Local Walks

The beautiful walk along the pebbly beach from Black Rock to Criccieth provides views right around the bay from the dramatic castle high on the hill at Criccieth, towards Abersoch and around the stunning peninsula towards Llanbedrog.

The quaint village of Criccieth has a wealth of restaurants, cafes and shops, a magnificent castle to visit and beaches that are perfect for lazy days relaxing at the seaside.

Walking east along the beach in the opposite direction to Black Rock leads you to Borth-Y-Gest along a beautiful, quiet stretch of beach to Samson’s Bay. This beautiful white sand curve, offers wonderful views across to Harlech and the deserted beaches below the castle.

Borth is one of the prettiest little fishing villages in North Wales. A great place to grab a bite to eat or drink.

11km long taking approximately 2.5hours

A beautiful walk along the coast path which starts at Criccieth Castle and meanders north with spectacular views of the Llyn Peninsula. Bird watchers will enjoy this route as it takes in coastal, field and river species, working up from the coast along the Dwyfor River, through fields, woodland and country lanes. The circular walk also takes in Lloyd George’s grave and there is a museum dedicated to his life in the village.

8km long taking approx. 3hours

This is a beautiful walk rewarding you at the top with the spectacular view from the mountain of Moel Y Gest which stretches a full 360* across the Snowdonia Mountain range and around to the stunning Llyn Peninsula.

This hike takes you through peaceful fields of sheep and over dry stone walls with a little bit of scrambling when the terrain gets rougher towards the top. Walkers should stay near to the ridge leading up to the summit and keep dogs on the lead and once at the top enjoy the magnificent views with a picnic.

9km long approx. 3 hours

This route is good for fishing and hiking. It does have some uphill climbs but also beautiful walks by the rushing river and gorgeous views of the lake providing perfect picnic spots along the way.

The Snowdonia mountain range views make this walk even more spectacular and the village itself has many cafes to choose from at the end of the hike

4.5km long 0.5 hours approx.

This is an easy walk on flat, well maintained paths with beautiful views and the fascinating historic element to enjoy. There are many cafes and independent shops to explore very close to this route.

10km long taking approx. 2.5 hours

This walk makes an excellent circular walking trip or the return from Criccieth to Porthmadog can be made by bus or by train. The route starts in Porthmadog near the harbour. It passes into the picturesque harbour village of Borth Y Gest with its’ cafes and picnic areas and then along the beach or coast path towards Samson’s Bay. This well maintained path is often lined with wildflowers, boardwalked in places, and provides amazing beach views all the way to Samson’s Bay. Here the view opens out to reveal a perfect semi- circle of golden sand and the sheltered waters of a quiet and peaceful beach.

Once past this small cove, passing a rocky outcrop, the walk reveals the huge expanse 3 mile golden beach of Black Rock Sands. This beach allows vehicular access but it is very quiet at this end of Black Rock and continues peacefully until at least half way along, when the fun of a day at the seaside is enjoyed by many on a sunny day.

If the tide is out the walk can continue along the beach past Black Rock and onwards towards the beautiful Castle, over pebbles and past rock pools to the Village of Criccieth, the perfect place to stop and enjoy the view or visit a café.

As with many locations on the Llyn Penninsula there are many hidden footpaths and viewing points which can be missed when travelling by car. A short drive to Harlech from Garreg Goch Holiday Park offers some wonderful opportunities to park up, get out, and stretch your legs with some amazing sights to enjoy while taking in the fresh, clear Welsh air and the sound of nature.

There’s a vast array of spectacular walks to be experienced around the shores and mountains of Harlech. On the shore, the zig-zag beach path which meanders between Harlech and Llandanwy and there are awe-inspiring views at the top of the path and miles of golden sand at the bottom.

Nearby, Bryncader Farer offers an insight into Prehistoric Wales at the Cairn Circle. There are sweeping views of the Dwyryd estuary here and a chance to see the Welsh Crown of Thorns; jagged pillars of slate, arranged in a circle around a burial mound. This has survived intact for thousands of years and can provide an inspiring insight on your walk.

At the Ynys Estuary there are beautiful views for those who venture over towards Portmeirion across the bay, but this hike can only be accessed at low tide. Ynys Gifftan is a great place to stop and admire the view, as it sits right in the middle of the estuary with 360 degrees of spectacular mountain and coastal panorama to enjoy.

Another great hike takes in the Roman Steps and these can be found by beginning the walk at the lake Cwm Bychan and then by crossing the Roman Bridge. A steady amble leads up through dramatic scenery to the highest point where there are breathtaking views. From here the adventure can continue on to Trawsfynydd or walkers can return to Cwm Bychan where a picnic by the lake offers a great reward at the end of the trek.