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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: 117

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Cwm Rhaeadr Woodland | Walking Trails (NRW)

Address

Cwm Rhaeadr Woodland (NRW), Near Llandovery, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Llandovery

Six miles from Llandovery, this woodland and picnic area is in the peaceful Tywi valley. Glimpse the waterfall on the walking trail or explore the woodland on the accessible trail. Red-graded mountain bike trail for experienced riders.
Ceredigion Coast Path | Llanrhystud-Aberystwyth

Address

Llanrhystud - Aberystwyth, Llanrhystud, Ceredigion, SY23 5BW

Telephone
01545 570602

aberaeronTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Llanrhystud

6th section of the Ceredigion Coastal Path Llanrhystud to Aberystwyth
Total Distance 17km (10.6 miles) Grade - moderate/hard
Despite being challenging this section of Heritage Coast is dramatic, lonely and extremely worthwhile.
Ceredigion Coast Path | Aberaeron - Llanrhystud

Address

Aberaeron, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0BT

Telephone
01545 570602

countryside@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberaeron

5th section of the Ceredigion Coastal Path
Total distance 11.9km (7.4 miles)
Aberaeron to Aberarth 3.1km (1.9miles), grade/easy
Aberarth to Llanon 4.8km (3.0 miles), moderate-easy
Llanon to Llanrhystud 4.0km (2.5 miles), grade/easy
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)
Pen Allt-Mawr

Address

Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains, Powys

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

This walk is a continuation of the walk to Pen Cerrig-calch. The walk is approximately 8 miles and you need to allow at least 5.5hours if starting from the car park in Crickhowell.
Hafren Forest | Walking Trails (NRW)

Address

Hafren Forest (NRW), Rhyd-y-benwch car park, Old Hall, Near Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6PT

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Old Hall, Near Llanidloes

Choice of walking trails along the River Severn which flows through Hafren Forest. Trails go to waterfalls and the source of the Severn on Pumlumon. Riverside accessible trail with viewing platform over cascades. Picnic area and toilets.
Mid Wales Rail Trails | Barmouth to Porthmadog.

Address

Barmouth Railway Station, Station Approach, Barmouth - Porthmadog, LL42 1LS

Barmouth - Porthmadog

Mid Wales Rail Trails | Points of interest travelling on the Cambrian Line from Barmouth to Porthmadog.
Borth Walk

Address

Y Borth | Borth, Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5JU

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Borth

Start: Borth High Street
Grid Reference: SN 608 901
Distance: Walk A: 4.4 km – 2.7 miles
Walk B: 10.7 km – 6.6 miles
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Roads, firm tracks, sand and shingle
Maps: OS Explorer – OL 23 & 213
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Derwenlas Walk

Address

Derwenlas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Lay-by Derwenlas
Grid Reference: SN721 991
Distance: 6.2 km - 3.8 miles
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Firm tracks, open fields, some boggy areas
Maps: OS Explorer OL23
Corris Village Walk

Address

Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9SS

Corris

Start: Corris Craft Centre car park
Grid Reference: SH 750 078
Distance: 5 km . 3.1 miles
Shorter option: 2.3 km . 1.4 miles
Grade: Moderate (some steep sections)
Terrain: Tarmac road and firm tracks
Maps: OS Explorer - OL 23
Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Mountain Biking (NRW)

Address

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth

Mid Wales is a serious stop off and venue for people wishing to improve their dirt jump and pump track skills and the Mountain Bike Skills Park at Bwlch Nant yr Arian equips people to more safely enjoy their cycling out on the existing mountain bike…
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)
Sugar Loaf (from Llangenny) Walk

Address

Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains, Powys

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

There are many ways up and down the Sugar Loaf. This walk starts on the west of this striking and distinctly shaped hill in the small village of Llangenny (240180), just to the east of the bridge over the Grwyne Fawr.
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.
Waen-oer Ridge Mountain Walk

Address

Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, LL49 9LP

Telephone
01341 422888

Gwynedd

The Waun-oer Ridge Walk climbs from the village of Dinas Mawddwy over the bare mountains of Maesglase, Craig Portas, Cribin Fawr and Waun-oer and then down the slopes of Mynydd Ceiswyn to Bwlch Llyn Bach pass, Tal-y-llyn.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Pennal Walk

Address

Pennal, MACHYNLLETH, Powys, SY20 9DR

Telephone
0300 065 3000

MACHYNLLETH

Start: Pennal village
Grid Reference: SH 699 004
Distance: 13.2km – 8.3 miles
Grade: Strenuous – A mountain walk, not to be undertaken in poor visibility
Maps: OS Explorer – OL 23
Cadair Idris | Walking Routes (NRW)

Address

Cadair Idris, Southern Snowdonia, LL39 1AX

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Southern Snowdonia

There are three recommended walking routes to conquer Cader Idris. Whichever route you take they are all designated ‘hard/strenuous’ routes, and you should allow between five to six hours to get there and back
Coed y Brenin | Walking Trails (NRW)

Address

Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre (NRW), Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HZ

Telephone
01341 440747

coedybrenin@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Dolgellau

Three walking trails are waymarked and start from Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre car park.
More walking trails start from our other car parks within Coed y Brenin Forest Park.
Coed y Foel Woodland and Countryside Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails -Coed y Foel Woodland & Countryside Walk
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 9km/5.6M
Time: 3 hours (excluding rest stops)
The Beacons Way Walk

Address

National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8EL

Telephone
01874 623366

visitor.centre@breconbeacons.org

Brecon

The Beacons Way walk offers some of the best views the National Park has to offer. If you want to complete the whole 163 km (101 mile) walk it takes eight days, or you can do it one day at a time at your convenience.
Brecon | Town Trail

Address

Aberhonddu | Brecon, Powys, LD3 7AD

Telephone
01874 624437

enquiries@beacons-npa.gov.uk

Aberhonddu | Brecon

Town Trail walking route around Brecon