Our favourite long walks in North Wales

Cadair Idris has breathtaking views across North Wales from its peak – the highest in southern Snowdonia. Park at Dôl Idris car park and take The Pony Path up the mountainside to Llyn y Gader where you can admire the fantastic views of the Mawddach estuary towards Barmouth. Once you get to the ridge you can see inland towards Bala and over the lake. It’s a bit of a scramble to conquer the summit but the handful of higgledy-piggledy steps help. Local folklore describes Idris as a giant who lived on the magnificent mountain, while the large boulders on the lower slopes are the debris from his stone throwing battles.

If you’re a more experienced hiker, avoid the crowds and take an alternative route to the summit of Snowdon via Watkin Path. Park at Bethania Bridge car park and take the path which starts off wide and quite even but eventually becomes rocky and crosses loose scree. You’ll pass close to the stunning cascades of the Afon Cwm Llan – a series of waterfalls with deep, clear pools one after the other. At 12km, it will take around 5-6 hours to complete so take plenty of supplies. There’s a scenic visitor centre at the top – Hafod Eryri – open for refreshments in the warmer months.

One of the best coastal walks in North Wales at 20 miles long, you can make a (very) full day of it or pick a shorter stretch to tackle. The stunning scenery between Aberdaron and Abersoch is a mixture of sandy beaches (including Porth Ceiriad and Porth Neigwl) and inland diversions with towering Snowdonia mountains behind you. If you make it all the way to the bustling seaside resort of Abersoch, you can reward yourself with a well deserved feast in one of its many eateries.

Caer Drewyn is one of the best-preserved Iron Age hill forts in North Wales overlooking the beautiful Vale of Edeyrnion. A four kilometre walk takes you up to the top for stunning views over the Dee Valley and on clear days, a glimpse of Snowdon! The closest car park is at the local swimming pool on the B5437, opposite the bridge over the River Dee, on the road from Corwen (A5) or you can book a glamping break in Bluebell Corner and set off straight from the front door of your Gypsy Caravan.

Conveniently close to the Snowdonia National Park Visitor Centre, Cwn Idwal is an ice-sculpted hollow filled with the crystal clear waters of Llyn Idwal. The rock formations here are world famous and you’ll find rare alpine plants. It’s a relatively short and gentle three-mile trail round the lake with steady inclines and a few steeper sections along rough mountain paths. The large crack in the cliffs at the southern side of Cwm Idwal is known as the Devil’s Kitchen and has a waterfall running through it. It’s definitely the place to stop for a photo opportunity.