Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures Across North Wales

Mountains, Coastlines, and Legendary Trails in Wales’ Wild North

North Wales is a land of bold landscapes and deep contrast, where jagged mountains rise from glacial valleys and long coastlines trace sandy bays, headlands, and fishing villages. It’s one of the UK’s most dramatic settings for walking holidays, offering everything from high mountain ridges to peaceful riverside paths. From the slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Eryri National Park to the historic canal and riverside walks of Llangollen beside the River Dee, the transition from wild to settled is always close at hand.

Here, the pleasures of movement are as varied as the terrain itself. You might spend one day tracing a cliff-edge trail as seabirds wheel overhead, and the next wandering a quiet estuary or woodland path. Along the coast and through inland valleys, you’ll also find a strong network of independent places to stay — from small inns and seaside guesthouses to rural retreats tucked beneath the mountains.

Quiet lanes, converted railway lines, and coastal flats also give North Wales a natural appeal for scenic cycling holidays, especially around the Dee Valley, Anglesey, and the lower edges of the national park. For those looking beyond the trail, the region is equally rich in outdoor adventures — from sea kayaking and wild swimming to scrambling, climbing, and mountain exploration.

Where to Walk, Paddle, and Explore

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

The adventure heart of North Wales and home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). A vast network of mountain, valley, and lakeside trails spreads across the park. Tackle the Snowdon Horseshoe for high-level drama, or seek quieter routes through the Carneddau and Rhinogydd ranges.

Llŷn Peninsula Coast Path

A wild and winding section of the Wales Coast Path, passing hidden coves, sweeping sandy bays, and small fishing villages. Ideal for multi-day coastal walking, wildlife watching, and sheltered sea paddling along the peninsula’s quieter edges.

Anglesey Coast Path

A full island circuit of clifftop paths, sandy beaches, and open sea views back toward Snowdonia’s peaks. Watch for seals, seabirds, and the remains of shipwrecks along one of Wales’ most varied coastal trails.

Adventure Highlights

• Summit routes on Yr Wyddfa and surrounding Snowdonia peaks
• Coastal walking on the Llŷn Peninsula and Anglesey
• Long-distance trails including the North Wales Path and Offa’s Dyke Path (northern section)
• Outdoor pursuits such as scrambling, climbing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and wild swimming
• Wildlife encounters with choughs, seals, puffins, and mountain ponies
• A rare balance of high-energy adventure and calm, restorative landscapes

North Wales is a place where effort is rewarded with scale, space, and story — where every ridge, shoreline, and valley feels shaped by both geology and legend.