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We love the mountains, but sometimes you just want the option of some easy walks in Snowdonia that’s suitable for young kids or just for taking it easy. We’ve chosen the top 10 easy walks that are reasonably close far from Snowdon, but it’s by no means an exhaustive list! We’ve gone for must-do family walks such as Cwm Idwal and Aber Falls, as well as those routes that use the paths up Snowdon as part of their route and make ideal winter or harsh weather alternatives.
Of course what classifies as ‘Easy Walks in Snowdonia’ is different for everyone and so we’ve gone for those with a maximum distance of 6km. We classify that as an easy walk – though other sites might classify it as a moderate or even hard! Ensure you’ve got the fitness to complete the walk before setting out. These walks may be reasonably short in hill walking terms, but they can still take you into potentially hazardous terrain.
Here’s our selection of Easy Walks in Snowdonia with links to the full route in each instance on Mud and Routes.
Cwm Idwal is a classic Snowdonia walk that should be completed by all walkers with a spare hour. Keen hillwalkers will want to continue onwards and upwards into the Glyderau, but the majesty of the glacial corrie is still a sight to behold.
Easy 4km linear walk on very good and accessible path.
A steady path to Rhaeadr Fawr (Big Waterfall) that’s best done after a period of heavy rain to see the falls in full flow. You can follow the accessible track or follow a good path through the forest depending on the level of challenge you’re after.
A walk in the forest is a must do if you’re in Betws-y-coed (as is walking through the street waving walking poles, apparently). However, it’s the many small lakes in the forest such as Llyn Parc, that provides the most interest as the woodland is mainly conifer plantation.
Excellent surfaced track with the option to walk varying lengths as needed. The section from Rhyd Ddu to Llyn y Gader would be an ideal short section of no more than 2 km.
This is good multi-use track between the villages of Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert that can be enjoyed in small sections if needed. You can join the path at different sections if you choose. Beware that walking the entire path out and back is a tough 16km day out!
5km walk to Llyn Llydaw and back and only 100m ascent. Get into the mountains for minimal effort.
This rundown wouldn’t be complete without a few walks on Snowdon ! There’s a good track from Pen y Pass up to Llyn Llydaw, and you can continue on to Glaslyn for a tougher outing. This is an excellent winter walk when winter conditions keep you from the summits.
This walk is slightly longer than 6km, but would be rude not to include it here.
Another walk on the flanks of Snowdon, this time a walk into Cwm Llan. A shorter walk is just to the lip of the cwm and the waterfalls. Some sections of path at the quarry can be wet underfoot and require some care.
Easy 4km loop on good paths with an unfortunate return on the road. It’s recommended that you walk this as an out and back.
Starting either at the Beddgelert end of Llyn Dins, or Nant Gwynant, this is a popular walks with families and the ‘beach’ at the Beddgelert end is a busy lunch stops for the many walkers. Alternatively, you could walk to Llyn Dinas and back from Beddgelert.
This is a waymarked trail with some steep sections. There are plenty of views to be had and the woodland provides plenty of interest. Visit the National Slate Museum for a full family day out.
Slighlty longer than 6km route with plenty of options to shorten it.
Another walk with excellent views towards Snowdon. This route loops around Capel Curig, with plenty of variety on the way.
Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader.
Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.
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