An under-rated gem
Wales is often overlooked by travellers heading to the UK and it’s a mystery to us. It’s a land full of incredible trails, waterfalls, history and a few beaches that feel like they were taken from the tropics. You’ll always receive a warm welcome (maybe less so if you’re English 😉) and we could happily spend months uncovering the hidden gems of Cymru.
Quick Summary
Top Tip: We love the rural side of Wales, so make sure you include the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia on your itinerary.
Currency: Sterling (the Pound)
Visa: Unless you are an EU national, you will need a visa to visit.
Safety: On the whole Wales is very safe.
When to go: We’ve always loved Easter (April) and September as they tend to be the months where the weather is surprisingly good and few tourists.
Peak Season: July - August. School holidays, peak of summer and those loooong days (it doesn’t get dark until 9pm). Prices go up a lot and places get very busy.
Low Season: November - February. It’s cold, damp and the days are short (it gets dark at 4.30pm at this time of year).
Walk My World cost index: $$$$ - whilst Wales isn’t as expensive as England, it’s still on the pricier side.
Blogs on Wales
Brecon Beacons (South Wales)
Whether you’re looking to swim under crystal clear waterfalls, hike the highest peaks in southern Britain, or visit a glacial lake, you’ll find it here. If you’d prefer something more relaxing there’s everything from wining and dining at a local vineyard, to a church more crooked than the Leaning Tower of Pisa and an atmospheric old priory. Whatever your interests we have you covered on the best things to do in the Brecon Beacons.
The Pen y Fan Horseshoe is the best way to get to the top of the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. You’ll climb three stunning peaks and walk miles of stunning ridge lines. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the route, including difficulty, trail conditions and what it’s like to hike it for sunset.
The Dragons Back & Waun Fach Circuit is a stunning ridge line walk which is still off the radar for most of the crowds heading to Pen y Fan and Fan y Big. It’s a great option for a quieter trail that doesn’t compromise on scenery. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including difficulty and what it’s like to go for sunset.
Whether you’re looking for a great picnic spot, or somewhere to take a refreshing dip, the Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls are the perfect choice. We’re sharing which are the best waterfalls for swimming and exactly what to expect from the trail conditions.
The Nant Sere Waterfalls are one of the best hidden gems in the Brecon Beacons. They are an idyllic place to swim, but you’ll find the walk to get there just as beautiful, so it’s a fabulous year round option. We’re sharing directions for how to get there, plus exactly what to expect when you do.
Sychryd Waterfall is gorgeous, whether you’re looking for a pretty spot to relax, or somewhere to go wild swimming. As well as the main waterfall, we’re sharing details on visiting the nearby mine and the secluded canyon pool.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Batman’s Cave, then a trip to Henrhyd Falls is a must. You can walk right behind the falls to the large overhang and even swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk and swimming hole.
The Pontsarn Blue Pool is an incredible wild swimming spot beneath a picturesque waterfall. Above it you’ll find a second pool inside a stunning gorge. We’re sharing exactly how to access both swimming holes and what the trail conditions are like.
If you’re looking for a spectacular walk in the Brecons, this is it. With incredible waterfalls, endless crystal clear swimming holes and even a secret mossy grotto falls hidden off track, this walk really does have it all. We’re sharing all the details, including difficulty and trail conditions.
Llyn y Fan Fach is gorgeous, but if you venture a little further along the trail you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in the Brecon Beacons and a second glacial lake. It’s one of the best walks in Wales and continuing to Llyn y Fan Fawr allows you to swim in its crystal clear waters. We’re sharing everything you need to know about both lakes and the walking track between them.
The Four Waterfalls Walk is spectacular and easily one of the best in the Brecon Beacons. Each waterfall is unique, with one you can walk behind and several that are perfect for wild swimming. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting, including what the unmaintained short cut track is actually like.
The walk to the top of Fan y Big takes in some of the most incredible ridge lines in the Brecon Beacons. Although there are some steep sections, the majority of the walk is flat, so it’s not overly difficult. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail including track conditions and tips for avoiding the crowds.
The views from the top of the Sugar Loaf Walk are spectacular and it doesn’t require too much effort to get there. We’re sharing the easiest route up which is perfect if you’re looking for a sunrise or sunset adventure.
Pembrokeshire (South Wales)
Everything you need to know about wild swimming at the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy in Pembrokeshire, from the shortest walk to get there, to how easy the pool is to access.
Walking amongst 50,000 puffins on Skomer Island is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles we have ever experienced. We sharing everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip, from where you’ll see the most puffins, to full details on the walking track and the best time to visit.
We’re sharing the quickest route to Barafundle Bay, as well as all the details on the longer circular walk. The circular walk takes you along the cliff tops with breathtaking views, before heading to a series of lily strewn lakes where you can look for the resident otters.
Ffynone Waterfall is like something out of a fairytale and the emerald waters make for the perfect wild swimming spot. We’re sharing how to get there as well as what it’s like to swim in the pool.
How to find Tresaith Waterfall plus tips on tides and rainfall required to actually see the falls!
How to find one of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful wild swimming spots, Rosebush Quarry. As well as directions, we’re sharing what it’s like to swim there.
St Govan’s is one of the most atmospheric spots in Wales, a tiny chapel nestled into the rock, surrounded by towering cliff walls and the wild Atlantic Ocean. We’re sharing details on the walk to get there, as well as a hidden rockpool nearby.
If you’re looking for a beautiful forest walk in Pembrokeshire, this is it. Pengelli Forest is a glorious ancient wood that you can access via a variety of easy walking trails. We’re sharing directions for a gorgeous circular route and what to expect from the track conditions.
Ty Canol Wood is an atmospheric ancient woodland which can be accessed via an easy circuit walk. Wandering through the 6000 year old forest is a delight, with dense moss covered trees and rocks that give it a mysterious feel. We’re sharing directions and trail conditions to help you plan your walk.
Snowdonia (North Wales)
Moel Siabod is one of Snowdonia’s iconic hikes. With incredible views, varied terrain and optional scrambling it’s one not to be missed. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the prettiest circuit route, including difficulty and trail conditions.
Nantlle Ridge has it all: epic ridge lines, glorious views and an easy scramble that can be made more challenging if you’re looking for a touch of adventure. In this guide we’re sharing the route, trail conditions and difficulty.
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall (Llanberis Falls) is one of the most gorgeous easy access waterfalls in Snowdonia. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting the upper and lower falls, as well as an alternative wild swimming spot nearby.
Llyn Idwal is a spectacular lake with crystal clear water and stunning mountain views. It’s an easy walk to reach the lake, which also happens to be one of the most beautiful wild swimming spots in Snowdonia. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, and swimming spot.
Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole of the UK can be found in one small area in the Brecon Beacons. Not only are they spectacular to look at, but the vast majority have fabulous swimming holes at the base. This guide contains the best of the Brecon Beacon Waterfalls, including hidden gems.