Walking Festivals in North Wales
Published on 27 Jan 2020 by Gwion LlwydA brilliant way to explore new landscapes and routes in the company of friendly folk in boots. These are our favourite walking festivals in North Wales.
From rugged coasts to sandy dunes, soaring mountains to meandering forest paths, there is a wealth of different walking experiences to enjoy on your next holiday in North Wales.
Why do we love our holiday walks and hikes? Well, because they re-energise and inspire us, stoke our spirits and soothe our souls. Is there any more satisfying meal than a hearty dinner after a day of roaming the hills? And is there any better sleep than the slumber of the well-trodden?
Joining in with one of North Wales’s friendly walking festivals is a brilliant way to explore new places – from hidden coves and beaches, to new routes up previously undiscovered mountains.
Because they tend to be led by local guides, walking festivals are also a great way to find out more about the region’s flora, fauna, heritage and geology.
Here are some of our favourite – and highly recommended – walking festivals in North Wales.
Trefriw Walking Festival
15 – 17 May, 2020, Conwy Valley
This award-winning festival is a showcase for the scenery, natural history and human stories and heritage of the beautiful Conwy Valley, with more than 20 different walks and experiences. Based in the heart of the historic village of Trefriw in the Conwy Valley, expect a beautiful backdrop of the Carneddau mountains and forests. The festival has trails for every level, from mountain ascents to easy strolls. Walks explore a variety of themes including local history, food (foraging), culture and nature. We loved the bird song walk last year! A fabulous way to discover more about the Carneddau and Snowdonia.
Corwen Walking Festival 2020
5 September 2020, Denbighshire
This annual one-day festival takes place in the Denbighshire town of Corwen, on the edge of Snowdonia. Expect walks through the picturesque Dee Valley and in the relatively unknown Berwyn hills, which stretch from Llangollen in the north down to Bala in the west and Oswestry in the south. There are usually some routes into the Clwydian mountains too. Some wonderful routes to discover in this quiet but beautiful corner of north east Wales.
Barmouth Festival of Walking
19 – 28 September 2020, Gwynedd
With a programme of around 40 walks and hikes, the 10-day Barmouth Festival of Walking is a great opportunity to join other walkers to try little known routes as well as some of the most popular walks in the area. There are walks for all abilities, led by knowledgeable local guides, ranging from short two-hour rambles, to full day, high level hikes, all taking place in some of the finest walking countryside in Wales.
Snowdonia Walking Festival
Usually takes place on the first weekend in November (TBC for 2020), Betws y Coed
This two-day walking festival is based in Betws y Coed and will help you to explore local lakes, forests and mountains. Navigation workshops, therapy pony walks and nature trails all feature. This is a really family-friendly programme.