I was asked by a guest today for suggestions for flat walks for their stay. They said that they can walk a reasonable distance but can't do hills - especially on uneven ground. Of course this is also a requirement for guests who come with a pushchair too. Unfortunately several of these routes are linear (you walk back the same route that you went on) BUT the view on the way back can be equally, if not more impressive than the outward route. There is something at the end of most linear routes.
So... the list begins HERE.
Across The Cob at Porthmadog
When we did this walk a few years ago we parked at the far side of The Cob, in a parking area near to Boston Lodge Works on the Ffestiniog Railway then crossed the road to walk along the side of the railway to the Harbour Station. Although this gives a high level view across the Glaslyn Marshes it is a big precarious (especially with small children - you can get up close and personal with steam trains). So we'd recommend walking on the new path on the marsh side of the main road. Smooth and flat, this path gives a great view of the wildlife that can often be seen there (birds including cormorants, little egrets and if you are very lucky, osprey), otters plus cattle paddling. Beyond the marshes there is a view of Cnicht and in the distance Snowdon. After crossing The Cob, maybe continue into Porthmadog and walk around the harbour and visit the Maritime Museum or wander around the shops or have a coffee in one of the many cafes. This route is part of the Wales Coast Path.
The Mawddach Trail
The Mawddach Trail runs from Dolgellau all of the way out to the sea at Barmouth. It's an old railway bed and so is flat. There are picnic benches here and there for a break and The George III at Penmaenpool is great for refreshments.
The full trail is 9.5 miles long - so remember that if you're going to do it all... you have to walk back again (making it 19 miles). The scenery is spectacular and varied.
For shorter walks maybe walk from Dolgellau to The George III. Have some refreshments, watch the birds from the RSPB hide and walk back (or walk into Dolgellau from here). Or park at Morfa Mawddach station and walk across the footbridge towards Barmouth. The footpath from the Bridge up into Barmouth is quite steep so might not be suitable for everybody but the view from the bridge is well worth the walk. Details of the route and facilities HERE Again this is part of the Wales Coast Path.
Barmouth Promenade
Park at the far end of the promenade, away from the fairground and walk back towards the town. It's a further walk than many think. There are lots of benches along the way. Have a walk along the main street - there are some quite interesting little independent shops or, again, stop and have a coffee. There are benches along the harbour and a couple of nice fish and chip shops.
The River Walk at Beddgelert
This is a walk that we often do in the middle of winter. We tend to use the car park that is out of Beddgelert on the Waunfawr road (on the right). Walk back into the centre of the village and along the river. There is a little detour off to visit Gelert's Grave (do you know the legend? It's here). Give the poor dog a pat on the head as many thousands of people have done before you. Carry on along the river path to the railway bridge. If you're lucky you'll time it right to see a steam train of the Welsh HIghland Railway pass by. Cross the river using the foot bridge and return to Beddgelert along the path on the other side. There are lots of places to sit.
Llandudno Pier and Prom
A little further away (about an hour's drive), Llandudno is a Victorian seaside town. I think that it's called "the jewel in the crown of North Wales". You may've seen its famous goats that invaded the town during lockdown. This is one of the largest (if not the largest) shopping centres in the area. Walk along the prom and take in the sea air whilst trying to count the wind turbines on the horizon and take a walk along its Pier. Stop to watch a traditional Punch and Judy show near the Pier too.
Lôn Las Peris
This is another railway bed route. It runs from Llanberis down to Caernarfon. The section that I would suggest is just along the shores of Llyn Padarn. The walk is sheltered, another of the walks that we do in the Winter months. Park on the old section of road near to Pont Pen-y-llyn just of the junction of A4244 and A4086 near to Cwm-y-glo. Continue down the disused road to where it crosses the A4086 (the footpath is signposted) cross the road and then follow the footpath towards Llanberis. The path gives good views over the lake and comes back out onto the main road near to where the famous "Lonely Tree" is situated. Continue along the lakeside path past the King Arthur Excalibur statue (you won't miss it!). From here turn into Llanberis village where there are a few shops and cafes, visit Electric Mountain (though this is currently closed for refurbishment) or carry on around the lake to visit The National Slate Museum (free entry) and maybe catch the Llanberis Lake Railway back to near the start of the walk.
Llyn Craftnant
This is between Betws y Coed and Llanwrst, in the Gwydir Forest. The details are HERE. There is a short accessible route but I don't remember any major up or downhills around the whole lake circuit. There is a seasonal cafe on the lake shores (but I think that is down a bit of a hill on the lake side). This is a lovely quiet spot, surrounded by stunning scenery. There is no swimming or boating allowed in the lake so the "noisier" visitors tend to go to Llyn Geirionnedd nearby. Be aware that the car park is approached by a single track lane from Trefriw.
Llyn Trawsfynydd Dam Walk
I'm not suggesting the whole Trawsfynydd lake walk as the path is a bit steep and uneven in places on the far side of the lake but a walk from Trawsfynydd lake cafe, past the power station and to the dam where the lake spills into the Afon Prysor once more. This route is a roadway most of the way and there is a viewpoint from just over the dam. There's a map and more details HERE
Coed y Brenin "King's Walks"
Both of these walks begin at the Ty'n y Groes picnic area in Coed y Brenin and both visit the tallest trees in the forest.
There is a shorter loop The King’s Guards Trail (blue waymarkers) which is half a mile and the slightly longer loop, The King’s Champion Trail (yellow waymarkers) which is three quarters of a mile. Download the details of this routes HERE. There is also an MP3 description of these routes which might encourage youngsters to take part.
Coed y Brenin "Forest Garden"
Have you ever visited the Forest Garden in Coed y Brenin?
This is a short accessible walk in the heart of the forest. Lets everybody get out into nature. There is parking near-by and route markers. Find out more HERE
https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/north-west-wales/coed-y-brenin-forest-park-forest-garden/?lang=en
These are my first thoughts. I'll have a think of some others and add them on. If you have any questions please drop me a message.
Take a look at Cadair View Lodge accommodation in Snowdonia HERE
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