Walking Tall

The Secret Seven

Some of the best afternoons in North Wales, says Jamie Ayshford, are those strolls of misty Novembers. So here’s a collection of seven afternoon outings that are just perfect for this autumnal month…

Just because the clocks have turned back doesn’t mean to say that you have to hang up your walking boots. These shorter routes easily rival those thrill-seeking elevated trails, and will have you back in plenty of time for your Sunday dinner. So don the bobble hat, pretend you are a Welsh dragon as your breath is visible in the cold air, top up the vitamin D and head out to make the most of this colourful month.

What’s more, we’ve made routing out your starting point easier than ever before by adding their ‘what3words’ location.

The lakeside colours at Llyn Geirionydd are a top destination for witnessing Wales in autumn Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant circular walk

Just outside of Llanwrst, this afternoon walk makes for the perfect Sunday reset. Take the marked trail around these lakes where mustard bracken is a jumble with blonde larch, while thick conifers prop up in the distance. Follow the blue path markers all the way as you leave Geirionydd towards Crafnant. Take a moment to enjoy the entrancing stillness around these lakes at this time of year; it feels noisy from the sound of nothing. This Gywdir Forest Park jaunt is a mixed terrain of gravel, tight forest footpaths and lanes. Be cautious on the steep slopes. Toilets and parking located here: nametag.joined.polar

Aberglaslyn path to Beddgelert

If you are after a walk with quick impact, this trail to quaint Beddgelert showcases North Wales autumn in style. This is a perfect walk if, just like a Sunday roast, you like ‘a bit of everything’. Marvel at the mighty slab of Aberglaslyn gorge and its turbulent river where branches dapple over the water’s edge. If you’re lucky, the huff of steam from the passing Ffestiniog railway above will intensify the refreshing autumn air. Leave the car park for the woodland before taking care as you follow the river upstream into the village (it is difficult and lofty in places). On arrival, be sure to peek inside St Mary’s Church where the setting autumn sun enhances the glass windows, or admire the beautifully carved bench of owls around the corner. After a refuel at one of the cafés in the village, turn around and walk with the flow of the river back to the car. Toilets and parking located at: emulating.massing.glares

The Aberglaslyn riverside path which takes you into the village of Beddgelert Rhaedr Fawr pumping with water at Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve

Aber Falls

There is a silver lining in the amount of rain North Wales receives at this time of year in the epic array of falls that come into full force in the season. This clear yellow marked path has plenty of rest benches and is wheelchair accessible (from the top car park) and leads you on a simple afternoon autumn stroll with an incredible finale – the tumbling Rhaeadr Fawr. Wonder (or squint amidst the spray) at water which has flowed right across the Carneddau range. Feeling more ambitious? Head a bit further east and you can tick the smaller Rhaeadr Fach off your autumn bucket list too. On your way back, walk in tandom with the sheep along a runway of turning bracken and deciduous woodland. Full waterproofs are advised and don’t forget £5 (in coins) to park. Choose a quiet time as the busy car parks are reflective of how fulfilling a ramble this one is. Here’s your starting spot: resonated.walked.steaming

Don’t be misled by thinking you are taking on Snowdon’s trickiest summit path in its entirety here. This is a double-back jaunt of the path’s first few kilometres (the best bit!). Whilst a moderate climb, it is as magnificent as it is manageable. Cross the road from the car park and trail the ancient woodland in fitting with Narnia. Open the wide farm gate and join the satisfyingly chunky path. Carefully view the slab bridge on your right which looks like a natural game of Jenga. Continue climbing and peer down at the adjacent domino of teal falls. This walk could be mistaken for a Bali travel brochure. Once you reach the National Trust’s micro hydro-electric feature, it’s a good marker to turn-around. This one isn’t repetitive despite being linear. The descent feels just as novel as you amble back to the car in a half-pipe of auburn slopes to enjoy stretching views back across Snowdonia farmlands. There is pay and display parking available at: notes.highs.cured

The vine-lain Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tea-room beneath the conifers of Gwydir Forest Llanrwst

Leave the walking boots to dry for this one and mix it up with a market town stroll. Once you’ve perused the shops, veer away from the high street and make for the pavement which overlooks the rustic road-bridge. Stand beside the riverbanks of the river Conwy, where the slushing water through the reeds will leave you feeling like Ratty and Moley on a Wind in the Willows grand autumn day out (the North Wales edition!). This one is great whatever the weather as the misty rains make the vine-covered Tu Hwnt I’r Bont tea rooms beneath the conifers of Gwydir Forest a photo worthy for the family calendar. Park at the town’s library: spoil.firebird.motels

Ynys Llanddwyn, Newborough

For a mindful reset, stroll along sandy pine trails akin to that southern France holiday before island hopping to be with wild horses and lighthouses synonymous with a Greek island. Leave the car park to track westwards in the forest or along Newborough’s shore towards the stone hut, which marks the start of Ynys LLanddwyn. As the chunky swirled wooden gate clangs behind you with umph, that’s your klaxon to explore the crunchy shell paths of this magical island. Hunt for the old canon, The Pilot Cottages, and the ruins of St Dwynwen’s before the reaching the iconic chalky lighthouses. That’s if you are not distracted by choosing which of the many coves you would bagsy as your secluded sunbathing spec for next summer. A jaunt on the west side paths is particularly rousing as the water often slams against the lower rocks. Watch out for the tide times as you don’t want to find yourself wading back onto the mainland. ANPR parking with a pay-on-exit can be found here. vented.award.pairings

Cwm Idwal

If you are after a Snowdonia quick-fix, Cwm Idwal is a top choice. This one, especially during autumn, confirms how the low-level views of North Wales’ peaks can in fact be more enchanting than those summit sights. Feel grounded as you follow the lakeside track, a mere scratch in this bowl of a landscape carved out by a glacial past. If the attraction of coming across a shingle beach in the mountains here isn’t enough, the area is also known for captivating Charles Darwin and his glacial theories. Pay and display parking with a little hatch café and toilets are here: laughs.huddled.charts

The satisfyingly chunky slab path which takes you around Cwm Idwal

The pine entry prior to the shores of Newborough Beach

Jamie Ayshford is a freelance journalist, Snowdonia National Park Ambassador and personal trainer based in North Wales. When not out running on the trails, mountain biking or exploring hidden gems with his twin brother and border terriers, he loves to research and write about this fabulous region.