Barmouth is a picturesque town in North Wales, full of history and breathtaking scenery. It’s the perfect destination for a walking holiday, with plenty of hikes and nice walks to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll along the beach or a more challenging hike up a mountain, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, I’ll take you through 15 of the best walks in Barmouth – from coastal strolls to mountain hikes. So grab your boots and let’s get going!
Each of these walks offers something different, in terms of scenery, difficulty, and length. You can explore Hell’s Mouth and Morfa Mawddach, take the Mawddach Trail to Abermaw, or admire the views from Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach.
There’s also the Barmouth Bridge and River Mawddach, Arthurs Stone and Llyn Cau, the Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth Beach, and the Mawddach Trail and Mawddach Way. So you’re sure to find a walk that suits your needs.
Hell’s Mouth and Morfa Mawddach
You won’t want to miss the stunning views of Hell’s Mouth and Morfa Mawddach on your walk in Barmouth!
This four-mile coastal path is the ideal way to explore the beauty of the area.
Starting from Barmouth, the path follows the Mawddach Estuary, and takes you along the stunning Mawddach Trail, a disused railway line.
Along the path, you will find the spectacular Hell’s Mouth cliffs, which offer a truly breathtaking view.
You can also see the imposing Cadair Idris mountain from this vantage point.
The second half of the route takes you through the tranquil forests of Morfa Mawddach, with views of the estuary and the stunning countryside in the distance.
This scenic walk will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Arthog and the Mawddach Trail
Exploring Arthog and the Mawddach Trail is an incredible way to experience the stunning beauty of Barmouth.
The Mawddach Trail stretches for 9 miles along the shore of the Mawddach Estuary, and is a great destination for a leisurely walk, with spectacular views of the countryside and the sea.
Beginning in Arthog, the trail will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Barmouth, including the peaceful woods of Coed y Brenin forest, the stunning hills of Aran Fawddwy, and the rugged coastline of the Llyn Peninsula.
Along the way, you’ll pass the old Roman fort of Arthog, which dates back to the 1st century, as well as the charming town of Barmouth itself.
This spectacular route will leave you with lasting memories, and is sure to provide a memorable experience for both experienced hikers and casual walkers alike.
Barmouth Bridge and River Mawddach
Crossing the iconic Barmouth Bridge, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the River Mawddach and the rugged Welsh coastline. As you walk across the bridge, you can’t help but be awestruck by the sheer beauty of the area.
The River Mawddach is a stunning feature of the landscape, winding its way through the coast and providing a wonderful backdrop to your walk. The views from the bridge are simply breathtaking, with the river winding its way through the countryside below and the mountains and cliffs of the Welsh coast looming in the distance.
For a dramatic, beautiful walk, take some time to explore the area around the Barmouth Bridge and the River Mawddach. You’ll be able to take in the stunning scenery, take a few photos, and even take a dip in the river if you’re feeling adventurous.
With its incredible views, peaceful atmosphere, and breathtaking scenery, the Barmouth Bridge and River Mawddach are a must-see destination for anyone exploring the area.
Arthurs Stone and Llyn Cau
Heading further along the Mawddach Estuary, you’ll come across Arthur’s Stone, a huge rock formation that has been standing for over 4000 years. This ancient formation is believed to be part of an ancient burial chamber and is surrounded by myths and legends. It’s an impressive sight to behold and well worth the visit.
Nearby is the stunning Llyn Cau lake, a glacial lake that was formed during the last Ice Age. This lake is nestled in the hills of the Snowdonia National Park and is the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic or a leisurely stroll. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a great view of the surrounding scenery. It’s a great way to end a day of exploring the area.
Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth Beach
Wrapping up your journey along the Mawddach Estuary, you’ll find yourself at the picturesque Barmouth Beach. Located in the south of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, Barmouth Beach is a must-see destination for nature lovers.
The beach is two miles long, framed by the Mawddach Estuary and a mountain range. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and basking in the beauty of the landscape.
The nearby town of Barmouth, with its traditional Welsh architecture, adds to the charm of this location. You’ll also find a wide variety of restaurants, pubs, and shops to explore.
The beach also provides access to the Wales Coast Path, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the shore. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a more strenuous hike, the views of the estuary, beach, and mountains are sure to take your breath away.
The Barmouth Bog
Exploring beyond Barmouth Beach, you’ll come across the Barmouth Bog. This area, located along the Dyfi estuary, is a beautiful and serene spot where nature lovers can spend the day immersed in the sights and sounds of the Welsh countryside.
Not only is the bog one of the best places to enjoy a peaceful stroll, but it also offers a variety of interesting wildlife. As you wander through the area, you may spot a variety of birds, including ducks and herons, as well as small mammals, such as otters and water voles.
The bog is also home to a variety of wildflowers, which can be seen during the spring and summer months.
The Barmouth Bog is a great place to take in the beauty of the natural world and just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The Panorama Walk
Leaving behind the eerie and mysterious Barmouth Bog, I set off on the Panorama Walk – a moderate hike with spectacular views. It’s definitely a must-do for anyone looking to get out and explore the beauty of Barmouth.
With my camera in tow, I made my way up the hill, admiring the lush greenery around me. The path passes through a forest of trees and meadows of wildflowers, making for a truly stunning experience.
At the summit, I was greeted with the most breathtaking panoramic view – a sweeping vista of the rolling hills, the sparkling sea, and the majestic mountains. It’s a sight that I won’t soon forget.
With the sun setting, I made my way slowly back down the trail, feeling a sense of serenity wash over me. The Panorama Walk is definitely one of the best hikes in Barmouth, and it’s definitely worth the effort.
Cadair Idris and Tal-y-llyn
Heading out of Barmouth, you’ll come across two of Wales’ most iconic peaks: Cadair Idris and Tal-y-llyn.
Cadair Idris, also known as ‘the seat of the giant’, is the highest peak in the Snowdonia National Park. It’s a stunning mountain with an 893m peak, offering breathtaking views of the Mawddach Estuary and the surrounding countryside. From the top of Cadair Idris, you can also spot the peak of Snowdon in the far distance.
Tal-y-llyn is the second highest peak in the park, standing at 723m. This peak is known for its steep slopes and rugged terrain, as well as the stunning lake at its base. The scenery from the summit of Tal-y-llyn is simply breathtaking, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountain range.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or just a leisurely stroll, both of these peaks offer something for everyone.
Coed y Brenin Forest Park
After the challenging climbs of Cadair Idris and Tal-y-llyn, I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the Coed y Brenin Forest Park. This is a great spot to enjoy a peaceful walk, as the park offers a range of trails for hikers of all abilities.
For the more experienced hiker, there are several long-distance hiking trails that traverse the park, while those looking for a more leisurely walk can enjoy a variety of shorter trails and paths.
The park is home to some beautiful scenery, including old oak and beech forests. It’s a great spot for birdwatching too, with a wide variety of species that can be spotted throughout the year. There are also plenty of quiet spots to take in the views of the surrounding hills and moors.
The park is easily accessible, with good parking and a range of refreshments available at the visitor center. I highly recommend a visit to the Coed y Brenin Forest Park for anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable walk.
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
Next, I ventured to the spectacular Llechwedd Slate Caverns, located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The stunning landscape of the area is home to a range of activities, including walking, mountain biking, and even zip-lining.
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns themselves are an incredible experience, with a range of caves, tunnels, and mines to explore. I was astounded by the sheer size and scale of the caverns, and the fact that the slate had been mined by hand from the 19th century onwards.
The slate mining tunnels are still accessible and lead to a range of exciting spots and vistas. I particularly enjoyed the Great Orme Tramway, which takes visitors through the old mines and allows them to explore the slate quarry. The views from the top of the tramway are breathtaking, and really give an insight into the scale of the area.
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns are an unforgettable experience, and offer an insight into the history of the area.
Penmaenpool and the Mawddach Trail
Exploring the picturesque countryside of Snowdonia National Park, I stumbled upon the breathtaking Penmaenpool and Mawddach Trail.
This Trail is an 11-mile trail that takes hikers along the banks of the Mawddach Estuary, with stunning views of the mountains and estuary.
Penmaenpool is the starting point for the trail, where you’ll find a small, charming village and the famous George III hotel.
The Mawddach Trail is a real treat for nature lovers, with plenty of flora and fauna to see along the way.
There’s something for everyone on this trail, as it offers a variety of experiences, from peaceful nature walks to challenging hikes.
Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or a vigorous hike, the Mawddach Trail’s the perfect setting for it.
The breathtaking scenery and the stunning views of the estuary and mountains make this trail a must-see.
Barmouth to Fairbourne Railway Path
Leaving behind the stunning views of Penmaenpool and the Mawddach Trail, I was ready for a new adventure.
The Barmouth to Fairbourne Railway Path is a great walk for those looking for a bit of a challenge. It is a 4.5 mile stretch of former railway line which now provides a beautiful trail for hikers to explore.
The trail follows the path of the former railway line, which was opened in 1867 and closed in 1965. It is a mostly level path, but with some slight hills. The route follows the coast, providing amazing views of the estuary and the Welsh mountains.
Along the way, you will also find the remains of the former railway, including a tunnel and two viaducts.
The trail offers a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the Welsh landscape, with plenty of wildlife to be seen. It’s the perfect way to spend a day outdoors, while also getting a bit of exercise.
The Mawddach Trail and the Mawddach Way
Continuing my journey through the Welsh countryside, I soon came across the Mawddach Trail and Mawddach Way.
These two routes are incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike, offering stunning views of the countryside and a unique experience.
The Mawddach Trail is a 9 mile walk along the banks of the Mawddach estuary, between Barmouth and Dolgellau, and takes about 5 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the views of the estuary, the Mawddach Valley, the Rhinogydd Mountains, and the stunning coastline.
The Mawddach Way is a much shorter 3 mile route, which follows the same estuary but stops at the railway bridge before Barmouth. It takes about 2 hours to complete and is a great way to experience the beauty of the estuary without having to commit to the full 9 mile experience.
Both of these routes offer a unique and enjoyable experience, and are a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach
Nestled between the Mawddach estuary and the Rhinogydd Mountains lies Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, two of Wales’ most challenging and rewarding hikes. If you’re looking for a weekend adventure, these twin hikes are the perfect choice.
Rhinog Fawr is the higher of the two peaks, with an elevation of 699 metres, while Rhinog Fach is slightly lower, at 636 metres. Both hikes offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Irish Sea and the Snowdonia National Park.
The hikes are quite challenging, with steep ascents and some rocky terrain, but the rewards are well worth the effort. You’ll find plenty of wildlife along the way, including red kites, golden eagles, and a variety of mountain goats. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare Snowdon lily or two.
For a truly memorable experience, take some time to appreciate the stunning scenery and the fresh air of the Welsh countryside.
The Mawddach Trail to Abermaw
Having discussed the Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, it’s time to explore another great walk in Barmouth – The Mawddach Trail to Abermaw.
This stunning trail traces the course of the River Mawddach, and is one of the most beautiful and popular walks in Wales. It’s an easy walk, with a flat path that follows the river, and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The trail begins at the mouth of the Mawddach estuary, where you can soak in stunning views of the river and surrounding hills. The path then meanders through the picturesque countryside, passing several farms and viewpoints.
As you walk, the estuary gradually narrows until the trail reaches the town of Abermaw. Here, you can take in the beautiful views of the Mawddach estuary and Barmouth Bay. You can also explore the quaint shops and cafes, as well as the harbour.
The Mawddach Trail to Abermaw is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Barmouth and take in some amazing sights.
Conclusion
I’ve just explored some of the best walks in Barmouth and I’m feeling quite satisfied.
I had a great time exploring the Mawddach Estuary and the Barmouth Beach, as well as a scenic journey along the Mawddach Trail and the Mawddach Way.
I was even lucky enough to spot Arthur’s Stone and Rhinog Fach!
It’s been a wonderful journey, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a nice walk in the area.
Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a longer trek, Barmouth has something for everyone.
So why wait? Put on your walking shoes and explore this beautiful corner of Wales!