The most beautiful natural sites to discover Wales

Trefriw's extraordinary location has led to the creation of 8 hiking routes from the village. These have really been designed to let you discover the most beautiful aspects of the surrounding nature.

A one-hour tour takes you along the Conwy River. Another one takes you in 30 minutes to the river Crafnant. You can also reach the lake of the same name, reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the area, in 3 hours of walking. One of the routes also leads to the Snowdonia Park and offers splendid views of the valley.

Three miles of sandy beach. The promenade along the dunes sometimes seems a little haunted by the long row of rather gloomy buildings that line it. Numerous opportunities for water sports: canoeing, sailing, fishing, jet-skiing and windsurfing, or simply swimming, there's something for everyone. Hotels and campsites all along the seafront welcome you to make the most of this pleasant beach. We recommend that you visit in fine weather, as most of the nearby establishments are closed in winter.

Magnificent marine reserve, a refuge for thousands of wading. One of the largest bogs in Britain. Possibility to walk in the dunes and bathe in the estuary. Three paths with information panels are offered. During the summer, volunteers organize different guided walks.

Walks along the Severn River, bordered by parks and valleys. You can walk along the Montgomery Canal to Welshpool. We pass the picturesque villages of Berriew and Abermule where it is possible to take a coffee break or jump on the bus or train to save some time or return. Alternatively, you can go as far as Llanidloes, through green valleys dotted with small farms. From this village, which can be reached by bus from Newtown, another tour begins that leads to Severn-Break-its-Neck Falls, a picturesque waterfall.

Owned by the National Trust, Mwnt is often considered one of the ten most beautiful hidden beaches in Europe. Even off the beaten track, this family-friendly beach can be packed with visitors in summer. It's also a destination where you can take a cliff walk along the signposted Foel y Mwnt path, overlooking the sheltered sandy cove, and visit a ^13th-century church. Out of season, when there's no one around, the beach is extremely pleasant and offers a very relaxing atmosphere in which to contemplate the ocean.

This popular walking area can be reached in less than 10 minutes by bus. Here again, one marvels at the extraordinary views of the sea, despite the frequent sea breeze. Don't hesitate to cover yourself well! Beacons indicate the routes of two circular walks that take you along spectacular cliffs. One is 11.5 km for about 3.5 hours. You can also opt for its short version, 5 km long, by cutting through the land. A copy of the detailed itinerary can be requested from the tourist office.

Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnolin Welsh) is the highest continuous waterfall in Wales and one of the most visited sites in the region. Magnificent viewpoint, where the river Llugwy rushes into an impressive chasm.It is accessible year-round, but be aware that during the summer months, when there is less rainfall, the waterfall may be less spectacular. It is particularly recommended that you visit in the spring or fall, when the water level is at its highest.

Artificial lagoon dug in a natural site. Possibility of diving. Its beauty enough to enjoy passive contemplation, a platform has also been designed for spectators.

Follow the path to the western tip of Wales, Mynydd Mawr, from where you can see the island of Bardsey (about 10 km). You can get there by car or by foot. Take the road from Aberdaron and park after the livestock pass. The trail leads you to the end of the tip. Grandiose!

This long sandy beach belongs to the National Trust. The alignment of its small coloured huts immediately draws attention.

A Visitor Centre helps you organize your excursion to one of the wildest mountain ranges in Snowdonia, Cwm Idwal, which dates back to the Ice Age. Professional guides are on hand to give you advice. One of the most popular routes from this destination is the one to the Idwal Lake (Llyn Idwal). It's probably one of the most impressive in the country. It is located at the foot of a dark massif, a kind of impressive "burnt mountain" called the "Devil's Kitchen". About four hours for five miles.

Overlooking Jack Sound, the park was once designed to shelter deer, hence its name. A wall was built in the 18th century to define a zone for the protection of animals that were never introduced.

Today, the park is very popular with walkers and leads to superb views such as Wooltack Point, where seals and sometimes porpoises as well as seabirds can often be seen. In the southern part of the route, also don't miss the Iron Age fort at Watery Bay.

You can also leave the city centre and explore WhitesandsBay (Porth Mawr in Welsh). It is ideal for swimming, and is also the starting point for splendid walks along the coast. Detailed itineraries can be found at St. David's Tourist Centre.

The beginning of the trail starts at the end of Porkington Terrace. For the less courageous, Panorama Walk has the advantage of leading to a beautiful viewpoint only a few meters from the main street. About ten minutes, and bang! A classic at Barmouth, since the Victorian era!

Possibility of getting there on foot (3 km): head northeast on High Street towards Feidr Fawr, then continue on the B4546. A vast white-sand beach at the mouth of the Teifi estuary, absolutely impressive when at low tide and windswept! This beach, the most northerly in Pembrokeshire, marks the beginning, or end, of the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path. In the parking lot behind the dunes (a charge is made in summer), you'll find a small cafeteria serving ice creams and pasties.

These two superb lakes, surrounded by mountains, are today a meeting place for trout fishermen. It's also an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The views from this 250-meter-high site are spectacular. This particularly beautiful site is now managed by the National Trust. The National Trust is a British charity dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the country's heritage. Today, it owns 250,000 hectares of land, 1,200 km of sides and 300 historic monuments.

The Ynys-hir Nature Reserve belongs to the R.S.P.B. (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). 800 hectares of nature entirely devoted to the development of fauna and flora. What you see will of course depend a lot on the seasons. Spring is perhaps the ideal time, when the reserve is lined with flowers and the birdsong fills the air. Information is given on the birds present according to the seasons (with a photo to identify them). Feel free to bring a pair of binoculars with you!

On the A542, north of Llangollen, the road climbs up the green hillsides to the highest point at Horseshoe Pass (Bwlch yr Oernant in Welsh) at 417 metres above sea level, from where there is a magnificent view over the valley. At the top of the hill is The Ponderosa restaurant, open daily. From the car park, beacons mark the start of a 14km hike to Offa's Dyke Path, through the Dee Valley. It takes about six hours to walk around. We can stop at the restaurant or, in the summer, take the opportunity to have a picnic.

A small documentary film showcases the history of dams and tanks. It also presents the richness of the valley fauna. The permanent exhibition provides additional information on both subjects.

A natural reserve on the banks of the Conwy estuary, south of the Stephenson Railway Bridge, with magnificent views of Snowdonia and the castle. The marked paths make it possible to observe a wide variety of wildlife thanks to hidden places at strategic locations.