The Trails of Wales

It's easy to fall in love with Wales, with its impressive blend of craggy mountains, medieval castles, historic market towns and an effortlessly cool capital city – Cardiff.

Here, you'll find epic coastal hikes, cultural sites, ancient castles, and diverse, adventurous activities like coasteering, zip-lining and surfing.

There's also a gastronomic journey for discerning foodies, with traditional cawl, cheeses, and locally caught seafood, alongside festivals and thriving farmers’ markets.

Seeking serenity? Try escaping to one of the pristine Welsh lakes, or unwind at a secluded yoga retreat in the rolling Carmarthenshire countryside.

As night falls, experience the celestial spectacle of dark skies, with the Milky Way stretching across the clear Welsh sky.

In Wales, every trip holds the promise of a new adventure.

Wales for foodies

Beyond its bewitching landscapes, Wales has plenty of delectable foodie finds with award-winning dining choices, lively markets and unique foraging opportunities.

While you can find traditional dishes like cawl (hearty stew), Welsh Cakes (griddle scones), and rarebit (cheese melted over toast), there's much more to the Welsh food scene than classic cuisine.

Wineries, gin distilleries, bakers, brewers, foragers, and inventive chefs are part of a new generation of independent producers and artisans collaborating to make Wales an exciting, must-visit food destination.

Wales' lengthy coastline also has an abundant seafood bounty that shapes its culinary identity.

Feast on locally caught lobster at the waterfront The Griffin Pub in Dale, Pembrokeshire and watch the sun sink into the lapping waves.

Looking for a seafood snack? Tuck into fresh and flaky crab sandwiches at independently owned LOBSTER AND MôR Deli, found in the seaside village of Little Haven.

In North Wales, you'll find a selection of cafes and restaurants serving delectable coastal cuisine. On seasonal menus, you’ll find everything from fresh mackerel, crabs and lobsters to local oysters harvested by hand from the Menai Strait.

Opt for a seafood supper at The Oyster Catcher in Ynys Môn (Anglesey) or sample seafood hors d'oeuvres at Twnti Seafood Restaurant in Pwllheli.

Wales' lush green landscape, nutrient-rich soil and ample rainfall also provide an ideal environment for dairy farming and cheesemaking.

Wales has over 100 cheese varieties, each with a distinctive character and flavour. Caerphilly – one of the oldest Welsh cheeses, won protected designation of origin (PDO) status in 2018 and is known for its crumbly texture and tangy taste.

Red Dragon, enriched with mustard seeds and ale, is a buttery and spicy cheese coated in a bright red wax. Perl Las, a blue cheese, captures the essence of Wales's diverse coastal landscapes with its creamy texture, salty taste and intricate blue veins.

Exploring local farmers' markets and delis is a must for cheese enthusiasts. Cardiff Central Market is an evolving foodie hotspot with innovative stalls selling artisanal Welsh cheeses, crackers and chutneys.

In the Welsh valleys, Abergavenny Farmers’ Market offers a superb selection of quality cheeses from local producers, organic meat and poultry, seasonal vegetables and baked goods.

There’s also plenty of immersive food experiences in Wales too, where you can delve into Welsh food culture and meet local producers and culinary experts.

Discover guided food tours in Cardiff, go on behind-the-scenes tours of the Halen Môn Sea Salt and search for shellfish, seaweed and edible plants on a foraging course. You can even learn about the Welsh cheese-making process on a visit to Caws Cenarth Cheese.

If you want to seek your own supper in a natural environment, a dining and foraging experience at Annwn will help you gain newfound foraging skills.

Gather seasonal wild plants and pair them with salty shoreline treats, like fresh mussels, for a unique al fresco feast in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Wales for adventurers

Luscious green valleys, deep forests, soaring peaks and serene lakes – the diverse landscapes of Wales are ideal for epic outdoor adventures and daring pursuits.

From scenic coastal hikes and mountain biking to gorge walking, surfing and zip-lining, we have it all in wonderfully wild Wales.

For hikers and wanderers seeking untamed terrains, Wales has several remarkable hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through its pristine wilderness.

Lace up your boots and discover stops along the Cambrian Way – a formidable long-distance path spanning 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy. You can hike sections of the trail and join the dots on public transport for other parts to experience its beauty without having to take on all 298 miles on foot.

This challenging journey takes you through Wales' diverse topography as you cross glacial valleys, traverse ridge lines, and ascend rugged peaks with mountainous panoramas.

Alternatively, the North Wales Pilgrim's Way offers a historic odyssey celebrating Celtic heritage and spiritual journeys.

This 135-mile-long route traces ancient pilgrimage routes through emerald meadows and ethereal forests, while small stone churches provide shelter for weary walkers.

Adventurous hikers should also hit the Wales Coast Path, the first route in the world to run the whole length of a nation's coastline.

The path runs 870 miles parallel to the Welsh coast, offering scenic and easy-to-navigate sections for day walkers.

Try the traffic-free Millennium Coastal Path from Llanelli to Pembrey Forest, or the accessible Mawddach Trail, where you can walk or cycle along a disused railway track between Dolgellau and Barmouth.

For thrill-seekers, Wales has plenty of opportunities to get your heart racing.

One of the must-do outdoor activities in Wales is Coasteering in Pembrokeshire. Get your adrenaline pumping as you bravely scramble across the dramatic Welsh coastline with the helping hand of an experienced operator.

This challenging activity will likely push you out of your comfort zone as you traverse rocky outcrops and leap from towering cliffs into frothy pools.

Book your saltwater thrills with outdoor specialists like Celtic Quest Coasteering and explore the Welsh coastline with expert guides; only embark on this adventure with a qualified activity operator.

Elsewhere, take a guided rafting trip down the lengthy River Dee in Llangollen and experience the adrenaline of paddling against the surging rapids from grades 2-4.

Enjoy scenic valley views as you crash through fast-flowing waves, sail through the shallows and plunge into deep pools on a river that shifts between turbulent and tranquil.

Industrial heritage sites in Eryri (Snowdonia) have also been carefully repurposed into world-class attractions.

Former quarries, historic slate mines and decaying industrial estates have now been turned into exhilarating zip-wire zones, and underground trampolines.

Wales for culture

"Cenedl heb iaith cenedl heb galon" roughly translates as "a nation without language, is a nation without heart" and perfectly encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between culture, language, and belonging in Wales.

The Welsh language is integral to the nation's fabric and cultural identity. With roots tracing over a thousand years, it's one of Europe's oldest living languages that’s still thriving today.

You can learn more about this linguistic treasure – which has endured centuries of change, invasions, and cultural shifts, at the Nant Gwrtheyrn National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre on the Llŷn Peninsula.

Named after the legendary 5th-century Welsh warrior, Nant Gwrtheyrn is a welcoming space for curious visitors to engage with the Welsh language, both as a tool for communication and a conduit to a rich tapestry of culture.

The monumental landscapes of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park) also hold an impressive wealth of culture, arts, and traditional craftsmanship.

Visit The Inigo Jones Slate Works and find out more about the artistry of slate crafting—a tradition deeply intertwined with Wales' geological and cultural history.

Named after the famed architect Inigo Jones – who played a pivotal role in introducing slate as a building material in 17th-century London, the Slate Works pay homage to the legacy of this remarkable stone.

Tour the works and have a hands-on crafting experience by engraving a piece of slate to keep as a souvenir.

Over in Pembrokeshire, Tenby is a surprising culture hotspot by the coast. This seaside town is home to the 19th-century Tenby Museum & Art Gallery and The Lovespoon Workshop. Here, you can learn more about the 17th-century Welsh tradition of hand-carving wooden spoons.

Discover the romantic legacy behind these carefully crafted tokens of affection, intricately adorned with symbols and designs symbolising different aspects of love and life.

Another crafting hub in West Wales is the white-washed Melin Tregwynt Mill – a living testament to Wales' textile heritage.

This working mill has been weaving from Welsh sheep's wool since the 17th century and recently became 'employee-owned' after being run by the same family since its establishment 110 years ago.

Here, you can peek into the meticulous process of crafting intricately patterned and colourful Welsh textiles and buy their handmade Welsh wool blankets from their mill shop.

Wales' rich cultural canvas extends beyond craftsmanship, weaving seamlessly into its literary heritage.

Walk one of the curated 'Dylan Thomas Trails’ around Swansea Bay and retrace the lyrical footsteps of the infamous Welsh poet.

This literary trail leads you to well-known locations in Swansea, Gower, and South Wales, including Cwmdonkin Drive – Thomas's birthplace.

The West Wales walk brings you to Fern Hill Farm, where Dylan resided as a young boy, and Laugharne, where he lived in the Boat House and composed "Under Milk Wood".

Wales for wellness

Wales' untamed landscapes are a haven for those seeking holistic wellbeing. From windswept coastlines and bracing swimming holes to forest sanctuaries, Wales has plenty of opportunities for yoga, refreshing dips and celestial contemplation.

Embrace your inner yogi and begin your wellness journey with sun salutations at dawn on the sweeping sands of Barmouth Beach.

In the south, Merthyr Mawr sand dune nature reserve near Bridgend offers sun-warmed and secluded dunes – perfect for uninterrupted yoga asanas.

If you want to reconnect with nature and improve your yoga poses, Wales has several yoga retreats where you can nourish your soul.

Stables Wellbeing in Carmarthenshire holds themed yoga escapes in soothing surroundings. Their weekend retreats offer an opportunity to recharge and participate in yoga and pilates activities, paddle boarding, and guided walks.

Post stretch, dip in one of Wales' many outdoor swimming spots. Submerge in the rejuvenating, cold waters of cascading falls, frothy tidal pools and freshwater lakes with mountainous backdrops.

Float in Llyn Tegid in southern Eryri (Snowdonia) – Wales's largest natural lake, dive into heritage-rich Keepers Pond in Blaenavon, or paddle in the shallows of The Warren in Hay on Wye.

Swimming in open water is a whole different experience from swimming in a pool which makes it both wonderful and challenging. Before you set off make sure you are prepared for the rigours of the natural environment such as cold water, unseen currents, and waves. Join a local club or learn from experts before taking the plunge - we recommend using a guide or swimming supervised with a club in open water. Read more top tips on how to swim safely and how to stay safe on the Welsh coast.

If you're new to outdoor swimming, you can participate in more formal and organised outdoor swim sessions in lakes, rivers and coastlines.

Wellness hub Llandegfedd Lake offers fully lifeguarded swim sessions for adults and older children in the bracing lake waters.

Alternatively, with a qualified guide, you can go on a bespoke hike and swim experience with outdoor specialists Wild Trails Wales and dip in scenic surroundings.

Outside of the water, you can connect with the cosmos and enjoy starry nights in the stillness of a rural dark sky site.

Wales currently holds the accolade for the highest percentage of its land with protected dark skies status in the world and has two international Dark Sky Reserves, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and Eryri (Snowdonia) and an International Dark Sky Park – the Elan Valley.

Gaze up at the dark and unpolluted Welsh skies to view thousands of stars, planets, galaxies, and even meteor showers on a clear night.

The Usk Reservoir in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is a family-friendly Dark Sky Discovery Site that's very accessible and has plenty of parking. Bring blankets, hot chocolate and snacks and settle down to watch nature's most incredible show.