. While the path is generally easy to follow, some sections are very steep and can be tricky, with loose rocks underfoot. Be prepared for a demanding hike, and note that navigation skills are essential for certain parts of the trail. Always check local conditions before you go.

The Minffordd path is celebrated as one of the most picturesque routes up Cadair Idris, offering diverse landscapes from ancient woodlands to expansive mountain vistas. Cadair Idris, meaning "Idris's Chair," is steeped in Welsh mythology; legends say anyone spending a night on the peak will wake up a poet or a "madman." This trail also provides a less crowded experience compared to other peaks in northern Snowdonia, making its challenging ascent even more rewarding.

Embark on a challenging 15.5-mile (25.0 km) hike through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, tackling the iconic peaks of Pen y Fan, Cribyn, and Fan y Big. This difficult route involves a significant 3658 feet (1115 metres) of elevation gain, with rocky paths and multiple steep climbs and descents, including the famous "Jacob's Ladder." You will experience dramatic panoramic views from the summits, especially from Cribyn, looking out towards Pen y Fan's steep eastern flank and the distant Bristol Channel on clear days. The distinctive "diving board" at Fan y Big offers a memorable photo opportunity.

This loop typically takes around 8 hours and 16 minutes to complete, requiring very good fitness and sure-footedness. The trail starts from Storey Arms, a well-known access point for the central Brecon Beacons. Be prepared for varied terrain that can be muddy after rain, and ensure you wear sturdy shoes. While the main path to Pen y Fan can be busy, extending your hike to include Cribyn and Fan y Big often provides a less crowded experience on these sections.

The Pen y Fan, Cribyn & Fan y Big loop is a classic component of the

The Pen y Fan Horseshoe Ridge offers a challenging and rewarding hike through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. This classic circular route covers 11.5 miles (18.5 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2370 feet (722 metres), typically taking around 5 hours and 55 minutes to complete. You will traverse well-worn mountain trails, rocky sections, and grassy ridges, encountering numerous steep ascents and descents, including pitched stone staircases. From the summits of Corn Du, Pen y Fan, and Cribyn, you can enjoy magnificent 360-degree views across the Brecon Beacons and towards the Neuadd Reservoirs below.

Rated as difficult, this route demands good fitness and sturdy footwear. The trail can be a mixture of mud, rock, and stony paths, with some sections becoming boggy, especially in winter. The ridge sections are exposed, so be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather and potential wind. Starting your hike early is often recommended to secure parking and experience quieter sections of this popular trail.

This route is celebrated as one of the best ridge walks in southern Britain, forming a distinctive U-shape around the Taf Fechan glacial valley. It includes Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, along with Corn Du and Cribyn, all featuring Bronze Age burial cairns. The challenging conditions and varied terrain also make it a famous training ground, notably used by UK Special Forces for their selection process.

Embark on the Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls main route from Gwaun Hepste, a moderate hike spanning 4.9 miles (8.0 km) with an elevation gain of 611 feet (186 metres), typically taking 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete. This circular trail immerses you in picturesque woodlands and ancient oak forests, following the banks of rivers like the Mellte and Hepste. While the main path is generally wide and stone-surfaced, the optional descents to the waterfalls are considerably more challenging, involving steep steps and potentially slippery, muddy terrain. You will discover a serene riverside setting with moss-covered rocks, leading to the highlight of Sgwd yr Eira, where you can walk directly behind the curtain of falling water.

Planning your visit requires good fitness and sure-footedness, especially if you intend to explore the paths leading directly to the waterfalls. These sections feature narrow, unsurfaced, and steep descents, numerous steps, and loose ground, sometimes requiring rock scrambling. Be aware that the humidity in the gorge can make paths persistently muddy and extremely slippery, particularly after rain, with limestone rocks near the water becoming slick. Proper walking boots are essential for navigating this varied and sometimes demanding terrain, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience.

This route is renowned for its four spectacular waterfalls: Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, and the famous Sgwd yr Eira. Each waterfall offers a distinct perspective and awe-inspiring cascades, showcasing the wild character of Waterfall Country within the Brecon Beacons National Park, now known as Bannau Brycheiniog. The descent to Sgwd yr Eira, involving around 170 steep steps, is particularly taxing but offers a truly unique and memorable experience, making the effort well worthwhile for its natural beauty.

Embark on the Waun Fach loop via the Dragon's Back for a memorable hike through the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park. This moderate route covers 6.7 miles (10.8 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1815 feet (553 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 41 minutes to complete. You will traverse rugged landscapes, including gravel paths, worn tracks, and grassy ridgelines, leading you to the distinctive Dragon's Back with its humps and bluffs. As you ascend towards Waun Fach, the terrain shifts to moorland, which can be boggy after rain, but rewards you with expansive 360-degree panoramic views that stretch across southern Wales and even include Pen y Fan in the distance.

To plan your visit, the trail commonly starts from the village of Pengenffordd. Many hikers utilize the car park located at the Dinas Castle Inn, which provides convenient access to the trailhead. You have the option to tackle the Dragon's Back either on your ascent or descent; some prefer to reach Waun Fach first via a track in a side valley for a gentler climb, then descend the exciting

Embark on a difficult 8.2-mile (13.3 km) loop up Snowdon via the Watkin Path, starting from Nant Gwynant. This route offers a significant challenge with 3212 feet (979 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 21 minutes to complete. You will begin by winding through ancient woodlands and past the Rhaeadrau Waterfalls, before the path opens up to reveal impressive mountain views and eventually leads to a tough uphill scree climb towards the summit, offering vistas of Snowdon's South Ridge and Yr Aran.

Planning your hike requires good fitness, sturdy shoes, and sure-footedness, especially for the upper sections where the terrain becomes loose, rocky, and very steep. The path starts at a low elevation, giving it the greatest total ascent of all Snowdon routes. In winter, this challenging part demands extreme care and appropriate equipment like micro-spikes or crampons, as the path can lose definition and navigation becomes difficult in poor weather.

The Watkin Path holds historical importance as Britain's first designated footpath, opened in 1892 by Prime Minister William Gladstone, whose speech from Gladstone Rock is a notable detail along the way. This trail is often quieter than other routes, providing a more serene experience, and offers a greater variety of natural scenery, from woodlands to open mountain. You will also pass Bwlch y Saethau, a pass steeped in legend, believed to be where King Arthur fought his treacherous son Mordred.