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Spring Walks in Mid Wales | Routes and Trails from March to May

Spring is the best time to walk in Mid Wales. The paths dry out, the days get longer, and the hillsides shift from brown to green within weeks. If you are looking for spring walks in Wales that do not involve dodging other walkers, this is the part of the country to head for.

Long-distance trails

Glyndŵr's Way runs 135 miles from Knighton to Welshpool through the heart of Mid Wales. It crosses open farmland, forest tracks and hill ridges with views across to the Brecon Beacons and Southern Snowdonia. In April and May, the route is at its best. The ground is firm, the air is clear, and you might walk entire sections without meeting another person.

The Ceredigion Coast Path follows the clifftops from Cardigan to Ynyslas through some of the finest coastal walking in Wales. Spring brings wildflowers to the cliff edges, and the sea looks different every time you stop to take it in. The section between New Quay and Llangrannog is hard to beat.

Shorter walks and circuits

Not every walk needs to be an expedition. The Elan Valley trails follow the edges of the reservoirs through oak woodland and open moorland, with flat paths that suit families and anyone who just wants a good walk without navigating. The Hafren Forest trails above Llanidloes follow the infant River Severn and are quiet even at weekends.

Around Machynlleth, the hill paths behind the town lead up to views across the Dyfi Valley. From Dolgellau, the Precipice Walk is a low-level circuit with views down to the Mawddach Estuary that look their best in spring light. And the canal towpath at Welshpool is dead flat, easy underfoot and good for a slow morning with a coffee stop at the end.

Bluebell woods

Mid Wales has some of the best bluebell woods in the country. The ancient oak woodlands around Dolgellau and the Mawddach come alive in late April and May. Coed Ganllwyd and the woods along the Mawddach Trail are reliable spots. In Radnorshire, the lanes around Knighton and Presteigne lead through woods that nobody much visits, which is part of their appeal.

What to know before you go

Spring weather in Mid Wales is changeable. A clear morning can turn to rain by lunchtime, and exposed ridges are colder than you expect. Bring layers, a proper waterproof and sturdy boots. Most trails are well marked, but a map and compass are worth carrying on longer routes where mobile signal disappears.

Accommodation close to the best walking routes fills up over bank holiday weekends and half terms. Book ahead if you have specific dates, or come midweek when the paths and the pubs are quieter.

Browse walking and hiking activities across Mid Wales below.

Inspiration

Gardens and Parks to Visit in Mid Wales

From the terraced gardens at Powis Castle to the country park at Craig-y-Nos, Mid Wales has gardens and green spaces that reward a slow visit. Come in spring for bluebells and snowdrops, or summer for long borders.
Ceredigion Coast, Mid Wales
Discover the Magic of Bluebell Season in Mid Wales

Discover the Magic of Bluebell Season in Mid Wales

Number of results: 116

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South Clettwr Valley Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - South Clettwr Valley Walk
Start: SN452425 - Car Park, Capel Dewi church hall
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 4.8km/3M
Time: 2 hours (excluding rest stops)
Rhayader | Walking & Hiking

Address

Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BU

Telephone
01597 810561

enquiries@rhayader.co.uk

Rhayader

Get off the beaten path and explore everything that Rhayader and the Elan Valley has to offer, from gentle relaxing walks to something to challenging the most experienced climbers.
Lôn Mawddach | Mawddach Trail

Address

Mawddach Estuary, Southern Snowdonia, LL40 2TA

Southern Snowdonia

The walk along the estuary from Barmouth to Dolgellau is 9.6 miles (15km). This easy leisure walk is suitable for all the family and involves no climbing. A section of the trail has been adapted for people with disabilities.
Y Bwa | The Arch (NRW)

Address

Nr Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Nr Devil's Bridge

The old masonry arch spanning the road was built by Thomas Johnes of Hafod in 1810 to mark the Golden Jubilee of George III. Three circular walking trails are waymarked and start from the Hafod Arch car park and The Arch is designated as a Dark…
Warren Wood | Waterfall & Walks (NRW)

Address

Warren Wood, Near New Radnor, Powys

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.co.uk

Powys

Walk along a gorge to the Water-Break-its-Neck waterfall, a popular destination for Victorian tourists. Explore the woodland and see some of the largest trees in Radnorshire.
Wales Coast Path | New Quay - Aberaeron

Address

Cei Newydd | New Quay, New Quay - Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0JP

Telephone
01970 612125

countryside@ceredigion.gov.uk

New Quay - Aberaeron

New Quay to Aberaeron is a popular section of the Wales Coast Path that presents no major challenges. The walk is a distance 10.5km (6.5miles)
Walking Newtown | Waterways and Town

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Y Drenewydd | Newtown

This 2.5 circular mile walk starts in the centre of Newtown and largely circles around the western boundaries of Newtown. It will take you along the River Severn and has some road and off-road walking.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Llyn Barfog Walk

Address

Cwm Maethlon | Happy Valley, Aberdyfi, GWYNEDD

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Aberdyfi

Start: Snowdonia National Park Authority car park, Cwm Maethlon/Happy Valley
Grid Reference: SN 640 986
Distance: 5 km - 3.1 miles (shortcut 4 km – 2.5 miles)
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Open moorland, firm tracks, fields and tarmac road.
Dolgellau Town Trail

Address

Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1PS

Dolgellau

Discover Dolgellau with its rich history and captivating architecture on the Dolgellau Town Trail. Begin and end your journey at Eldon Square in the heart of the town and meander through its irregular streets and admire the solid buildings.
Circular Walk 8 - Llanllwchaiarn Lollipop Walk

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

walkingnewtown@hotmail.com

Powys

The Llanllwchaiarn Lollipop Walk starts and finishes at the Town Clock at the intersection of Broad, High and Severn
Streets. The walk is 4.3 miles and should take around 2 hours
Wales Coast Path | Ceredigion

Address

Wales Coast Path | Ceredigion Coast, Cardigan - Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5HX

Telephone
0300 065 3000

wcp@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Cardigan - Borth

The Ceredigion Coast section of the Wales Coast Path providers the walker with glimpses of dolphins and porpoise, seals and a host of marine birds throughout the year around the majestic sweep of Cardigan Bay .
Aberdyfi Circular Walk off the Wales Coast Path

Address

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0ED

Telephone
01286 679217

tourism@gwynedd.gov.uk

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey

Circular walk starting from the popular coastal town of Aberdyfi. Stunning sandy beach, medieval castle site, tales of sunken villages, and far-reaching views of the Dyfi estuary and Cambrian coast are all part of this short but scenic walk.
The Cambrian Way | Central Section

Address

Llanymddfri | Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, SA20 0AW

Carmarthenshire

The Cambrian Way is a challenging long distance walk through the most unspoilt countryside in Wales. Walkers will be amazed at the remoteness of the central section route through Mid Wales from the Brecon Beacons to Southern Snowdonia.
Glyndwr's Way | Machynlleth - Llanwddyn

Address

Mid Wales, Powys, SY20 8EE

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

A 132 mile National Trail set in the heart of Mid Wales breathtaking countryside, dedicated to the 15th Century Welsh Prince Owain Glyndwr
Offa's Dyke | Buttington Bridge to Llanymynech

Address

Welshpool - Llanymynech, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7DD

Welshpool

The Buttington Bridge to Llanymynech section of the Offa's Dyke National Trail starts at Buttington Bridge where you meet the River Severn, from where it is a short walk into Welshpool.
Ystwyth Trail (Stage 2)

Address

Ystwyth Trail (Stage 2), Ystrad Meurig - Tregaron, SY25 6BJ

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ystrad Meurig - Tregaron

The Ystwyth Trail is a 20-mile(32.1km) cycle route and footpath linking Aberystwyth & Tregaron which follows part of the track of the old Great Western railway line
Llandysul/Pont-Tyweli South Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Llandysul / Pont-Tyweli South Walk
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 9km/5.6M
Time: 2.5hrs (excluding rest stops)
Betsi Cadwaladr | Heritage Trail

Address

Station Road, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NG

Bala

A circular walk first through the town, over farmland and moorland to Llanycil returning along the lake and through the town with many stiles. The walk passes various locations associated with Betsi Cadwaladr.
Cors Caron National Nature Reserve | Walking (NRW)

Address

Cors Caron National Nature Reserve, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6JF

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Cors Caron is a vast wetland near Tregaron. The huge raised peat bogs and surrounding habitats support a wealth of wildlife. Accessible boardwalk over bog to hide, and Sustrans National Cycle route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Dyfi Forest (NRW)

Address

Dyfi Forest (NRW), Gwynedd, SY20 8QJ

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Gwynedd

The Dyfi Forest is located mainly to the north of the Afon Dyfi between Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south. Dyfi is a 6000ha forest - a spectacular landscape well worth exploring.
NCN Lon Cambria

Address

Mid Wales, SY20 8TG

Telephone
01654 702653

info@showmewales.co.uk

Lon Cambria is a 113-mile cycle route in the National Cycle Network which runs from Aberystwyth on the west coast of Wales, through the Cambrian Mountains and the Mid Wales Marches to Shrewsbury.