The uplands of Wales are a remote, rugged and sparsely populated region. There are few places in the world where you can have so much uninterrupted space, untouched nature and striking vistas all on such a small scale. From the Snowdonia National Park to the Brecon Beacons, the upland regions of Wales are as beautiful as they are challenging. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced hiker or just someone who likes a challenge to get your blood pumping; Wales has some amazing trails that will take your breath away. Take a look at these five stunning mountain hikes in Wales that you must explore!
The view from Pen-y-Fan
One of Britain’s most iconic hills, the 2,907-foot (899-meter) Fan y Big is a truly spectacular peak that offers some of the finest views in the country. The hill is located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, in the county of Powys, in Mid Wales. The mountain is easily accessible from the village of Pen y Fan and is a popular destination for hikers, walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts. If you make it to the top of the peak, there is a very good chance that you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Black Mountains and surrounding landscape. It’s a challenging hike, but worth it! The trailhead is located off the B4582 between the villages of Brecon Beacons and Senni. It’s best to park in one of the nearby public car parks and then walk to the trailhead. From here, the path climbs through a landscape of rolling hills and sheep pastures. The ascent up Pen y Fan is long, but not overly steep. You can enjoy some great views of the Black Mountains along the way.
Brecon Beacons
For many, the Brecon Beacons National Park is the archetypal Welsh landscape. The name ‘Brecon Beacons’ may be more familiar to non-Welsh speakers than ‘Gwynedd’ (the Welsh County in which it lies). This beautiful mountain range is a popular tourist destination and the source of many famous images of Wales. The landscape here is dominated by large and dramatic hills, with the most notable being the Black Mountains and the Sugar Loaf. This area has a long history of human habitation, from the Iron Age hill forts to the present day. Even now, the mountains of the Beacons are used for military training exercises. The Brecon Beacons are an excellent place to hike, walk, and climb, as well as explore by car or on foot. You can visit the National Park all year round, whatever the season or weather. The park has many walking trails, including long-distance paths. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing and cycling.
Cadair Idris
Cadair Idris is a mountain in the Snowdonia National Park that stands at an impressive height of 1,085 meters (3,560 feet). This prominent peak sits near the town of Dolgellau in Wales. It’s a dormant volcano that last erupted millions of years ago. The summit of Cadair Idris is a perfect place to experience the majesty of the wild and untouched highlands of Wales. It’s a popular hiking spot, so you’re almost guaranteed to see other people around. The best time to visit is between May and October. The best way to hike to the summit is to start at the Dolgellau car park. Two trails lead to the summit – one is an easier route and the other is more difficult. If you choose the easier trail, you’ll get to the summit in around 2 hours. If you decide to go for the more challenging route, you’ll get to the summit in about 3 hours. There are also a few other paths that lead to the top.
Elan Valley Black Mountain Hike
This hike is located in the Elan Valley, in Mid Wales. The valley is famous for its hydroelectric dams, which are used to generate clean and renewable energy from the flow of water. The Black Mountain Hike involves a 25-mile walk that passes through the Elan Valley and the Black Mountains. This is a remote and challenging route that follows the Afon Goedol river. You’ll climb to an altitude of 1,970 feet, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It’s recommended that you start the hike early in the day to avoid the worst of the heat. The best way to get to the start point is to drive to Rhayader and then take a shuttle to Rhyd-y-Defaid. The trail starts as a rough path that winds its way up the valley. The hike itself is fairly straightforward, though you must be prepared for the descent. This is where you’re likely to get lost, as there are many paths on the way down. The best way to avoid getting lost is to follow the river.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wales. The most notable landmark is, of course, Snowdon itself. This isn’t just the highest mountain in Wales - it’s also the largest. It stands at a mighty 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) tall, making it the perfect place for hikers and explorers to get away from it all. Snowdonia National Park is a vast expanse of mountains, lakes, and forests. It’s easily accessible from the cities of North Wales, such as the capital city of Cardiff. The best time to visit is between April and October. There are many trails throughout the park. Two of the most popular are the Snowdon Horseshoe and the Rhyd Ddu Path. The former is a challenging 22-mile route that ends at the top of Snowdon. The latter is a gentler 6-mile path that follows the River Rhyd Ddu.
Concluding thoughts
The uplands of Wales are a remote, rugged and sparsely populated region. There are few places in the world where you can have so much uninterrupted space, untouched nature and striking vistas all on such a small scale. From the Snowdonia National Park to the Brecon Beacons, the upland regions of Wales are as beautiful as they are challenging. If you’re looking for a new adventure and want to explore the stunning landscapes of Wales, these five hikes are perfect for you. So why wait? Book your flights and get hiking!