Search a hike or location

search
Best wildlife viewing hikes in Wales
Share:

Best wildlife viewing hikes in Wales

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in Wales.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.7 (88) · 285.4 km · Est. 12 days

2

Difficult

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

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

3

Easy

Gower Coast Path

Swansea, Wales · star 4.6 (36) · 77.5 km · Est. 3 days

4

Medium

Clwydian Way

Denbighshire, Wales · star 4.6 (52) · 193.1 km · Est. 8 days

5

Difficult

Nantlle Ridge

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (1) · 13.0 km · Est. 5 hrs 11 min

6

Medium

Torrent Walk - Dolgellau

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.4 (42) · 2.7 km · Est. 42 min

7

Difficult

Welsh 3000s (Precision Traverse)

Gwynedd, Wales · star 5.0 (1) · 45.0 km · Est. 3 days

8

Medium

Crimpiau - Capel Curig

Conwy, Wales · star 4.5 (43) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 40 min

9

Medium

Dee Valley Way

Denbighshire, Wales · star 4.6 (40) · 39.8 km · Est. 2 days

10

Medium

Cnicht from Tanygrisiau

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.5 (34) · 13.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 35 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for wildlife viewing hikes in Wales

simon thompson avatar

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

simon thompson · reviewed 11 months ago

star star star star star

Beautiful trail. Very quiet in October when we go. Very remote in parts so a bit of careful planning required re accommodation and bus times etc. Can be reached by Train for the most part with Stations along the way. Similar to South West Coast Path but with a few less Tough climbs.

Daniel Colquhoun avatar

Snowdon via Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu Path

Dan Colquhoun · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Fantastic route. Slight shame the summit was in cloud and so busy... The South Ridge is stunning!

Afton Hartmann avatar

Gower Coast Path

NomadSeeker30 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Jeremy Weiss avatar

Clwydian Way

Jeremy Weiss · reviewed almost 6 years ago

star star star star star

Jacob Richmond avatar

Nantlle Ridge

Jacob @ Mountain Craft · reviewed 5 months ago

star star star star star

One of the finest ridge walks in Wales, often quieter than most other mountain ranges in Eryri (Snowdonia). This route covers the full traverse including the scramble on Mynydd Drws-y-Coed. Navigation off Mynydd Graig Goch can be tricky in fog, trust the GPX here to find the descent towards Llyn Cwm Dulyn and Nebo. A stunning day out.

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.

More hikes in Wales

by difficulty

by type

by activity