Top Things to do in Wales
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Things to do in Wales, Wales: The Best Mountains
Discover the best top things to do in Wales, United Kingdom including Pen-y-Fan, Snowdon, Arenig Fawr, Y Garn, Glyderau, Cader Idris, Cnicht, Crug Hywel (Table Mountain), Caerphilly Mountain, Twmbarlwm Mountain.
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1. Pen-y-Fan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 921 reviews
At just under 3,000 feet, this is the highest mountain in South Wales and the jewel in the crown that is the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Reviewed By BackinBracknell - Bracknell, United Kingdom
The paths have been much improved since I last climbed Pen y Fan 25 years ago! If you're just looking for a straightforward there and back route the shortest option is from the Pont ar Daf car park on the A470 where there are toilets and refreshments. From here the path is now excellent all the way up to the top and you can take in the summit of Corn Du (873m) as well before reaching the highest point of Pen y Fan at 886m. It's a challenging climb but steady and not super strenuous. If you stick to the main path there are no narrow ledges and there's no scrambling involved. Also as the starting point is already at 430m the ascent is less than you might expect. This route is very popular though so it is likely to be busy and if you want to avoid the crowds choose a different option! Obviously try to go on a clear day, but even when it's not so good it's still a great walk and very exhilarating. It's a serious mountain though so be prepared. Check the forecast, wear walking boots and take waterproofs and an extra layer of clothing even if it's sunny and warm in the car park. It sounds overkill but the weather can change very quickly and catch you out. If the cloud comes down the visibility can drop to near zero and it's surprisingly easy to get disorientated.
2. Snowdon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,629 reviews
The highest mountain in Wales (higher than any in England) at 3,560 feet.
Reviewed By PD280875 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Came here this year instead of the lakes for our annual walking holiday , an amazing area of outstanding beauty , we went up via Crib Goch which was an exhilarating experience (dont look down) , some fantastic views all the way up and some challenging areas to scramble over , plenty of different paths too the top and even a steam train ! would deffo like to do this again
3. Arenig Fawr
4. Y Garn
5. Glyderau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By mrh102018 - Bury, United Kingdom
Sunday 22nd hike. Gorgeous weather. Great views. I did the reverse route and tackled devils kitchen first and the harder scramble up towards Glyder Fawr. Had a wild camp out facing the east facing side of Tryfan... Cold night and quite windy but was worth it for the cloudless night to see the stars and the sunrise was well worth the 5.30 wake up to tackle the return trek. Well worth the hard work
6. Cader Idris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By lucyharries_89 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
After reading about the different tracks you can take up to the summit, I decided to opt for the Minffordd path, and I was not disappointed! I managed to get here on the T2 bus from Dolgellau - it drops you off next to Dol Idris Car Park - just ask the driver where to jump off if you're unsure. Once you reach the car park, follow the signs to the start of the track - there is also a little cafe en route if you need any supplies, but don't rely on it too much as it wasn't open on the day that I went! The Minffordd Path itself is relatively easy to follow. After a steep initial ascent (with lot's of steps through a woodland) you reach a split in the path - a little stone bridge going right will take you up the Mynydd Moel path, which is a giant scree slope. The left will continue your journey along the Minffordd path and takes you to Llyn Cau,which is a really pretty lake, and a gorgeous spot to have a chill and recharge before continuing. After you've relaxed a bit, or just stopped for a photo opportunity, continue along the ridge, keeping the lake to your right and prepare for another steep climb towards Craig Cwm Amarch, the first peak you reach (after climbing over a stile). After taking a moment to admire the views, continue along the downward path for about 10-15 minutes and eventually the path will start ascending again - the path is pretty clearly marked until you get to this point, but then it becomes a bit difficult to follow as you begin the ascent as there is a lot of loose rock - just try and keep to the right and you'll eventually reach the trig point! From the top, you can choose to either go back the same way or choose a different descent. For anyone relying on the buses, like me, you can take the Mynydd Moel path back to the Dol Idris car park. Follow the flat ridge on the summit for a good while (it is essentially a circular route around the opposite side of Llyn Cau that you ascended). After a while you reach a stile - cross this and begin your descent down the scree slope. You eventually cross the little stone bridge that you saw on the way up, which then joins the Minffordd Path again for the final part of the descent back to the car park. Be warned, the descent down the Mynydd Moel is really tough on the knees - I thought mine were okay but this mountain proved me wrong! Overall, this was a challenging hike, but I would do it gain. The views never get tiring and, having done Snowdon 2 years previously, this was a far more spectacular walk. It really is not to be missed!
7. Cnicht
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By jammyjames60 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Cnicht is a mountain in Snowdonia which forms part of the Moelwynion mountain range. Its appearance when viewed from the south-west, i.e. from the direction of Porthmadog, has earned it the sobriquet the “Matterhorn of Wales”. At 689m, this little peak is dwarfed somewhat by its neighbours to the north but for me it has something of an iconic status and is a great introduction to scrambling for a great many people. Most people start the ascent to Cnicht at the quiet and slightly isolated Snowdonia village of Croesor.
8. Crug Hywel (Table Mountain)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By QueenieWorcester - Droitwich, United Kingdom
Thoroughly enjoyed this walk which we found online. Challenging at the start but worth it. It was a nearly 13 mile circular walk. Parked at the carpark near the Crickhowell visitor centre. Went to a nearby coffee shop and then we started. Along the main road then straight up table mountain. Wow the views. Then upwards to cover 3 pens which are relatively flat. Back down and then back up table mountain ending up back at Crickhowell and then to the pub. Perfect day! Quite a few people doing the same. You could even extend the walk to cover more pens and make it around 19 miles.
9. Caerphilly Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By pamelamoon - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Lots of lovely walks. Some breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel from the south side of the mountain. Many footpaths around the mountain. Can see horses, cows and sheep on some of the public footpath routes.
10. Twmbarlwm Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By awb20162016 - Wareham, United Kingdom
This is worth the climb, and the path north to Pontypool is good walking. You can see for miles beyond the valley towns, although on a hot day the haze prevented me seeing the Bristol Channel and the Brecon Beacons
