One of the best ways to experience the varied landscapes of Wales is by walking some of its lovely, well-trodden hill routes. You’ll find a plethora of scenic hill walks in Wales that can be attempted by walkers of all abilities.
Whilst some of these locations are known as 'mountains' they technically fall more into the hill category but should still challenge walkers looking for epic views and some brisk exercise.
Rhys Russell, Ramblers Cymru’s Engagement Officer said that walking is a brilliant way of getting some exercise. He said: “As a charity Ramblers Cymru want to see a happier, healthier Wales where walking is at the heart of every community.
"Walking is not only the perfect way to get some exercise and explore our beautiful countryside, it also helps us connect with nature and combat stress in an increasingly fast-paced and busy world."
Read more: Big bucket list adventures to do in Wales while you can still do up your laces
Rhys has some tips for aspiring walkers to get into a routine. He said: "If you’re not a regular walker, the easiest way to start is to make it a habit! Think of ways to include walking in your daily routine such as walking to the shop or using the stairs instead of the lift.
"There’s no one way to ramble, whether you’re in search of calming nature or a thrilling adventure, walk your way to make the most out of your hiking adventures.
"Join Ramblers Cymru, the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, whilst also helping to improve Wales’ most popular and least-known walking places!”
The weather can be a tad unpredictable here in Wales, so no matter where you hike, make sure to pack waterproofs and a flask of hot tea. Especially if you are hiking in the winter.
We've rounded up some of our favourite hill walks in Wales that should help inspire you to get outside.
Caerphilly Mountain, Caerphilly
Don't be fooled by the name, Caerphilly Mountain is an easy hike for those who fancy stretching their legs for an hour or so and is a suitable walk for older children.
There are numerous mapped walks and trails with a lot of people talking their dogs along to enjoy the exercise. Make sure to get a summit selfie at the trig point and get a lovely scenic shot.
One of the best features of this hill walk is the massive bacon baps at the Caerphilly Mountain Snack Bar, handily located in the free Caerphilly Mountain car park. Set yourself up for your mountain walk with a lush bacon roll with lashings of sauce and a hot cup of coffee.
Blorenge, Abergavenny
Blorenge is a prominent hill overlooking the valley of the River Usk near Abergavenny. It's situated in the southeastern corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Blorenge walk is a gentle hike from the car park across the mountain top that takes around two hours and can easily be walked by older children. The car park's close proximity to the summit makes this an easier walk than most in the Brecon Beacons.
Take a stroll around swathes of heather moorland and look out over the rolling Black Mountains. and signs of the industrial heritage of the area.
Coal mining has left its lasting marks on the landscape and walkers can see the evidence of the former limestone and ironstone quarries.
Blorenge is also on stage 3 of the long-distance trail, the Cambrian Way. Walkers can hike from Pontypool, trekking through peaceful, open moorland to Blorenge mountain and then take a steep descent to Abergavenny
Garth Mountain, Cardiff
The Garth Mountain walk is a roughly 6km trail that takes you to the summit of 1007ft high Garth Mountain. More of a hill than a mountain, it’s the site where Hugh Grant’s 1995 picture The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain was filmed.
There are several starting points for this strenuous hill walk and many walkers either start from Taffs Well or from Gwaelod-y-garth village.
It’s one of the more challenging hill walks in Cardiff, so you’ll need decent hiking gear, a map, or the super handy OS app.
If you start from Gwaelod-y-garth, you can walk through the Garth Wood and experience the stillness of an ethereal pine forest. The Garth Mountain trails are well waymarked but I do recommend you take an OS Map with you, or use the Outdoor Active app if you are new to walking. You can follow the peaceful trails to the summit, or opt for more of a loop walk around the ridgeway?
Drygarn Fawr, Cambrian Mountains
Drygarn Fawr is one of the most scenic and remote of the Welsh hills and can be tricky to get to if you aren't an experienced hiker. The nearest road to Drygarn Fawr is a single track road in the rugged Cambrian Mountains, between Tregaron and Abergwesyn.
The Drygarn Fawr walk is a nine-mile walk that starts in Llannerch y Cawr Car Park This challenging walk takes you to the highest point on the Elan Estate at 641 metres (2104 feet).
There are two climbs available for this walk, 280 metres over 3 km and 60 metres over 0.5 km. There is a lot of rough and boggy ground and care is needed when crossing Nant Paradwys, especially in winter.
Moel Famau, Flintshire
A steep but not too taxing climb up the highest hill within the Clwydian Range will reward you with 360-degree views of some great scenery, including Snowdonia, the Dee Valley and the coast.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for more than 30 years, this circular walk through the Moel Famau Country Park starts at Bwlch Penbarra car park and follows the Offa's Dyke Path to the 1818ft peak.
A walking trail to the top of Moel Famau and the ruins of the Jubilee Tower sets off from the car park. The Jubilee Tower was built in 1810 for the golden jubilee of King George III and the ruins can be seen for miles around.
Coed Moel Famau is also an ideal family day out as there is a range of walking trails of different lengths that are suitable for families. There's also a blue grade mountain bike trail and children's play areas.
The play areas are dotted around the woodland near the car park and younger walkers can also follow the Forest Tracker Trail.
Hay Bluff, Hay-On-Wye
The world-renowned annual literature festival might be this area's biggest draw, but this hill at the northerly tip of the Black Mountains retains its popularity amongst walkers all year round.
The hill straddles the border of Wales and England and from the summit, there are wonderful views over the Wye Valley and the Welsh Mountains.
The Hay Bluff walk starts from the car park located just half a mile from the hill, though you could also start the walk from Hay on Wye itself if you follow the Offa's Dyke Path from the town centre.
Sugar Loaf, Abergavenny
It's a familiar landmark on the South Wales horizon, this iconic 596m peak is a good stretch for the whole family - especially when you're looking up from base camp.
A haven for wildlife and clad in heather and bracken, this most popular of the Abergavenny hills is most accessible from the car park on the Llanwenarth (to the south of the summit) and on a clear day you can see all the way to Somerset.
Nearby, you'll find Sugar Loaf vineyards that is a perfect stop for a post-hike tipple. This family-run business produces a range of delicious Welsh wines, including dry whites, medium-dry whites and rose that you can sample.
Waun Mawn, Pembrokeshire
Waun Mawn (Welsh for "peat moor") is the site of a possible dismantled Neolithic stone circle in the Preseli Hills of Pembrokeshire.
A walk up Waun Mawn will take you to the western side of the Preseli Hills towards the standing stones near Tafarn-y-Bwlch and the remains of a stone circle at Waun Mawn, a site recently explored by archaeologists due to its possible connection to Stonehenge.
Ramblers offer group walks to this location if you are looking to explore a new area with fellow walkers. Become a member and stay up to date with all walking activities and events.
Twmbarlwm, Caerphilly
Entering Cwmcarn Forest you'll find a steep path that will take you to the top of this Iron Age hill fort, once the place where Silurian Celts waged their 25-year war with invading Romans.
Locally known as "the Twmp", this hill is 500 metres above sea level with glorious views of the Severn Estuary, Cardiff Bay to the south and the Brecon Beacons to the north. It's a bit of a challenging walk to the top and should take around two hours.
You can get more information about the walk at the new visitor centre at Cwmcarn Forest. Here you'll find an information area, and a gift shop featuring locally produced crafts and goods.
If you need post-hike refreshments, the visitor centre has a cafe café serving hot and drinks, snacks and lunch options.
Mynydd Ddu, Carmarthenshire
Starting at the Water Board car park in the Brecon Beacons National Park, this hard-going walk around Mynydd Ddu takes in views stretching from the Bristol Channel to Cadair Idris (above), as well as two glacial lakes.
Red kites and ravens can be spotted along the way as you walk along clear mountain paths, stream crossings and occasionally boggy ground.
It's often referred to as 'the last wilderness in Wales' due to the large expanse of open moorland and remote feel. With craggy landscapes and rock-strewn hills, this is the wildest part of the Beacons.
Domen Fawr, Blaenau Gwent
On a circular walk of Domen Fawr, you can take in the breathtaking ancient landscapes of Domen Fawr - with its Bronze Age burial mounds - and Cefn Manmoel (which is made up of sandstones and mudstones millions of years old).
The large burial cair at Domen Fawr, probably dates to the Bronze Age (c.2300 BC - 800 BC) and is situated on the north-east side of a prominent ridge on Cefn Manmoel.
Carry on walking and you'll pass through the picturesque village of Man Moel before crossing Pen y Fan via the Ebbw Valley Walk to return to the valley bottom from where you set off.
Crimpiau, Snowdonia
The summit of Crimpiau is probably one of the best viewpoints in Eryri, [Snowdonia] and can be reached from either Llyn Crafnant in the east or from Capel Curig in the west.
Crimpiau is a moderate walk for all abilities and is suitable for older children, walk to the summit to get some fabulous snaps of the main Snowdonia mountain ranges.
There is some hilly and boggy ground here, so make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water for this Snowdonia hike.
Nearby you'll find the popular Moel Siabod café that offers hot food, snacks, hot and cold drinks as well as maps and guidance on walking in the area.
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