To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Learn more

You are here: Experience and Enjoy > Active > Winter Walks

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.

#6D7F8A

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.

Number of results: 117

, currently showing 85 to 105.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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 .
Offa's Dyke Path National Trail

Address

Wales, LD7 1EP

Telephone
01597 827580

odpnt@powys.gov.uk

Crossing the border between England and Wales more than ten times in its 293km (182m), the Offa's Dyke Path passes through some of the most attractive landscape.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Cae Adda Walk

Address

Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Near Dovey Valley Shooting Centre
Limited car parking
Grid Reference: SH 806 051
Distance: 10 km – 6.2 miles
Grade: Moderate with some steep sections
Terrain: Fields, rough tracks
Maps: OS Explorer - 215
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
Mary Jones | Heritage Trail

Address

Llanfihangel Y Pennant, Near Abergynolwyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TS

Near Abergynolwyn

The Mary Jones Walk retraces the route the 15-year-old Mary Jones walked 25 miles from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, across the Welsh mountains, to Bala to get a Bible from Revd. Thomas Charles.
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.
Teifi Loop Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - Teifi Loop Walk
Start: SN418406 - Car Park, Llandysul
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 5.63km/3.5M
Time: 2.5 hours (excluding rest stops)
Ceredigion Coast Path | Cardigan - Aberporth

Address

Cardigan - Aberporth, Cardigan - Aberporth, Ceredigion, SA43 1JL

CardiganTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Cardigan - Aberporth

1st section of the Ceredigion Coastal Path
Total distance 18.7km (11.7 miles)
Cardigan to Gwbert 5.6km (3.5 miles), grade/easy
Gwbert to Mwnt 5.8km (3.6 miles), grade/easy
Mwnt to Aberporth 8km (5 miles), grade/moderate
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…
Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Walking Trails (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

Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre sits at the head of a dramatic valley and has commanding views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. Expect beautiful scenic walking trails all of which are waymarked and start from the visitor centre.
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
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Ceinws to Llanwrin Walk

Address

Ceinws, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Ceinws village
Grid Reference: SH760 059
Distance: 11.3 km – 7 miles (additional 0.7km - 0.4 miles to Llanwrin)
Grade: Moderate / Strenuous
Terrain: Firm tracks, open fields
Maps: OS Explorer 215
Spirit of the Miners Circular Walk

Address

Pontarfynach | Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion, SY23 3JW

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of 'Spirit of the Miners' Walks
Open fields, steep woodland trails, 3 river crossings
Start/Finish: SN738767 - Devils Bridge
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 110K/6M
Time: 3hrs
Circular Walk 1 - Ffrydd Farm and Penshwa Lane

Address

Y Drenewydd | Newtown, Powys, SY16 2BB

Telephone
01686 625544

townclerk@newtown.org.uk

Powys

This walk starts and ends in the centre of Newtown. It is a mixture of road and off -road walking with some sections muddy after heavy rain. It includes lovely views over Newtown and the surrounding hills. This walk is rated as moderate…
Ystwyth Trail | Aberystwyth - Ystradmeurig

Address

Ystwyth Trail, Aberystwyth - Ystrad Meurig, Ceredigion, SY25 6BJ

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberystwyth - Ystrad Meurig

The Ystwyth Trail is a 32.https://dms-nvg.newmindets.net/App/PMS/Product.aspx?pid=1741451&ref=s#1km/20M cycle route and footpath linking Aberystwyth and Tregaron. Part of the trail follows the track of the old Great Western railway line.
Glyndwr's Way | Llanwddyn - Welshpool

Address

Mid Wales, Powys, SY21 7DD

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
Brecon | Poetry Trail

Address

Aberhonddu | Brecon, Powys, LD3 7AD

Telephone
01874 622485

Aberhonddu | Brecon

Brecon's poetry trail invites everyone to explore the streets, rivers and landmarks of the ancient Welsh town of Brecon and its connection to the myths and legends of the magical, mystical land of Wales.
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.
North Clettwr Valley Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - North Clettwr Valley Walk
Start: SN452425 - Car Park, Capel Dewi church hall
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 3.2km/2M
Time: 1 hour (excluding rest stops)
Wales Coast Path | Aberystwyth-Ynyslas

Address

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2AG

Telephone
01970 612125

AberystwythTIC@Ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

This section of the Wales Coast Path is a section of two distinct halves with Aberystwyth to Borth being a challenging yet popular section of Ceredigion Coast while the section between Borth and Ynys-las is completely flat, with much of it running…
Montgomery Trails | Irresistible Offa Walking Route

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

This scenic circular walk takes you through the farming fields of Montgomery east, from the remnants of ridge and furrow farming from the middle ages to Boardyhall Wood past Lymore Lodge and current farm buildings.