natalie_petrou_5

Hi there,



I am planning on going to Wales for my anniversary for a long weekend. In two weeks’ time…



We’ve got 3(maybe 4) full days to go hiking and explore the countryside and I would very much like some tips on where best to go.

My partner and I are in our early 30s, active and fit and enjoy long walks – country pubs and want a varied landscape of rolling hills, mountains, forest and lakes…



· Leave London Thursday night – return back on Monday/ Tuesday

· We don’t drive.. need to public transport friendly

· Like the idea of Snowdonia (slightly worried about going onto a trail that is too strenuous and out of our depth)

· Like the idea of Breacons Beacons (found 2 day trail – one that is country walking, the second day that is canal//town based… which doesn’t appeal so much) - other routes around Brecons beacons that would be suitable?

· Happy to carry backpack...

· 2/3/4 day hike

· Happy to catch a bus to a different route to do a different route

· Nice accommodation - cute country B&B….



I look forward to hearing from you lovely people

Nat

PalenQ

· Like the idea of Snowdonia (slightly worried about going onto a trail that is too strenuous and out of our depth)>

I hear you - I took the steam train up to the summit and rather than taking the broad easy though energetically inclined path that follows the train line I took a different route down - to the east after looking at trail colors at the summit and though it started off nice enough I either missed the trail or whatever and ended up hopping from one big boulder to another in anything but fun - do your research but keep in mind that the main trail along the train line is a piece of cake though obviously somewhat strenuous.

I loved hiking along the coast near St Davids - path right along the coast the whole way.

Parmenter

Do Snowdon mountain and be the highest person in Wales & England. Pyg path route is best and if it proves too much have a burger in the snack bar and take the train down

ESW

Forget Snowdon which is always busy with walkers and climbers. Instead base yourself around Porthmadog (which is on the railway line). There is Moel-y-gest which can be walked from Porthmadog. Alternatively take the Welsh Highland Railway to the halt in Beddgelert Forest where there is lots of easy walking along the forest roads. If feeling enthusiastic it is possible to get up onto the Nantlle Ridge from here or across into Cwm Pennant. Use the Ffestiniog Railway of bus to Tanygrisiau where you can walk up Cwmorthin to the Moelwyns and Cnicht or across into the Croesor Valley. Alternatively there is a pleasant footpath following the railway linne back to Tan-y-Bwlch and Penryhn. From Blaenau Ffestiniog (Bus or train) it is possible to walk into the Manod mountains.

All of these are along public footpaths but you will need a copy of the OS 1:25000 map for route finding.

If the weather happens to be wet (and it can rain in North Wales) the tip of the Lleyn Peninsula is usually dry and catching the sun. Take the bus to Aberdaron and then follow the coastal footpath round the headland and over Annelog to Porth Oer and back. It's not as strenuous but is a lovely walk with some super views

ESW

I clicked submit too early. Another thought is to take the Welsh Highland (or bus) to Nantmoor where there is a good walk up Cwm Bycham to Llyn Dinas. Take the footpath to the south of the lake which brings you out onto the A498 and a short distance to the start of the Watkin path up Snowdon. The start of this follows the tramway of an old slate railway and is very easy walking. After Gladstone's Rock it begins to climb and gets very steep at the top. (We normally turn round at this point!) Retrace your steps back to Llyn Dinas. Instead of walking back down Cwm Bycham take the footpath to Sygun Copper Mine and Beddgelert. Return to Nantmoor along the footpath following the Welsh Highland Railway line which will take you through the dramatic Aberglaslyn Pass.

natalie_petrou_5

Thank you all so much - it is very much appreciated xx

We are quite capable of walking 10miles a day - wondering where the best stopping points are to find accommodation.. how many days the walks are..

PalenQ

http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/05/26...pagewanted=all

recent article on a 'rain-drenched walk' in Wales!

rain the bane of the UK for ramblers.

natalie_petrou_5

There are 2 walks that have recommended to me:

Coed Morgannwg Way - 36 Miles

Mawddach Way - 31 Miles

Has anyone done either of these? Are there any good sleep spots? Around 12 miles in....