Llyn Padarn is a lake of glacial origin and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Gwynedd’s natural landscape can also be seen on a larger scale: its nature reserves cover 1,700 hectares and protect important habitats and species. The forests managed by Cyngor Gwynedd are open to the public all year round. The lake, forest and protected habitats are distinct facets of the landscape.

Forests, lakeshores and paths

Coed Dinorwig is a rare, ancient sessile oak woodland and is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In Padarn Country Park, five themed trails wind through the forest, along the lakeshore and past traces of the area’s industrial heritage. The park covers 800 acres. Activities there include climbing, orienteering, scuba diving, rowing, canoeing and sailing.

Ffarm Moelyci offers a different way to experience nature: the grounds are open to the public every day, and public footpaths provide opportunities for walks. There are also opportunities to observe wildlife. The small Blas Lôn Las shop and café is open daily. Its menu features homemade and locally sourced food, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Castles, an abbey and cultural traces

Castell Dolbadarn overlooks Llyn Padarn and was once an important part of the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. At Castell Cricieth, the setting and building history come together: the castle stands on a rocky headland between two beaches and offers views across Cardigan Bay. Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, known as Llywelyn the Great, built the gatehouse. His grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, known as Llywelyn the Last, added the outer ward, curtain walls and two new towers.

Cymer Abbey also tells a story of long history: it was founded as a Cistercian abbey in 1198. Extensive remains of its simple abbey church have survived. At Dinas Emrys, you can see the remains of a square tower and defensive ramparts attributed to the ancient princes of Gwynedd. The Lloyd George Museum offers further glimpses of history through medals, paintings, pictures, historical documents, costumes and personal belongings.

The slate landscape of north-west Wales provides its own cultural context. Its living cultural tradition includes slate working and the continued widespread use of the Welsh language. The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

Walking at different scales

Gwynedd has well-signposted recreational trails that are free to use for walking and cycling. The Snowdonia Slate Trail is different: an 83-mile walking route divided into 13 sections. When choosing a route up Yr Wyddfa, keep in mind that all paths to the summit are challenging hikes. The Llanberis Path starts in the village of Llanberis and is one of the routes with particularly good public transport access for the journey to the summit.

So, walking in Gwynedd ranges from freely accessible recreational trails and a long-distance route divided into sections to challenging summit hikes. Those interested in landscape and nature will find plenty of specific points of interest, as will travellers keen to discover historic buildings, collections or the cultural traces of slate working.

Discover more destinations: Beddgelert, Llanbedr, Nefyn, Tywyn, Talsarnau, Porthmadog, Llanberis, Harlech, Dolgellau, Criccieth, Caernarfon, Ffestiniog, Barmouth, Bala, Aberdovey, Y Felinheli, Penrhyndeudraeth, Llanrug, Llanddeiniolen, Pennal, Pentir, Dolbenmaen, Llangelynin, Deiniolen, Fairbourne, Llanaelhaearn, Pwllheli, Abergynolwyn, Mallwyd, Llwyngwril, Betws Garmon, Bangor, Clynnog-Fawr, Dinas-Mawddwy, Dinas, Llanllyfni, Groeslon, Abersoch, Llangian, Tregarth, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llandwrog, Llanbedrog, Bryncroes, Arthog, Aberllefenni, Waunfawr, Llanfachreth, Garndolbenmaen, Llannor, Rhiw, Llanarmon, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Aberangell, Llandderfel, Sarn Meyllteyrn, Llanegryn, Bethesda, Aberdaron, Ganllwyd, Penmorfa.

For the broader travel overview: Wales.