North Wales has some amazing scenery and walking routes, and bringing the kids along doesn’t have to get in the way of this – in fact, its best they get out there and start developing a love for nature! We’ve got a list together of some of the most beautiful and child friendly walks there are in the area.
Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve – Abergwyngregyn
This walking trail goes up to the falls of Afon Rhaeadr Fawr – which is known locally as Aber Falls in the county of Conwy. This waterfall runs down from the Carneddau mountains, creating a dramatic and beautiful feature.
The straightforward path up to the falls is surrounded by a mixture of open grassland, where sometimes you can find sheep and horses. The woodland is made up of hazel, oak and alder – home to birds and other wildlife!
The path up to the falls is push chair friendly, with benches at regular intervals if you need to take any rest. Just look out for the hut next to a gate which is signposted as the start of the path.
Llanddwyn Beach/Ynys Llanddwyn – Newborough
Head up to Anglesey and start at at Newborough Forest car park, this walk takes you along Llanddwyn Beach up to the island. Make sure you go on low tide, as at very high tides the island can be cut off completely!
The beach in front of Newborough forest, where red squirrels were reintroduced in 2004, and are now thriving. As you approached the island, you can also find rock formations from lava pillows on the beach, which date back to the Pre-Cambrian period (545 million years ago!)
There’s lots to explore on the island, including Ty Mawr lighthouse, the ruins of St.Dwynwen’s Church, and lots of small rocky coves. If you’re lucky you might also see some ponies.
Cwm Idwal and Llyn Idwal – Bethesda
Cwm Idwals rugged and dramatic view makes you feel like you’ve walked deep into the mountains, but it’s actually a relatively easy walk with just a small ascent.
Starting at the visitor centre, you walk up over a little bridge, where you can see a fast flowing fall. As you carry on up the rocky path – which is unsuitable for push chairs but fine for children, it’s common to see the small Carneddau ponies grazing.
You walk up to the lake, and around, or you can just walk up to see the view of the natural amphitheatre, where the devils kitchen is located, and back down again!
Llyn Crafnant – Llanrwst
This easy circular walk in Conwy follows a lakeside track around the lake, which is beautiful, and extra sparkly in the summer light. The lake ‘Crafnant’ got its name from the old welsh language. Craf meaning garlic, and nant meaning stream or river.
You start from the car park and walk upwards to the lake. Here, you can choose to take the walk round left or right, with a road on the left hand side and a track on the right – which you’ll eventually get to walk on both.
Halfway round, you can stop at the café for refreshments, and enjoy the idyllic setting on the bank on the lake.
