With a wealth of history and a wide variety of exceptionally beautiful landscapes, Wales makes a haven for any walker, particularly those with an accompanying pooch. There is stirring scenery abound in this small but brilliant country, and you’re never far from an area that’s steeped in myth and magic, or looks like it was lifted straight from a fairytale.
We’ve gathered 15 of our favourite dog walks in Wales where you and the pooch can enjoy an awesome adventure together. Even with so many walks, we struggled to shorten the list to that few!
You and your beloved canine will soon be finding out about local legends, climbing majestic mountains, rambling through rare rainforests, and hiking along world-class coastlines on your adventures in this superb area of Britain.
Country & country park walks
Offa’s dyke
If you were planning on spending several days walking and adventuring with your dog, you could follow the length of this ancient monument. Offa’s Dyke runs a 177-mile route that roughly marks out the border between England and Wales.
For those only planning for a day’s walking, you could pick a single section of the trail and follow a there-and-back route, or create a circular walk. Each section of the trail has plenty to “offa”, with the south being more easy-going with serene views, whilst the north has more dramatic scenery. One popular spot for a day’s hiking is over Hatterall Ridge.
You could follow the backbone of the hills, or start in Capel-y-Ffin and walka circuit that includes the mountain and the ruins of Llanthony Priory. Wherever you wander, you and the pup are sure to be treated to splendid views and well-stretched legs. You could break this long walk up by stopping for a meal in the Half Moon Inn in Llanthony.
Walk Length: 17.5km
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Starting Point: Capel-y-Ffin
Terrain: Trails, hills, fields, uneven.
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Capel-y-Ffin, Abergavenny, NP7 7NP
More information: View Ranger, Walkopedia, National Trail, Wikipedia, Ordnance Survey
Tintern abbey
Dogs are welcome to join you on a visit to Tintern Abbey, a gorgeous historical landmark even though it stands in ruins. The abbey’s grandeur is clear even today. It is a Gothic masterpiece that sadly fell victim to Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.
As well as a lovely place to visit, there are a number of fantastic walks in the area. Perhaps the most pup-ular hike is to the Devil’s Pulpit. The route starts at the abbey and follows the river, before heading into the woodland towards Offa’s Dyke and The Devil’s Pulpit. It’s easy to see why it gets its name, and the small outcrop has a fantastic view over the abbey. Legend says that the devil would stand here and preach to the monks, trying to tempt them away from their vocation to God.
There are plenty of facilities at the abbey, including a picnic area, refreshments, and gift shop. Otherwise, this trio of circular walks feature the abbey and start and end at the Anchor Inn.
Walk Length: 5km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Tintern Abbey
Terrain: Lawns, flat, even, Trails, hills, fields, uneven.
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Tintern Abbey, NP16 6SE
More information: Gov Wales, The Guardian, CountryFile, GPS Routes, Rough Guides
Chepstow to Monmouth (Wye valley)
There are plentiful walks within the Wye Valley for you and the dog to enjoy, and being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can be sure of picturesque surroundings wherever you wander. This trek from Chepstow to Monmouth isn’t just a gorgeous section of the valley, it also follows a stretch of Offa’s Dyke, another of the best dog walks in Wales. This long walk to Monmouth will mostly be on forest trails, following the river Wye on its journey through the valley.
It’s easy to start this walk from Chepstow station and once you reach Monmouth you can stay there for an evening or return on the bus. There are facilities in both towns at either end of the route, as well as many villages you will pass through or nearby on this long walk, including Tintern. Once there, you could take a detour to visit the famous abbey, which also welcomes dogs to explore the ruins with their owners.
Walk Length: 27.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Chepstow
Terrain: Trails, woodland, uneven, hills.
Free Parking: No
Address: Chepstow, NP16 5PD
More information: Visit Monmouthshire, Plot a Route, Wye Dean Tourism, Wye Valley Walk, Visit Walks,
Woodland walks
Tywi valley
The river Tywi, or Towy, cuts through this valley and culminates in the splendid Llyn Brianne reservoir. Much of the valley is dominated by forest, and this walk gives you and the pooch the opportunity for a long free-roaming walk amidst the majestic trees before reaching the waterside. You will then follow the river back to where you began. If you fancy a shorter stroll, you could stay by the reservoir, but be sure to find the “beach” section where you can let the dog have a swim in the water.
There are no facilities here, but there is awesome scenery in abundance. The view through the valley, with the river slithering between the hills, is picture-perfect. Meanwhile, your pup gets to enjoy a long off-lead ramble through trees and grassland, with an optional paddle in the river or reservoir. Afterwards, you can drive to The Royal Oak in Llandovery, or The Trout Inn in Llanwrtyd Wells to refuel.
Walk Length: 16km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Abergwesyn Common or Llyn Brianne
Terrain: Trails, woodland, uneven, slopes.
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Llanwrtyd Wells, LD5 4TW (Approx.)
More information: Ordnance Survey, GPS Routes, Millets, Dog Friendly Wales, Wales Online
Coed Felinrhyd & Llennyrch
There’s no need to head to the Amazon to explore a rainforest, as the Coed Felenrhyd & Llennyrch woodlands in Snowdonia are one of few remaining examples of Atlantic Oak Woodland, a temperate rainforest.
Your pooch is sure to love exploring this wild landscape as much as you are, with its ancient woodland, river, waterfalls, pools, and hills. In the south of this Celtic rainforest, you’ll be treated to views over the Rhinog mountains. Meanwhile, in the north, there are outstanding views of Snowdon. This pair of woods is only a small part of the Ceunant Llennyrch National Nature Reserve.
Park off the A469 in the layby and enter the woods on the Woodland Trust path. This circular walk will take you along the river, exploring this 10,000-year-old woodland as far as the waterfall. There are no facilities here, and you’ll have to take a short drive to find any. You are only a few miles away from Miffordd though, where you can find plenty of local amenities and the start of the Minffordd path, another of the best dog walks in Wales.
Walk Length: 4km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Woodland Trust path entrance
Terrain: Trails, woodland, uneven, slopes.
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Coed Felenrhyd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 4HY
More information: Discovering Britain, Woodland Trust, The Guardian, Celtic Rainforests
Afan forest park
Many of the large forests in Wales sit beside Snowdonia, like Gwydyr Forest Park. But as we have included a few walks in that region, we decided to pick Afan Forest Park as our next walk. It’s a short drive from Port Talbot and about an hour from Swansea and Cardiff. The forest is perfectly beautiful, and as well as being a natural haven, the forest attracts many walkers and mountain bikers to test their legs and skills on the trails.
There are five named and mapped routes you and the dog can take to explore the forest and the Afan Valley. That being said, you could also pick a path and follow your nose. Walking here can suit all ages and abilities, but you will have to plan your route accordingly. The forest has it all, from short leisurely strolls to hikes up the hillsides that take several hours. Wherever you go, you and the pooch are sure to have a terrific time. And after blowing off the cobwebs with a walk around the woodland, “pup” into Cedars Cafe for a bite to eat.
Walk Length: Various
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Starting Point: Visitor centre
Terrain: Trails, woodland, even, slopes.
Free Parking: No
Address: Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre, Cynonville, Port Talbot, SA13 3HG
More information: Afan Forest Park
Waterside walks
Gelert’s Grave
This may not be the longest or most strenuous walk in Snowdonia, but given the attractive surroundings and focal point, it’s a must for all dog lovers or fans of folklore. Starting from Beddgelert, you’ll take a leisurely stroll along both banks of the river and pay a visit to the site of the famous grave.
You may wonder, who is this Gelert? Was he an intrepid knight, a sainted martyr? Surprisingly, the latter isn’t far off.
Gelert was the faithful hound of Llewellyn the Great. When Llewellyn found the dog covered in blood and his son missing, he killed the dog thinking it had mauled his baby. But, the dog had instead slain a wolf that had threatened the child. When the baby was later found unharmed, Llewellyn buried his beloved dog and was so remorseful of his death, he never smiled again. The grave’s plaque tells the tale, and the nearby “ruin” features a statue of the hound himself, peeking out to see who’s visiting him.
The sad tale is a staple of Welsh folklore and has inspired further stories, including a section of The Lady and the Tramp. It isn’t the only claim to fame of the area either, as the picnic site at the end of your walk commemorates Alfred Bestall, illustrator of Rupert the Bear, who lived nearby. If you want to toast to the heroic hound and your own faithful furry friend, head to The Saracens Head or Prince Llewelyn Hotel.
Walk Length: 1.6km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Footbridge
Terrain: Paths, flat, even.
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Beddgelert, LL55 4YA
More information: National Trust, Mud and Routes, Beddgelert Tourism, Wikipedia, Trip Advisor
St David’s peninsula (Pembrokeshire Coast National Park)
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the best places to go for dog walks in Wales. Covering a third of the county, it’s famed for its wild and exceptionally beautiful cliffs and coastal paths. There are a number of great treks you and the pooch can enjoy, including this route around St David’s Peninsula. It follows the paths of ancient saints, and features picturesque views. If you’d like to take more walks in the area, try some of our favourite dog walks in Pembrokeshire.
A walk here means you can pay a visit to St David’s, the UK’s smallest city, and discover more about the history and culture of the region where the patron saint of Wales lived. The peninsula is regarded as one of the best walks in Wales because of the fascinating history, rugged cliffs, white sandy beaches, and rich and varied wildlife.
This walk starts in the city and heads to Ramsey Sounds, where you may see pods of dolphins and porpoises riding the tide. Other than the dramatic cliffs, you’ll also find beautiful beaches like Whitesand Bay, where St Patrick is said to have sailed to Ireland.
When you return to the city, you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly eateries, including the Oriel Y Parc Cafe and The Bishops pub.
Walk Length: 15km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Cross Square
Terrain: Trails, flat, even, roads, slopes, fields.
Free Parking: Seasonal
Address: Cross Square, St Davids, SA62 6SE
More information: CountryFile, National Trust, Wikipedia, St Davids, Visit Pembrokeshire
Rhossili bay
The three-mile stretch of unspoiled sand at Rhossili Bay makes for an incredible sight from the headland, as well as the perfect seaside stroll with your dog. Even the headlands that frame the beach are beautiful with their purple and gold livery when the heather and gorse come alive in summer.
Not only does Rhossili Bay regularly feature in lists of the best beaches in the UK, in 2017 it was awarded the title of best beach in Europe. The walk here is regularly polled as one of Britain’s favourites too. With credentials like that, you can be certain it will be a delightful day out and definitely worthy of being named one of the best dog walks in Wales.
You could spend as much time as you like playing in the surf and sand with your pup, or plan to take a walk nearby with a stop to explore this exceptional beach. You could take this route and explore the headland and beach, or try a longer and more challenging walk amongst the hills and along the sands.
There are plenty of nearby facilities, including toilets and a pub by the car park, and a shop and cafe in the village.
Walk Length: 5.6km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: National Trust shop
Terrain: Trails, slopes, even, beach, sand, flat.
Free Parking: No
Address: Rhossili, Swansea, SA3 1PR
More information: National Trust, Enjoy Gower, Adventure Bagging, The Guardian, Independent
Four waterfalls walk
The “Waterfall Country” is one of the most beautiful areas of Wales, and although there are a few different trails you can take, the Four Waterfalls Walk wins as our favourite. As the name suggests, you’ll visit four different waterfalls on this walk through the enchanting forest. The area and falls really do feel like you’ve entered a fairytale, and legend says you can actually find an entrance to the fairy kingdom somewhere along the Elidir Trail. Yet, this picturesque landscape isn’t usually what you imagine when you think of a walk in the Brecon Beacons.
The reason this route won us over wasn’t just the exceptional beauty of this walk, or that your kids could manage it, and your dog can be off-lead the whole way. What makes this walk completely unique and unforgettable is that you can walk behind one of the waterfalls. Being able to stand behind the crashing waters and see the waterfall from a completely new angle is amazing, and feels like you’re a legendary hero for being able to do it.
Walk Length: 5.6km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Cwm Porth car park
Terrain: Trails, steps, uneven.
Free Parking: No
Address: Cwm Porth, Ystradfellte, Aberdare, CF44 9JF
More information: Visit Wales, All Trails, The Outdoor Guide, Trip Advisor, CountryFile, Mud and Routes
Glamorgan heritage coast
A “heritage coast” designation only comes when an area has notable beauty and importance to ecology. It’s the seaside equivalent of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the trail along the Glamorgan coast is certainly that.
It comprises the 14-miles of coastline between Aberthaw to Porthcawl, and is a wonderful area to explore on a dog walk. At that length, it is possible to walk the entire length of the coastline within a day. The scenery along this walk is outstanding, but a highlight is the cliffs at Traeth Mawr. The stacked stones are as strange as they are magnificent, and home to peregrine falcons and choughs.
Part of the appeal of this route are the attractions and pubs you and the pooch can visit along the way, including several dog-friendly beaches. You could also take a detour to visit Dunraven Gardens, or the lighthouse at Nash Point. Not to mention, the area here is used in several episodes of Doctor Who, which is unsurprising given the scenery and proximity to Cardiff. As for facilities, there are plenty of pit-stops on the way or a short detour from the path, including The Blue Anchor, The Swan, and The Plough & Harrow.
Walk Length: 22.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Aberthaw
Terrain: Trails, fields, uneven.
Free Parking: Yes
Address: East Aberthaw, Rhoose, Barry, CF62 3DD
More information: Celtic Trails, Wales Coast Path, Visit Wales, Coast Path, CountryFile, Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Movie Maps, Vale of Glamorgan, Blue Anchor
Aber falls
If you’re a fan of gin, the name might already be familiar to you. Aber Falls is a splendid waterfall snaking over the wooded hillside outside Abergwyngregyn. There are several walks in the area, including this easy there-and-back route to the falls, which is family and dog-friendly. Your pup is welcome to be off the lead all the way, as long as they are under control. However, there are ponies and other animals living here, so it’s best to keep your dog on the lead until you’re sure there are no animals nearby.
The gravel path is easy to follow and has some steps, but these can be avoided. If you would like to extend your walk, you and the pooch can take a circular route to the waterfall that explores more of the valley. On either route, you can take a short detour to visit Caffi Hen Felin, where you and the pup will both be welcome inside. Otherwise, you’ll start and end the walk by the Aber Falls cafe, where dogs are allowed in the garden.
Walk Length: 4**.**2km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Aber Falls car park
Terrain: Trails, fields, woodland, even, gravel.
Free Parking: No
Address: Abergwyngregyn, LL33 0LP
More information: Mud and Routes, Mochdre Vets, Circular Walk, Komoot
Hill walks
Snowdon
There are dozens of fantastic walking opportunities in the Snowdonia National Park, but none are as challenging or renowned as the climb up Snowdon itself. Being the highest peak outside of Scotland, you and the dog will need to be well-equipped and fit to reach the summit. That being said, any pooch of reasonable fitness should manage absolutely fine. Just be aware you may need to help them over rocks, will need appropriate gear, and use one of the easier ascents. For energetic people and pups with a sense of adventure, this will be an exhilarating walk you’ll never forget.
The Llanberis Path, or “pony path” is the longest route to the summit, but the most gradual climb and easiest route to the peak. It is the advised walk for anyone tackling Snowdon for the first time, and will take you the whole day to walk there and back again. Thankfully, Llanberis has pet-friendly accommodation and The Heights bar will welcome you both for a well-earned drink.
Walk Length: 14.5km
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Llanberis station
Terrain: Trails, hills, uneven.
Free Parking: No
Address: Llanberis, Caernarfon, LL55 4TT
More information: Snowdon, Ordnance Survey, Snowdonia, Visit Snowdonia, Walk up Snowdon, CountryFile
Sugarloaf mountain (Brecon Beacons)
It’s impossible not to include the mountain range of the Brecon Beacons at some point, as it is home to some of the best dog walks and climbs in Wales. Despite the height and bulk of some of the peaks, many aren’t as challenging a climb as you would expect. This makes them great for exploring with the dog. As always, make sure you’re adequately equipped before setting out, as it is still a strenuous walk.
One of the most distinctive peaks is Sugarloaf Mountain, which rises out of the Monmouthshire countryside like a volcano or a sugarloaf. It's modest in size as far as mountains go, but still boasts exceptional views. This is also a pup-ular route as it is not a very difficult ascent and a great dog-friendly walk.
For local facilities, you will have to take a short drive into Abergavenny or take a longer alternative route to start and end your walk in town.
Walk Length: 6.4km
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Llanwenarth car park
Terrain: Trails, hills, uneven.
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 7LA
More information: National Trust, CountryFile, Brecon Beacons walks, Outdoors Magic, GPS Routes, Brecon Beacons
Cadair Idris (Snowdonia)
Another mountain walk in Snowdonia, Cadair Idris is somewhat overshadowed by Snowdon in height and visitor numbers. However, we think it’s potentially the more beautiful of the two mountains, particularly when you reach the lake cupped in the mountaintop.
This walk is less challenging than other hikes, with no scrambling necessary. The pony path up the mountainside is the easiest route, but doesn’t take you to the peak. All three of the other routes will lead you to the summit and offer you fantastic views over the Snowdonia National Park. This walk along the Minffordd Path is regularly polled as the most popular of all the ascents at Cadair Idris.
There are toilets in both the main and overspill car parks. There is also a visitor centre and tearoom by the car park, and you and the dog are welcome to “pup” in for a rest and refreshments before returning to the car.
Walk Length: 10km
Difficulty: Challenging
Starting Point: Dol Idris car park
Terrain: Trails, hills, uneven.
Free Parking: No
Address: Tywyn, LL36 9AJ
More information: Mud and Routes, Walk up Snowdon, Visit Mid Wales, Snowdonia, All Trails
More information about dog walks in Wales: CountryFile, Telegraph, National Trust, Pets Pyjamas, Millets, Walkiees, Your dog
More dog walks: Cheshire, Leicestershire, Pembrokeshire