10 Best Mountains in Wales

Towering at 1085 metres in the Eryri landscape is Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales and England. This popular peak (named Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) has many challenging hiking routes that take roughly 7 hours. However, you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of the green valleys and sparkling lakes of Snowdonia, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and even Ireland on a clear day.

If you don’t want to climb, hop on a steam train at Llanberis to enjoy a railway ride with a difference. Glimpse sightings of the world’s fastest animal – the Peregrine Falcon – as you chug along the rocky terrain. Afterwards, treat yourself to homemade lemonade and locally brewed beer in the pubs and tearooms at the base of the mountain.

A favourite with families and beginner hikers among the mountains and hills in Brecon Beacon National Park is Pen y Fan, the highest point in South Wales. Reaching 886 metres, it’s perfect for views of rolling hills and sheer cliffs.

Visit the Stoney Arms Outdoor Education Centre for adventurous outdoor sports before embarking on an easier 4-mile route or a more challenging hike that can take up to 8 hours. Along the journey you’ll find cascading waterfalls, a reservoir for a spot of wild swimming and the scenic Taf Fechan Forest, along with the remnants of a Bronze Age burial ground at the summit.

The Meirionnydd area of Wales is home to Cadair Idris, a popular peak at 893 metres tall and with 3 recommended strenuous hiking routes covering up to 10 miles. Wildlife lovers can spot a variety of birds amongst the rocky hills, while those with a penchant for history will enjoy the medieval remains of Castell y Bere.

The highlight of Cadair Idris is Llyn Cau, a huge glacial lake in the mountain’s crater. It’s supposedly bottomless with a monster lurking within. Check out interactive exhibits and watch horseshoe bats nursing their young at the accessible visitor’s centre or visit the nearby village of Dolgellau for horse riding, water sports and the Sesiwn Fawr music festival.

Hike the desert-like landscape of the small mountain of Parys in Anglesey and you will wonder if you’ve stepped onto Mars. It’s a modest 147 metres with little plant life, but you will find the eerie remains of a Bronze Age copper mine. The colourful, dusty hills are scarred with opencasts shaped by miners, and make for a spectacular sight.

The Industrial Heritage Trail Trust provide an easy 2-hour walk passing the ruins of industrial mining buildings such as an engine house and a windmill, along with an insight into the history of the Copper Kingdom, the world’s largest copper mine towards the end of the 18th century.

Technically a hill, Moel Famau in Flintshire offers beautiful countryside, spectacular hillforts and refreshing mountain air. The highest peak in the Clwydian Range at 554 metres, it’s home to the rare black grouse and plenty of sheep.

Take a pleasant stroll up this mini mountain via many routes ranging in difficulty and length. Most are around 3.5 miles, and there is an accessible trail that takes you on a relaxing, winding trek through the woodlands. Pull the kids away from the play areas and find the Jubilee Tower on the summit. Built to celebrate the golden jubilee of George III in 1810, it was sadly never completed, but it does provide an epic backdrop for the perfect selfie.

Don’t let the cute name fool you – Sugar Loaf is one of the highest in the Black Mountains at 596 metres. It has some of the best views of the woodlands and open moorland of the Usk Valley. Named after its resemblance to a sugarloaf, the sandstone mountain contains many moderately difficult hiking trails that usually take around 2 hours. There are many birds for you to spot as you ascend, so keep your eyes open for skylarks, swallows, red grouse and buzzards.

Your climb wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the nearby Sugar Loaf Vineyards, where you can sample a glass of Sugar Loaf Blush wine and treat yourself to handmade soap or a scented candle.

For a pleasant, easy-going walk and tranquil, woodland scenery, visit Montanha Caerphilly in South Wales. Squeeze in a thirty-minute stroll or take an hour-long leisurely lap on the circular route. With a modest height of 271 metres, it’s perfect for dog walkers or families looking for some countryside air.

The summit offers inspiring views of Cardiff Bay and Caerphilly town, as well as a cool triangulation point for geodetic surveying, if you want to capture a picture. Make time to visit Caerphilly Castle, the biggest castle in Wales, and the unfinished 13^th century Morgraig Castle. If that fresh air gets tummies rumbling, head to the Caerphilly Snack Bar for huge homemade burgers and Sidoli’s ice cream.

The remains of an active volcano that erupted approximately 450 million years ago, Mynydd y Dref, or Conway Mountain, is a prime spot for discovering ancient Welsh history. The rocky landscape provides walking trails of moderate difficulty, and you can expect to spend 2 to 3 hours traversing this 244-metre-tall mountain.

The sight of wild Carneddau ponies galloping through the purple bell heather in the late summer is a true spectacle to witness. Set aside time to explore interesting Neolithic hut circles, mysterious Iron Age hillfort ruins of Castell Caer Seion and a sombre ancient burial chamber from the Bronze Age. Save plenty of room on your camera roll.

If you’re looking for a moderate hiking trail with views of Welsh countryside and the skylines of the Sugar Loaf and Blorenge mountains, then Ysgyryd Fawr is worth a visit. At 486 metres, this peak forms the easternmost part of the Brecon Beacons National Park and is also known as the “Skirrid” due to its unique split outline.

Adventurers scaling the Natural Trust mountain will discover the remains of an Iron Age hillfort and, after a steep climb to reach the summit, the lonesome remnants of a medieval chapel. Those feeling extra brave can spend a night hunting ghosts at the nearby notorious Skirrid Inn – supposedly the oldest and most haunted pub in Wales.

At a dizzying height of 872 metres, Moel Siabod is the highest peak in the Moelwynion mountain range, making it a perfect spot for incredible views of Snowdonia. Nearly all the recommended trails will flex your scrambling skills with rocky ridges and steep slopes.

Nature spots of interest as you ascend include an abandoned slate mine, the beautiful lake of Llyn y Foel and cascading waterfalls. The view at the summit on a clear day is enough to make your jaw drop with 13 of the 14 highest peaks in Wales visible without even turning your head. After your descent, treat yourself to cake at the café or dinner at a rustic pub at the base of the mountain.