Follow in the footsteps of saints in Ynys Môn
Discover the legend of Wales’ own Saint Valentine on a romantic walk on the Isle of Anglesey this summer. Beginning at the beach car park in Newborough, the Saint, Sand and Sea Trail takes you through Newborough Forest before leading onto the iconic Ynys Llanddwyn, part of a magnificent coastal dune system.
According to legend, Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, is said to have retreated to Ynys Llanddwyn in the fifth-century to live a life of solitude after falling in love with the wrong man. You can find out more about Santes Dwynwen and other folk tales by downloading the Place Tales app.
The Saint, Sand and Sea trail: 5 mile circular walk
Place Tales app: naturalresources.wales
For more information about Newborough: naturalresources.wales
Walk map: cdn.naturalresources.wales
Seek the peaks of Snowdonia National Park
This trail is for the more serious walker as it takes you up steep footpaths through woodlands to the summit of Penrhos Mountain in Gwynedd. While the upwards climb might feel like a hard slog, the stunning views of Snowdonia National Park from the top are definitely worth the effort.
The three mile circular walk takes you back to the starting point at Ty’n y Groes car park, which is a short drive from Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre. Make sure to stop off at the Visitor Centre to grab something tasty for lunch or to find out more about the area.
For more information on the route: naturalresources.wales
For more information about Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre: naturalresources.wales
Walk map: cdn.naturalresources.walesf
Marvel at majestic red kites in Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest near Aberystwyth has a trail to suit everyone with all routes, whether you’re walking, running or biking, begin at the visitor centre. Fancy something gentle? Take the easy-access purple trail around the lake - this is the route for you if you’re short on time and want to see the spectacular red kites being fed, which you can see at 3pm every day during the summer months.
There are several other walking routes available too, one of which takes you up onto a heather clad ridge, where you can enjoy impressive views of Cardigan Bay and Cambrian Mountains. If you get peckish, there’s a café by the lake which serves up delicious paninis and Welsh specialities.
For more information about Bwlch Nant yr Arian: naturalresources.wales/bwlchnantyrarian
Walk map: naturalresources.wales
Twitter: twitter.com/BNYArian
Explore the Glamorgan coastline
Discover spectacular views along the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline while exploring rural farmlands and the ancient woodlands of St Donat’s Castle on this Coast and Lighthouse Walk.
Start at Nash Point car park to begin the 4.5 mile walk (there is another slightly shorter route which begins at Monknash Car Park). If you’re struggling to choose, there’s a great app called the ‘Vale Tales’ which can help you decide, and also includes details of other walks across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Top tip: while you’re in the area, stop for a summer cooler or some home cooked food at the Plough and Harrow Pub in Monknash.
Vale Tales: visitthevale.com
For more information on the walks: visitthevale.com
Walk A (mentioned): 4.5 miles – Macross, Atlantic College and Lighthouse Walk
Walk B: 4 miles – Monknash,
Lighthouse and Marcross Walk Spot wildlife in Stackpole
Stackpole National Nature Reserve in West Wales is a great place to visit if you’re a keen bird-watcher. The five mile, circular walk starts at Bosherston National Trust car park near Bosherston Lakes where you can see a variety of birds such as the wonderful tufted duck.
Head towards Stackpole Quay along the marked path - you’ll find the Boathouse Tea Room, which is roughly half way round the route and the perfect place for a lunch stop or a tea and scone when the sun is shining.
Continue along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path for more opportunities to see seabirds like gannets and choughs while taking in the beauty of Barafundle Bay and Broad Haven South.
For more information on the Stackpole Estate: nationaltrust.org.uk
For more information on the walk: naturalresources.wales/
Walk map: naturalresources.wales
Explore Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons
Summer is a great time to visit Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons National Park, particularly if you’re feeling brave and fancy a dip in the pools.
Begin at Dinas Rock car park at the edge of the village of Pontneddfechan. It can get quite busy as it’s a popular area for outdoor activities, so be mindful that during the summer months you might have to park a little further down the road.
The route will lead you down through a wooded gorge to the impressive Sgydau Sychryd cascades. This particular trail is good for those with young children, pushchairs or wheelchair users, but if you’re looking to explore more waterfalls or a longer trail, there are plenty of routes in the area to choose from.
Sgydau Sychryd trail: 1 mile circular walk
For more information about Waterfall Country and other routes available: naturalresources.wales
Walk map: cdn.naturalresources.wales
