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Best difficult hikes in Wales
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Best difficult hikes in Wales

Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Wales.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Snowdon by the Pyg and Miner's Tracks from Pen-y-pass

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.7 (95) · 12.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 36 min

2

Difficult

Snowdonia Way - Mountain Trail

Powys, Wales · star 4.6 (62) · 194.7 km · Est. 9 days

3

Difficult

Snowdon by the Llanberis Path

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.7 (90) · 14.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 32 min

4

Difficult

Cadair Idris from Minffordd

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.7 (61) · 9.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 23 min

5

Difficult

Snowdon Ranger Path

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.6 (53) · 12.8 km · Est. 4 hrs 3 min

6

Difficult

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.6 (56) · 13.0 km · Est. 4 hrs 19 min

7

Difficult

Moel Siabod Circuit from Plas y Brenin - Capel Curig

Conwy, Wales · star 4.6 (49) · 10.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 26 min

8

Difficult

Moel Siabod

Conwy, Wales · star 4.5 (60) · 10.8 km · Est. 3 hrs 22 min

9

Difficult

South Stack Lighthouse Walk

Isle of Anglesey, Wales · star 4.4 (37) · 981 m · Est. 19 min

10

Difficult

A Glyderau trio - Glyder Fach - Glyder Fawr and Tryfan

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.6 (45) · 11.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 50 min

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Reviews for difficult hikes in Wales

Chris Crem avatar

Snowdon by the Pyg and Miner's Tracks from Pen-y-pass

Crem · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Hiked with my brothers on 25.06.2025 nice weather to begin with, got to the summit via pyg track and mist, wind and light rain surrounded us so ended up coming down Llanberis. Quite difficult underfoot and some good knees needed lol. loved every second of it.

DRUNK ON WANDERLUST avatar

Snowdonia Way - Mountain Trail

DRUNK ON WANDERLUST · reviewed almost 5 years ago

star star star star star

An awesome route! Definitely my favourite trail to date. It was a certainly a challenge but the stunning scenery made every step worthwhile :) For a full video breakdown check out my YouTube channel - Drunk On Wanderlust

Tom Červenka avatar

Snowdon by the Llanberis Path

Mewtwo · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Adrian Gamble avatar

Cadair Idris from Minffordd

amg61 · reviewed 1 day ago

star star star star star

Mark Davies avatar

Snowdon Ranger Path

Mark Davies · reviewed 11 months ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Wales

What is the climate like for hiking in Wales?

In Wales, winter (December-February) presents colder, wetter conditions and fewer daylight hours, making hiking challenging. The mild spring (March-May) is a fine season for hiking with longer daylight and blossoming landscapes. Summer (June-August) offers the best conditions, while autumn (September-November) offers vibrant foliage. Find weather information here.

Do I need a permit to hike in Wales?

In Wales, public paths and rights of way typically don't require permits for hiking. For access to private lands or protected areas, contact the local authority or Natural Resources Wales. Obtain permits for national parks through their individual websites, like Snowdonia National Park.

Is wild camping allowed in Wales?

Wild camping in Wales is technically illegal without landowner's permission, but is often tolerated in higher fell areas if practiced responsibly. Be discreet, leave no trace, and camp only for a night. Check guidelines from the UK's Countryside Code.

Are there mountain rescue services in Wales?

In case of hiking emergencies in Wales, contact the local Mountain Rescue team via the UK emergency number, 999, then ask for 'Police', then 'Mountain Rescue'. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is the overarching organisation for local teams.

Are there dangerous plants in Wales?

While hiking in Wales, you'll encounter a variety of flora. The countryside blooms with heather, gorse, and bluebells, while the woodlands host a variety of mosses, lichens, and ferns. In Snowdonia, rare plants like the Snowdon lily are a treat. More information at Plantlife.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Wales?

In Wales, hikers may spot red kites, Welsh mountain ponies, and otters. Watch out for midges and ticks in warmer months, and take precautions against Lyme disease. Keep an eye on the skies for peregrine falcons in mountainous areas. For more information, visit RSPB.

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