National Park Walks with Kids: Snowdonia National Park

FAMILY FRIENDLY WALKS IN SNOWDONIA

Snowdonia is famous for its rugged peaks, thundering waterfalls, historical sites, and serene lakes. It doesn't seem immediately family-friendly but beyond the Crib Goch arête there are some beautiful walks to enjoy with your little explorers.

BEDDGELERT

The village of Beddgelert offers an easy family walk - perfect for little legs, pushchairs, wheelchair users and it can be made longer or shorter to suit. Following the footpath along the banks of the Glaslyn river from the iconic village of Beddgelert, you will find Gelert's grave. The grave is marked by a tree with flowers at its base, and a little further along the path, you will find a sculpture of the brave and legendary dog, Gelert. The trail continues alongside the river before crossing over a footbridge and heading back into the village. You can also continue along the riverbank towards Nantmor for a longer trip. The village has a variety of cafés and restaurants, and there are plenty of picnic spots along the walk.

ABER FALLS

Aber Falls or Rhaeadr Fawr (as it's known to the locals) is an easy and popular family walk in Snowdonia. The gentle uphill path to the waterfall is just over 2 km (4.27km there and back) along an accessible path for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic and 2,000 year-old archaeological remains to explore. Halfway to the falls an information centre describes some of the valley's history. You can see and hear the spectacle of Aber Falls, which drops nearly 40m from the ridge above, well before you reach the end of the path, but up close, Aber Falls is something to behold.

Tip – Go early; this is a popular walk. The official parking is limited; additional parking is available in Abergwyngregyn, but this will add extra distance to the walk.

COED Y BRENIN

Set in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Coed y Brenin Forest Park is a mountain biking Mecca. With eight mountain bike trails and an extensive range of walking trails, there is something to suit everyone, from the daydream amblers to the thrill-seeking bikers. Various walking, biking, orienteering courses and geocaching trails weave through the forest. With a visitors' centre, children's play areas, a café, and plenty of picnic tables, you could spend the whole day at Coed y Brenin and still leave plenty for another visit.

DÔL IDRIS & LLYN CAU – CADAIR IDRIS

South Snowdonia is home to the popular mountain Cadair Idris. While summiting Cadair Idris may not be for all family members, there are a few family-friendly walks to enjoy the mountain at lower levels. Firstly, the accessible 1.25km circuit of Dôl Idris offers a stroll around beautiful parkland at the foot of Cadair Idris. For the more adventurous, nestled in the shadows of the mountain is the peaceful glacial lake, Llyn Cau. The steep stepped path winds through Nant Cadair and alongside a river with a series of beautiful waterfalls. There are plenty of passing places to stop for a breather and take in the falls. The walk to Llyn Cau is strenuous and may not be suitable for younger children unless carried – but the reward of the lake is well worth the hike.