Our Pick Of The Best Walks In Conwy
With a long stretch of the North Wales coast and a good section of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park to its name, Conwy county is full of great places to go for a walk. Whether you’re looking for a good challenge or a gentle stroll, there should be something for you in our list of the best walks in Conwy.
For those visiting the area, Conwy’s fabulous scenery also makes it an excellent place for an outdoor break. Camping and glamping are both popular options in this green and scenic destination, and Pitchup has a great range of campsites to suit all tastes and budgets. Take a look at the full list below and see which one takes your fancy…
Wales Coast Path from Conwy to Deganwy
Also known as the ‘two marina walk’, this three-mile scenic stretch of the Wales Coast Path starts in the walled market town of Conwy, then winds past some well-loved tourist attractions before finishing up at Deganwy.
Start by strolling towards Bodlondeb Woods local nature reserve (keeping an eye out for the pretty Painted Lady butterflies) and continue on to Conwy Quay. Here, you’ll walk past the impressive 13th-century Conwy Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe – as well as the Smallest House in Great Britain (it really is tiny, at just 122 inches high by 72 inches wide).
Before you know it, you’ll be walking over the bridge towards Deganwy, ready for a bite to eat at one of the town’s restaurants – and then perhaps the next walk as well?
Deganwy Castle Trail
There’s evidence to suggest that the site of Deganwy Castle has been occupied as far back as prehistoric, Iron Age and Romano-British times. However, the ruins that can be seen here today are mainly from the stone stronghold that was built by King Henry III in the 13th century.
A pleasant three-mile circular walk runs from Deganwy railway station to the castle and back, taking around an hour and a half to complete. It’s a great choice of circular walk for those travelling on public transport. If you want to keep going once you’re done, pick up the coast path and head towards Traeth Melyn for some sweet sea views.
For more info on Deganwy and the area’s other historic castles, take a look at our guide to the best castles to visit in Conwy.
Conwy Mountain (Mynydd y Dref)
The 801-foot Conwy Mountain is just outside Conwy town centre, and easily reachable from the railway station or castle. It’s an excellent place to explore at any time of year, but it’s particularly gorgeous in summer, when the gorse and heather flowers are in full bloom.
There are several routes you can choose, but the easiest to follow is the marked 3.5-mile circular trail running up to the mountain’s summit from the town centre. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with some outstanding views of the coast from one side and the Carneddau mountains from the other.
While you’re at the top, look out for the remains of Castell Caer Seion – an Iron Age hill fort that dates back to the 4th century BC – and a number of Neolithic hut circles.
Great Orme Country Park
At two miles long, one mile wide and 679 feet high, it’s hard to miss the Great Orme, a giant piece of limestone rock rising from the sea. It’s a haven for rare habitats and species, so a large portion of the headland is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as a Special Area of Conservation.
There are several marked walking trails at the Great Orme, and the four-mile nature trail is our pick of the bunch. Along the way you’ll see a variety of wildlife (including pretty butterflies and resident goats) and flowers as well as some awesome views over the Carneddau mountains and the Menai Strait. On a clear day you may be able to see as far as Anglesey and Liverpool Bay.
Hiraethog Trail
The long-distance Hiraethog Trail is in the south of Conwy and links the Hiraethog villages of Llanrhaeadr, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr, Cerrigydrudion and Pentrefoelas. The full trail is over 50 miles in length, running from Pentrefoelas in Conwy to Bodfari in Denbighshire and taking keen walkers a few days to complete.
If that’s a bit too much of a challenge, you can simply take one of the circular walks from any of the villages mentioned above to follow part of the trail before returning to your starting point.
However you choose to experience the Hiraethog Trail, you’re likely to see some great scenery and interesting heritage sights along the way – the trail takes in everything from ancient standing stones to village churches and mills, plus lakes, waterfalls and lots of mountain views.
If you’ve got some energy left for more walks, take a look at our suggestions for walking or hiking in Eryri (Snowdonia) for further trail inspiration. On the other hand, if it’s time for a bit of a rest, head to one of Conwy’s best beaches.
In between walks and other outings, you can soak up more of this lovely scenery while putting your feet up at one of the area’s excellent campsites. From simple grass pitches to stylish glamping lodges, Pitchup has a fine range of places to stay – click the button below to find the one for you.