While the unpredictable Welsh weather might make you think twice about going on a winter walk, you can explore a range of marked trails in a variety of scenic settings if you are prepared and have the right equipment.
Natural Resources Wales has collated a series of easy and waymarked walks that are perfect for those who are new to hiking, as well as more experienced hikers looking for a less challenging winter walk.
The walks include some all-ability trails and several shorter walks suitable for families with young children and every route takes you through either a woodland or a national nature reserve.
Read more: Essential steps you must take before climbing a mountain in Snowdonia this autumn and winter
There's even a romantic walk at Newborough near Ynys Llanddwyn, the final home of St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of love.
Have a look through the walks best suited to you then download a PDF of the routes or save them to your mobile via Viewranger.
Walking in winter
Autumn and winter walking requires more planning and preparation than usual, especially as the nights draw in and temperatures drop.
Basic map reading skills will come in handy when you are planning a walking route and will also serve you well when you are on a mountain trail. GPS apps are great until your phone battery runs out, so it's always better to have some navigation ability when attempting a walk, even an easy one.
Several companies in Wales offer navigation courses and walking charity Ramblers also have resources and training days for hikers looking to improve map reading skills.
Whilst these walks are very easy and very well marked, it's still a good idea to be prepared and wear the correct clothing for walking in winter.
Carry an extra warm layer, hat, gloves and headtorch with spare batteries, in case you take longer than planned and end up being out in the dark. Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and socks and a decent outdoor jacket can also make a huge difference for walking in colder temperatures.
Here are some easy winter walks as chosen by Natural Resources Wales that are simple to navigate and also offer scenic views and even heritage features.
1. Ystwyth Gorge Walk, Hafod Estate, Mid Wales
A wobbly chain bridge over a full flowing river is part of the fun in this walk near Aberystwyth. You'll be following in the footsteps of early tourists on the hunt for wild nature. It's a strenuous walk with some steep drops so a certain level of fitness is required.
If you want to explore some more you can choose from four waymarked walks that take in waterfalls and have great views.
Length: 1.6km/1mile
Suitable for: Walkers
Parking: Hafod Estate car park
Details: Route PDF
2. Jubilee Tower Circular, Coed Moel Famau, near Mold
It's a steady climb up to the top of Jubilee Tower with a few steep sections but the views from the highest summit of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are definitely worth it.
The views from the summit are particularly spectacular in winter with a picturesque dusting of snow or frost.
The Loggerheads Country Park is also not too far away if you want to know more about the area.
Length: 5.5km/3.5miles
Suitable for: Walkers
Parking: Coed Moel Famau car park
Details: Route PDF
3. Stackpole Walk, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
Bring your binoculars and have fun spotting the wintering birds at the nature reserve. The walk begins near Bosherston Lakes and follows the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Broad Haven South.
You can grab a warming cuppa on winter weekends from the Stackpole Quay tea room.
Length: 8km/5miles
Suitable for: Walkers
Parking: Bosherston National Trust car park
Details: Route PDF
Read more: An insider’s guide to eating out in Pembrokeshire
4. Sychryd all-ability Trail, Dinas Rock, Neath
As the name suggests, this walk is suitable for everyone, including those in a sturdy wheelchair or buggy. You'll walk through a wooded gorge to the Sgydau Sychryd cascades which are usually at their best in the winter months.
There are beautiful flowing waterfalls along the route and you'll also get to see the impressive limestone rock formation known as Bwa Maen from across the river.
Length: 0.8km/0.5miles
Suitable for: Walkers and robust wheelchairs and buggies.
Parking: Dinas Rock car park
Details: Route PDF
5. Pont Llogel Trail, Dyfnant Forest, Powys
One of the three national trails in Wales, the riverside Pont Llogel Trail follows part of Glyndŵr’s Way on the edge of Dyfnant Forest. Dyfnant Forest is in a part of Wales renowned for its rolling hills, lush green valleys and picturesque farmsteads and villages.
Nowadays it is also well known for the facilities for horse riding.
It's a sheltered waymarked walk along the river. If you don't mind steep sections and flights of steps there's a high-level return path if you'd rather not retrace your steps.
Length: 1.6km/1mile
Suitable for: Walkers
Parking: Pont Llogel car park
Details: Route PDF
6. Saint, Sand and Sea Trail, Newborough, Anglesey
This is THE place to take your loved one for St Dwynwen's Day. The trail follows woodland paths before heading on to the iconic Ynys Llanddwyn where Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, is said to have retreated in the 5th century.
Be aware of high tides as the island can be cut off. Some of the terrain is rocky with uneven grassland but the rest of the trail is on woodland tracks and soft sand dunes.
Length: 7km/5miles
Suitable for : Walkers though some sections are accessible by buggies and robust wheelchairs
Parking: Newborough beach car park
Details: Route PDF
7. Penrhos Mountain Trail, Coed y Brenin Forest Park, near Dolgellau
A great walk for stunning views across the snow-capped peaks of Snowdonia National Park from the summit of Penrhos mountain. It's a strenuous walk with some steep footpaths on uneven surfaces.
Coed y Brenin is also Britain's first purpose-built mountain biking centre and it is still one of the sport’s top destinations for biking enthusiasts.
Eight purpose-built mountain bike trails start from the visitor centre and range from easy trails for families and beginners to technical routes for expert riders.
Other facilities for mountain bikers include a bike shop and a skills area where you can develop your riding techniques.
Length: 4.5km/3 miles
Suitable for: Walkers
Parking: Ty'n y Groes car park
Details: Route PDF
8. Swallow Falls Trail, Gwydyr Forest Park, Conwy
The waterfalls are one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. The trail goes to a viewpoint over the waterfall before making its way through the woodland.
The walk has some narrow, stony paths and there are several steps and you'll need to watch out for bikes as the path crosses a mountain bike trail.
Length: 4 km/2.5miles
Suitable for: Walkers
Parking: Ty’n Llwyn car park
Details: Route PDF
9. Afon Irfon All-ability Walk, Irfon Forest, near Llanwrtyd Wells
An easy access route through conifer woodlands that follows the River Irfon down to the Wye at Builth Wells. It's a waymarked, level trail with no steps and plenty of benches along the way.
If you want to walk for longer you can follow a one-mile circular route up a gently incline away from the river.
Length : 1.2km/0.75miles
Suitable for: Walkers, wheelchairs and buggies
Parking: Pwll Bo car park
Details: Route PDF
10. Sculpture Trail, Fforest Fawr, near Caerphilly
Children will love this trail which follows the story of a sleeping giant who lives in the woods.
There are carved wooden sculptures to admire along the way and if it's been raining, plenty of puddles to jump into. Fforest Fawr is also near beautiful Castell Coch, with its fairytale turrets and impressive interiors.
Length: 2.6km/1.5miles
Suitable for: Families with small children
Parking: Fforest Fawr car park
Details: Route PDF
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