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Winter Walks in Mid Wales

Winter walking in Mid Wales means crisp mornings, low sun, empty paths and a fire to come back to. From frosty ridges in Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia) to sheltered forests in Powys and the coast path in Ceredigion, there are walks for every kind of winter day. Here's where we'd go, and what to take.

Frosty ridges: Cadair Idris, Southern Eryri

On a clear, cold day, Cadair Idris above Dolgellau is one of the finest winter walks in Wales. The Pony Path from Tŷ Nant is the most straightforward route to the summit, Penygadair. In winter the tops can be icy and snow-covered, and the weather changes fast, so only go up with the right kit and experience, and turn back if conditions change. For a lower walk with big views, the Precipice Walk near Dolgellau circles above the Mawddach estuary.

Reservoir circuits: the Elan Valley, Powys

The Elan Valley Trail runs beside the reservoirs from Rhayader towards Craig Goch on an old railway line, level and good in almost any weather. After heavy rain the dams overflow in white curtains of water. Start at Cwm Elan, the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, for maps and a warm drink.

Sheltered forests: Hafren and Coed y Brenin

When it's windy on the tops, head for the trees. Hafren Forest near Llanidloes has waymarked trails beside the young River Severn, including the walk to Severn-break-its-neck. Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau in Southern Eryri has forest trails for walkers alongside its well-known mountain bike routes.

Coast in winter sunshine: Ceredigion

On a bright winter day the Ceredigion Coast Path is at its best, with low light on the cliffs and hardly anyone about. The stretch between New Quay and Llangrannog is a good day's walk. Keep well back from the edges, which can be slippery.

Canal towpaths: the Montgomery Canal

For a flat, easy walk, the towpath of the Montgomery Canal near Welshpool is level and quiet, good for a Boxing Day stroll with the family.

What should I take on a winter walk in Mid Wales?

Waterproof boots with good grip, warm layers, a hat, gloves and a waterproof jacket. Carry a map and compass or a charged phone with offline maps, a torch and something hot to drink. Days are short, with sunset around 4pm in December, so start early and plan to finish in daylight. Tell someone your route, and check the mountain forecast before going high. See AdventureSmart.

More routes are on our walking routes page. For somewhere to dry off, see cosy Christmas cottages.

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More winter ideas

Inspiration

New Year in Mid Wales

See the New Year in by a pub fire, then walk it off on New Year's Day with nobody else about. A fresh start in Mid Wales.
Christmas in Mid Wales

Santa steam trains, candlelit country houses, market town shopping and a cottage with the fire lit. Christmas in Mid Wales is festive without the crowds.
Christmas with Dogs in Mid Wales

Winter beaches with room to run, pubs that welcome muddy paws and a cottage fire to dry off by. Christmas with the dog is easy in Mid Wales.
Cosy Christmas Cottages in Mid Wales

A wood burner, a tree in the corner and a walk from the door. Christmas cottages in Mid Wales sell out early, so it pays to book ahead.
Winter Wildlife in Mid Wales

Hundreds of red kites over Rhayader, starlings swirling under Aberystwyth pier and geese on the Dyfi estuary. Winter is a great time for wildlife in Mid Wales.
Dark Skies and Stargazing in Mid Wales

Some of the darkest skies in Britain, with the Milky Way overhead on a clear night. Here is where to go, what to look for and when.

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National Wool Museum | Village Trail

Address

National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, Near Newcastle Emlyn, Llandysul, SA44 5UP

Telephone
0300 111 2 333

wool@museumwales.ac.uk

Near Newcastle Emlyn

Follow a self guided walk around the village of Drefach Felindre highlighting historical and interesting facts about the woollen industry in the locality.
Llwybrau Mawddwy Paths

Address

Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, LL49 9LP

Dinas Mawddwy

The Llwybrau Cerdded - Mawddwy - Walking Paths are based in Dinas Mawddwy, an unspoilt, hidden area of southern Snowdonia between Machynlleth and Dolgellau which is steeped in history.
Montgomery Trails | Beneath the Fridd

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

Step out of Montgomery onto field paths giving delightful views and a flavour of the Montgomeryshire countryside.
3 miles (5 km) moderate grade - 1-1.5hours
Montgomery Trails | Rolling Marches Walk

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

The ranges of hills west of Montgomery can be fully appreciated from this fairly strenuous walk over the rolling Marches landscape.
5miles (8km) moderate grade. 2.5hours
Offas Dyke Circular

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

Enjoy a ramble through lovely parkland followed by tranquil farmland paths and a section adjacent to Offas Dyke
4 miles (6.5km) Easy Walk about 2 hours
Download PDF
Montgomery Trails | Cross Offa Walk

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

This walk straddles the border between Wales and England and provides wonderful views of Welsh hills all around, with almost no climbing necessary on the walk
9 miles (14.5km) Moderate - 4-5hours
Download PDF
Heart of Wales Railway Line

Address

Shrewsbury - Swansea, LD1 6BG

Telephone
01654 702653

Shrewsbury - Swansea

The Heart of Wales Line is one of Britain's most scenic rural railways. The line runs for 120 miles of dramatic scenery from Shrewsbury to Swansea, crossing two impressive viaducts at Knucklas and Cynghordy and through six tunnels, including one…
Dragon Trails Walking Holidays | Brecon Beacons

Address

4 Llanbedr Road, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BT

Telephone
01873 810970

richard@dragontrails.com

Crickhowell

Explore the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains with an experienced guide from a delightful guesthouse in Crickhowell. Short walking breaks for 4 to 8 people based at a 4-star guest house in Crickhowell in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.

Price
Price £470.00 per adult
Black Mountain Adventure

Address

Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SD

Telephone
01497 847897

info@blackmountain.co.uk

Brecon

An Award Winning Outdoor Adventure Centre in the stunning Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). At Black Mountain we offer a wide range of exciting activities from archery to caving, paddle boarding to gorge walking, land karting to high ropes, &…
Aberdabbadoo

Address

Corlan, North Road, Aberystwyth, Dyfed, SY23 2EE

Telephone
07807699118

alisonpierse@gmail.com

Aberystwyth

Aberdabbadoo offers relaxed, small-group themed guided walks around Aberystwyth, sharing quirky stories about the town, its buildings and people. Join a scheduled walk or arrange a private experience for your group. Explore the guided walking…
Devil's Bridge Waterfalls | Nature Trails

Address

Devils Bridge, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW

Telephone
01970 890233

visit@devilsbridgefalls.co.uk

Aberystwyth

Devil's Bridge Falls is a spectacular waterfall attraction at Devil's Bridge in the heart of the Mid Wales' Cambrian Mountains.
Brad Carr's School of Photography | 1:1 Tuition, Workshops & Retreats

Address

Prince Of Wales Drive, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7UE

Telephone
07479 503324

brad@bradcarrphotography.co.uk

Welshpool

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Through the school of photography, I offer a comprehensive range of learning experiences for photographers at all stages of their creative journey. These include group landscape photography workshops, private 1:1 photography tuition, and residential…
Serydda | Stargazing Experiences

Address

Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6JB

Telephone
01974 298150

serydda@gmail.com

Tregaron

Whether you're looking to see a few twinkling stars or fancy photographing the Milky Way, a great meteor shower or the rare noctilucent clouds, Dafydd's your man to take you to the right place at the right time. 60-minute stargazing experiences,…
Cambrian & Cambrian Coast Line

Address

SY20 8BL

Enjoy a great day out on the spectacular Cambrian Railway Lines. The lines from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the Cambrian Coast from Machynlleth to Pwllheli offer stunning coast, country and mountain views of any rail journey in the UK.
Adventure Britain

Address

Ty Anturiaeth, 83 Church Road, Seven Sisters, Neath, SA10 9DT

Telephone
01639 700388

sales@adventurebritain.com

Seven Sisters

Leading group adventure activity provider at Seven Sisters near Ystradgynlais, on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Adventure Britain runs multi-activity breaks for adults, stag and hen groups, schools, youth, families and corporate…
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)
Wales Coast Path | Aberystwyth - Borth

Address

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberystwyth

If you're looking for a short, yet picturesque walk along the coast, the Wales Coast Path from Aberystwyth to Borth is an ideal option. This 5-mile (8 km) section is a delightful path, albeit with one or two hills to conquer.
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.
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…
Llandysul Town Historic Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Llandysul Town Historic Walk
Start/Finish: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: All walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 1.1km/1.8M
Time: 1 hour (excluding rest stops)
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.