When it comes to long-distance walks and hikes in Wales, there are some amazing routes to choose from. You can walk all the way around the country, walk it from end-to-end, and even tackle some of Wales’ great peaks on the Cambrian Way.

Many of the below can be divided into sections or tackled all at once. Equally, for most routes, there is the option to stay in accommodation should you choose not to carry a tent! If you’re on the lookout for amazing campsites along the way, check out our guide to some of Wales’ best campsites.

Here’s the list of the best of Wales’ hikes, and keep scrolling for a breakdown of each route:

1. The Wales Coast Path
2. Offa’s Dyke
3. The Beacons Way
4. The Cambrian Way
5. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path
6. The Snowdonia Way
7. Anglesey Coastal Path
8. The Severn Way

And if you’re looking to hike any of these routes solo, we highly recommend having a read of our tips for solo hikers in Wales.

The Wales Coast Path

Distance: 870 miles

Stretching the length of the Welsh coast, the Wales Coast Path offers 870 miles of stunning coastal walks. Starting at Chester in the north and ending at Chepstow in the south, it takes in the full coastline of Wales, including Anglesey. When the route opened in 2012, Wales became the largest country in the world to have continuous walking around it’s coast.

You can divide the route into sections, or try it out as a through hike for one big long-distance walk. If you plan to take on this amazing long-distance adventure all at once, check out our list of the best beach campsites in Wales. 

Offa’s Dyke

Distance: 177 miles

Just as the Wales Coast Path takes in Wales’ coastal border, Offa’s Dyke runs along the land border with England (roughly!). Celebrating its 50th year as a walking route in 2021, the trail follows the 8th century Dyke built to mark the border between the two countries by King Offa.

The route takes in many of Wales’ most beautiful areas, including the eastern reaches of the Brecon Beacons and the Wye Valley. Again, you can divide it up into sections or take it on as one long walk.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, it links up with the Wales Coast Path allowing you to do a circular walk all the way around Wales.

The Beacons Way, Brecon Beacons National Park

Distance: 99 miles

This stunning journey through the length of the Brecon Beacons National Park takes in many areas not normally seen by the average hiker. Taking eight days to navigate from end-to-end, the route starts in Abergavenny and finishes in Bethlehem. There are countless Welsh peaks, including Pen y Fan, and amazing views along the way.

While there is some waymarking along the route, there are areas of open moorland where solid navigation skills are required. You can find out more about The Beacons Way here.

If you’re looking for shorter walks in the Beacons, check out our guide to day hikes in the Brecon Beacons.

The Cambrian Way

Distance: 298 miles

Affectionately known as ‘The Mountain Connoisseur’s Walk’, The Cambrian Way is not for the faint hearted. Running north to south from Conwy to Cardiff, the route takes in some of Wales’ most epic peaks. It includes Pen y Fan, Cadair Idris, Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach, alongside amazing scenic areas like the Elan and Ogwen Valleys.

The Cambrian Way will take you into some of Wales’ more remote wilderness areas, with length diversions required for accommodation, so this is likely a pack hike with a tent in tow.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Distance: 186 miles

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path takes in almost 200 miles of stunning coastal scenery. The walking route takes you from Amroth in the south, to St Dogmael’s in the north. If you take it on at once it can take from 10 – 15 days depending on how fast you travel. If you prefer to take it on in sections, the Pembrokeshire coastal bus service is a great option.

You can expect some of Wales’ most stunning beaches, amazing cliff tops and plenty of great little towns to explore along the way.

The Snowdonia Way

Distance: 97 miles

Snaking through the mountains of North Wales, The Snowdonia Way can be conquered in six to eight days depending on your hiking speed. The low level route comes in at 97 miles, or take on the mountain routes for a 122 mile trip. The Snowdonia Way starts at Machynlleth in the south, finishing up in Conwy in the north. Check out the full route here.

Anglesey Coastal Path

Distance: 124 miles

If you’re looking for a shorter coastal trek than the Wales Coast Path, the Anglesey Coastal Path is a great option. For a relatively small island, Ynys Mon has some amazingly diverse and spectacular coastline. The Anglesey Coast Path circuit of the island on foot is a great way to take it in.

The Severn Way

Distance: 224 miles

Running the length of the UK’s longest river, The Severn Way spends a fair bit of its life in England. But, as the source of the river is in Wales — Plynlimon to be exact — it gets an honourable mention. The route is littered with amazing history, taking in Welshpool, Gloucester, and ultimately the Severn Estuary.

Looking for great gear to help you prepare for a hike in Wales? Check out our Gear Reviews. Our current top pick for a night under canvas is the brilliant Vango Banshee 200 tent.