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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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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.
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
Montgomery | Town Heritage Trail

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

2.17miles (3.5km) takes about 1.5hours and is a moderate walk with a moderate grade - Download the PDF
NCN Lon Teifi

Address

Mid Wales, SY20 8TG

Telephone
01654 702653

info@showmewales.co.uk

Lôn Teifi is part of National Route 82 between Aberystwyth and Fishguard.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Centre for Alternative Technology Walk

Address

Centre For Alternative Technology, Llwyngwern Quarry, Pantperthog, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Pantperthog, Machynlleth

Start: Centre for Alternative Technology
(C.A.T) car park
Grid Reference: SH 754 044
Distance: 7.1 km – 4.4 miles
Grade: Moderate (some steep sections)
Terrain: Firm tracks, roads and open grassland
Maps: OS Explorer OL23 or 215
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.
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…
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.
Pen Cerrig-Calch Walk

Address

Brecon Beacons | Black Mountains, Powys

Telephone
01873 812105

Powys

Both this walk and the one following to Pen Allt-mawr are more demanding walks. Start the walk in the pay and display car park and follow the directions for getting up Table Mountain
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 .
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)
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)
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
Glyndwr's Way | Knighton - Llanidloes

Address

Trail Start - Knighton, Knighton - Felindre - Abbeycwmhir - Llanidloes, Powys, LD7 1EN

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

Knighton - Felindre - Abbeycwmhir - Llanidloes

The 135 m/217km National Trail is a long distance walk which can be enjoyed as a continuous journey, typically taking around nine days, or over a series of weekend or day trips.