Rydale welcomes you to our ultimate guide to exploring the natural beauty of Wales with your canine companion. Wales is a stunning country with a diverse range of landscapes, from rolling hills and rugged coastline to picturesque valleys and enchanting forests. With over 870 miles of coastline, and three National Parks, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore with your pooch. Our guide provides detailed information on some of the most scenic walks throughout Wales, complete with helpful tips and dog-friendly recommendations!
Fan Frynych Ridge Circular Walk, Brecon Beacons
- 4 Miles
- Features waterfalls, streams and incredible views.
The Fan Frynych Ridge Circular Walk, a breathtaking route that will take you on a memorable journey through the stunning Welsh countryside. This moderately challenging hike offers incredible sightlines overlooking some of the Brecon Beacons' most well-known features, including Pen-y-Fan and Fforest Fawr.
Starting from the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre, you and your dog shouldl venture southwest through picturesque fields and forests, eventually reaching the base of the iconic Fan Frynych Ridge. From there, you'll continue your journey to the southwest, looping around the lower slopes of the ridge and climbing its western flank to reach an awe-inspiring viewpoint overlooking the Fforest Fawr section of the park.
But the adventure doesn't end there. Your journey will take you northeast along the ridgeline, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Pen-y-Fan and the Central Beacons to the east. As you continue walking along the ridge, you'll eventually begin your descent, and arrive at the edge of farmland. From there, you'll traverse the fields to the north before rejoining your original path, which will take you back to the visitor centre where you started.
So if you're looking for an unforgettable dog walk in Wales, explore the Fan Frynych Ridge Circular Walk and be prepared to be amazed by the incredible beauty of the Brecon Beacons.
The King’s Forest, North Wales
- 4 Miles
- Narrow path at times, not suitable for wheelchairs/prams
- Keep your dog on it’s lead due to high drops over the river gorge
The Gain Waterfall Trail is a challenging yet rewarding 4-mile (6.6 km) circular hike that takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the area. As you climb over the Cefndeuddwr ridge, you'll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding countryside.It's important to note that this trail is not for the faint of heart. The path can be narrow in places, often less than 50 centimetres wide, and is mostly on an unmade, uneven surface, so keep your dog close to you. You can expect to encounter mud, rocks, and tree roots along the way, and stout footwear is highly recommended.
As you descend towards the Gwynfyndd gold mine, the trail becomes even more challenging, with loose stones underfoot. Be sure to look out for the information post before reaching this section. Despite its difficulty, the Gain Waterfall Trail is well worth the effort. The trail passes by the confluence of the Afon Gain and Afon Mawddach rivers, where you'll be rewarded with the sight of twin waterfalls cascading down into the gorge below.
It’s recommended that you stick to the trail during your dog walk as some of the old mine workings and buildings may be unsafe. Additionally, due to the high drops down to the river gorge, keep your dog close to you for their safety! With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, the Gain Waterfall Trail is sure to be a memorable experience!
Mt Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
- 7-10 Miles (6+ Hours)
- Tallest peak in Wales (1,085 metre) offers incredible views
A guide to the best dog walks in Wales would be lacking if it didn’t mention one of the most bucket-list worthy routes in the UK, Mt Snowdon! There are six different routes up Mt Snowdon, each coming from a different direction and offering different levels of difficulty. The Llanberis Path is probably easiest for dogs and people alike, but most fit dogs are unlikely to struggle with any of the different routes. The different trails are as follow:
- The Llanberis Path: The easiest path.
- The Pyg Track: The quickest path to the summit.
- The Miners Path: The most scenic path to the summit.
- The Rhyd Ddu Path: The secret path.
- The Snowdon Ranger Path: The quiet path.
- The Watkin Path: The hardest path to the summit.
As the peaks of Mt Snowdon are surrounded by a series of deep valleys, the views that you can expect from the top are truly breathtaking. It’s worth keeping in mind that the cafe at the top is only open when the railway is running, and there’s no drinking water taps at the top either. For this reason you should make sure that you bring enough water with you to sustain yourself and your dog for the duration of the walk!
As there are sheep around the mountain, it’s required that you keep your dog close to you to prevent it from chasing or scaring any of these livestock.