Five great walks around Wales
Wales is a great destination for a walking holiday and you will find that the country offers routes suitable for people of all ages and hiking abilities.
In fact, the only problem you may encounter when it comes to going on a Welsh walking holiday in 2011 is deciding where to go as there are so many great walks for you to discover.
But no matter where you go, you can be confident of taking in Wales’ famous natural scenery, as well as getting some fresh air and exercise.
One place you may want to think about visiting is Snowdonia. As one of the largest national parks in the UK there are plenty of routes for you to tackle, including the Craig y Fron to Y Bala walk.
At three miles long, this is a fairly easy walk. It starts with a steady climb, before levelling for a gradual descent so it should be suitable for people of varying levels of fitness. You can even take your dog with you, although it should be kept on a lead for the duration of your walk.
While you can do the trek at any time of year, it is important you take waterproof clothing in case the weather unexpectedly takes a turn for the worse.
As you walk you’ll be able to take in views of the Craig y Fron quarry and Llyn Tegid, which is the largest natural lake in Wales.
For a more challenging walk in Snowdonia, you can go on a circular trek in the Arthog area. Lasting some nine miles, the path takes about six hours to complete and walkers are advised to wear sturdy shoes with a good tread.
Containing some steep sections, as well as slippery areas, it should only be tackled by experienced walkers.
However, those who are fit enough to take the trek on will be rewarded with fantastic views of the Arthog River and Ty’n y Coed slate quarry. Going on this walk also gives you the chance to see the Cader Idris mountain. According to local legend, anyone who sleeps on it will either wake up a poet or a madman.
There are plenty of good walking routes to be found outside of Snowdonia. Why not make the coastal village of Llangrannog the destination for an afternoon trek?
Setting off from here, up to the island Ynys-Lochtyn, along the Cardigan Heritage Coast Path and back to Llangranog can certainly be a great hike for any nature lovers.
Keep an eye out for choughs flying in the sky above, while dolphins can be spotted in the sea. This trek is around 2.7 miles long and can be completed in just over an hour, so it should prove manageable for everyone in your party.
Alternatively, you may want to visit the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. There are hundreds of circular routes to choose from, so there’s certainly plenty of choice. One you may wish to take on is Foel Eryr.
This walk encompasses a wide array of landscape, including mountains and moorlands. A Bronze Age burial cairn can also be seen during the 4.8-mile route, as can kestrels and other birds.
The trek is easy to moderate in most places, however there is one steep section, that can be muddy and wet, so don some sturdy footwear before setting off.
Elsewhere in the park is the Llanychaer path. At three miles long, the route can be completed in less than two hours and sees you hike along the Gwaun Valley.
The walk can be tackled any time of year but you may find spring is the best season to visit, as the area is awash with bluebells and birdsong. During your walk make sure you stop by the churchyard, where you can see the Crucifixion Stone, a mysterious monument that is at least 1,200 years old.
With so many fantastic hiking opportunities, you can be sure of having a great walking holiday in Wales.
Written by the car hire UK team at travelsupermarket.com
