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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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Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Running Trails (NRW)

Address

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

Telephone
01970 890453

bnya@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth

Bwlch Nant yr Arian is famous for feeding red kites daily. Range of waymarked walking, mountain biking, running and horse-riding trails and a mountain bike skills park. Café, shop and play area.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Cwrt Walk

Address

Cwrt, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Village car park, Cwrt
Grid Reference:SH 688 000
Distance: 4.8 km – 3 miles (with extension 6.6 km - 4 miles)
Grade: Moderate (extension energetic)
Terrain: Tarmac road, firm tracks, fields and woodland
Maps: OS Explorer - OL 23
The Ann Griffiths Walk

Address

Pont Llogel, Llwydiarth to Pontrobert, Lake Vyrnwy, Powys, SY21 0QG

Telephone
01597 827567

Lake Vyrnwy

The Ann Griffiths Trail is a 7 mile linear walk that follows closely the bank of the River Vyrnwy for most of its length with the Berwyn mountains forming a splendid backdrop. The path runs from Pont Llogel, Llwydiarth to Pontrobert with scenery…
Walking Newtown | Neuadd Hendidley Farm

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Newtown

The starting point for this walk is the Newtown Town Clock in the town centre and unfolds through Newtown's historical tapestry. It is approximately 3.5 miles and should take around 3.5 hours
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.
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.
The Table Mountain Walk

Address

Crug Hywel | Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1AA

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

The Table Mountain is clearly visible from most places in Crickhowell. It is just to the north of the village on the eastern shoulder of the much larger Pen Cerrig-calch which dominates the northern views. Grid Ref: SO218185
Coed y Foel Woods to Capel Dewi Circular Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Coed y Foel Woods to Capel Dewi
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate-Strenuous
Distance: 13.1km/8M
Time: 4.5 hours (excluding rest stops)
Aberdyfi | | Panorama Walk

Address

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0ED

Telephone
01654 767321

TIC.Aberdyfi@snowdonia.gov.wales

Aberdyfi | Aberdovey

This gentle four mile walk soon gets you up above Aberdyfi, enjoying fine views over the mouth of the Dyfi estuary and south towards Borth and Aberystwyth.
Starting place: Tourist Information Centre
Starting ref: SN 614959
Tal-y-Bont Walk

Address

Talybont, Ceredigion, Ceredigion, SY24 5HE

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Ceredigion

Start: Tal-y-bont village green
Grid Reference: SN 654 891
Distance: 3.1 km – 1.9 miles
Grade: Easy/moderate
Terrain: Tarmac road and grassy tracks. Can be muddy
Maps: OS Explorer – 213
Glyndwr's Way National Trail

Address

Trail Start - Knighton, Powys, LD7 1EN

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

Powys

A 132 mile trail set in the heart of Mid Wales breathtaking countryside, dedicated to the 15c Welsh warrior and self proclaimed Prince Owain Glyndwr
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
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Machynlleth to Dyfi Wildlife Centre

Address

Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

This walk starts at the car park at Y Plas, Machynlleth and is graded as moderate. The terrain includes road, woodland paths, firm tracks and fields and is a distance of 5 miles.
Pererindod Melangell Walk

Address

Llyn Efyrnwy | Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn, Powys, SY10 0LY

Telephone
01691 870346

vyrnwy@rspb.org.uk

Llanwddyn

A spectacular 15 mile walk passing by Lake Vyrnwy, and leading to Britain's oldest Romanesque shrine at the ancient church of Pennant Melangell.
Circular Walk 5 - Coed y Graig

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Newtown

Rated as easy, this is a pub based walk that starts and finishes at the Waggon and Horses in Lower Canal Road, Newtown
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.
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…
Llanwrtyd Wells | Heritage Trail

Address

Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW

Llanwrtyd Wells

Many of the locations in Llanwrtyd Wells have an interesting history and walking the Heritage Trail is an excellent way of learning about the town and taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Llandysul / Pont-Tyweli North Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Llandysul / Pont-Tyweli North Walk
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 6.5km/4M
Time: 2.5 - 3hrs (excluding rest stops)
Rhaeadr Ddu & Coed Ganllwyd | Walking Trails

Address

Coed Ganllwyd Nature Reserve, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2TG

Telephone
01341 440238

eyri@nationaltrust.org

Dolgellau

A network of paths on the Coed Ganllwyd reserve mean you can choose from circular walks of 100 metres up to more demanding routes that stretch over two kilometres.
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.