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Best forest hikes in Wales
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Best forest hikes in Wales

Need a nature reset? These forest hikes will immerse you in a sea of greenery.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Wales.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Abercwmeiddaw Slate Quarry

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (2) · 6.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 35 min

2

Difficult

The Moel Hebog Circuit

Gwynedd, Wales · star N/A (0) · 11.5 km · Est. 4 hrs 40 min

3

Medium

Arenig Fawr & Moel Llyfnant

Gwynedd, Wales · star N/A (0) · 16.5 km · Est. 5 hrs 44 min

4

Difficult

Talybont horseshoe circular via Cribyn and Canadian Bomber Crash Site

Powys, Wales · star N/A (0) · 19.5 km · Est. 5 hrs 22 min

5

Medium

Hiraethog Trail

Conwy, Wales · star 5.0 (1) · 68.1 km · Est. 4 days

6

Medium

Grwyne Fawr Reservoir, Waun Fach and Pen Y Gadair Fawr Circular

Monmouthshire, Wales · star 4.5 (2) · 20.1 km · Est. 6 hrs 5 min

7

Medium

Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.0 (1) · 20.2 km · Est. 5 hrs 33 min

8

Medium

Two Lakes

Conwy, Wales · star 4.7 (3) · 9.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 19 min

9

Medium

Crinfynydd Loop

Powys, Wales · star 4.5 (159) · 7.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 1 min

10

Difficult

Plynlimon - Severn Loop

Ceredigion, Wales · star N/A (0) · 17.9 km · Est. 4 hrs 29 min

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Reviews for forest hikes in Wales

Grant Yardley avatar

Abercwmeiddaw Slate Quarry

UKTrekkingYardley · reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for The Moel Hebog Circuit.

No reviews available for Arenig Fawr & Moel Llyfnant.

No reviews available for Talybont horseshoe circular via Cribyn and Canadian Bomber Crash Site.

Jacob Richmond avatar

Hiraethog Trail

Jacob @ Mountain Craft · reviewed 9 months ago

star star star star star

The official verified line for the Hiraethog Trail 70k. This is a serious endurance challenge that requires good navigation skills on all sections. Our August 2025 team set a new (and first - we think!) FKT for the route in 17 hours and 16 minutes. Challengers to the FKT are welcome!

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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