Five of the best walks1. Mount Snowdon (1,085m) There are six main walking routes, with the easiest (though least interesting) being the Llanberis Path, which follows the Snowdon Mountain Railway Line. The Pyg Track, which involves some scrambling, and Miner’s Track, both start from Pen-y-Pass YHA at the top of the Llanberis Pass. The latter is particularly enjoyable, as it winds gently past spectacular lakes and abandoned mines before rising steeply in the shadow of the summit. The hardest routes are the Watkin Path and Crib Goch (the best ridge walk in the country but dangerous if windy). Most routes take about five hours to get up and down. The lazy can hop on the train when it fully reopens, complete with new summit café, later this year (visit snowdonrailway.co.uk for more information).
2. CadAIr Idris (892m) An intimidating mountain shrouded in legend and popular with climbers, Cadair Idris is an easier walk up than Snowdon. The most popular route is the Ty Nant Path (9.65km return) as it offers the best views. An easier but longer path is the Tywyn (or Llanfihangel y Pennant Path, 16km return), while the steepest, Minffordd Path (9.65km return), requires the most caution.
3. Cwm Idwal (6.4km) This route circles Llyn Idwal, one of the most dramatic lakes in Snowdonia, which lies in north-facing Cwm Idwal, beneath the high peaks of Y Garn and Y Glyder Fawr. Great scenery, magical place.
4. Precipice Walk (4.8km) A fairly easy circular walk, across private land, that passes through an interesting variety of habitats and offers incomparable views down the Mawddach Estuary and of Snowdonia.
5. The Mawddach Trail (14.4km) A flat walk for a change, but one of the UK’s best trails, located in the south of Snowdonia National Park, and following the beautiful Mawddach Estuary. Plenty on offer in terms of views and wildlife, and because it’s flat, it is also popular with cyclists.
