Top 10 legendary walks in Wales

Walk in the footsteps of legends this winter. We're not short of legends in Wales - from fire-breathing mythological dragons to living-breathing heroes and heroines of history. Explore our rich Welsh heritage on foot with one of our walking trails and celebrate Wales's Year of Legends with us.

Gelert's stone monument in Beddgelert

Beddgelert, Snowdonia 

Discover the tragic tale of the 13th-century Prince Llywelyn and his faithful hound Gelert that gave the village of Beddgelert (Gelert's grave) its name. This walk leads you along an even path from the village centre, along the banks of the River Glaslyn to the site of Gelert's grave. This walk became popular with early travel writers such as Thomas Pennant and artists such as JMW Turner.

Wales's most famous dog
Llyn Idwal, with Y Garn capped with snow
Walking trail

Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia 

Discover Cwm Idwal’s past, the tale of a 12th century prince and his son, and the legend of a giant called 'Idwal' that occupied the land. Take a walk through some of the most dramatic mountainous scenery in the UK at the oldest National Nature Reserve in Wales. On your way back down, don't forget to take in the beautiful view of Llyn Ogwen, nestled under the dramatic Tryfan, which claims to be the watery resting place of King Arthur's sword.

Truth or wild tales?
Llyn Cwm Llwch at dawn in winter, Brecon Beacons, Powys
Walking trail

Cwm Llwch, Brecon Beacons 

Tucked beneath the highest peaks of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales, the sparkling waters of Llyn Cwm Llwch have captured the imaginations of many down the years. Uncover the story of an invisible enchanted island - inhabited by fairies, as well as the tragic tale of Tommy Jones, little boy lost in the Brecon Beacons. This hike is the hard way to the summit of southern Britain's highest mountain, Pen y Fan.

Do you believe in fairies?
Battle of the white and red dragon

Dinas Emrys, Snowdonia 

Beware! Here there be dragons! Discover the story of Dinas Emrys, the lofty mountain home of the dragon you see fluttering on Welsh flags. Walk to the summit for glorious views of countryside dotted with Welsh black cattle and tumbling waterfalls. Remember to tread carefully. You don't want to wake the dragon.

Follow in the dragon's clawsteps
Dinas Oleu in Barmouth, Gwynedd
Walking trail

Dinas Oleu, Barmouth 

Explore the first area of land ever donated to the National Trust in 1895 by Mrs Fanny Talbot. The walk takes you from Barmouth town centre through the steep narrow winding streets of the Old Town and up to the top of the gorse-covered hill, known as Dinas Oleu (Citadel of Light). As you make your way upwards, dramatic views over the Mawddach Estuary and Cardigan Bay - stretching towards the Llyn Peninsula - unfold.

The legacy of a local legend
White Park cow stands in front of Dinefwr castle
Walking trail

Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire 

The rare White Park cattle at Dinefwr are a a living link to our very distant past with records of them dating back to the year 920 when they were referenced in the laws of Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good), who codified the laws of Wales. This 3-mile walk takes in some of the estate’s great wildlife-spotting places, the mythical lake of reflections, as well as the remains of Dinefwr Castle, the capital of Deheubarth under Lord Rhys, now cared for by Cadw.

Meet the herd
Looking out from the cave behind Henrhyd Falls, Powys, Wales.
Walking trail

Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons 

Wales is home to many rare bat habitats but none rarer or more famous than the home of Batman himself. When Hollywood blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises hit cinema screens the Caped Crusader’s legendary lair would have looked very familiar to many in Wales. That’s because Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons (South Wales’s tallest waterfall at 90 feet), doubled as the Bat Cave in the big-budget film starring Christian Bale.

Disappear behind a curtain of white water
A view of the Skirrid
Walking trail

Skirrid, Monmouthshire 

Ysgyryd Fawr, the Skirrid, is also known as the Holy Mountain or the Sacred Hill. Ysgyryd is a word describing the hill's shape, meaning something that has shivered or been shattered. According to legend, part of the mountain is said to have been broken off at the moment of the crucifixion of Jesus. This energetic walk takes you through woodland and out onto open mountainside, before a steep climb to the summit which offers splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

A mountain of mud and myths
Coastal view towards Carn Llidi on St David's Head, from Pen Beri rock
Walking trail

St David's Head, Pembrokeshire 

Explore Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular coastal headland just a few miles away from Wales’ smallest city, St David’s. A colourful coastline with heaps of history, this pretty peninsula’s been a cultural hotspot for thousands of years. Discover the area’s ancestry, from Celtic life to Wales’ patron saint.

A place of pilgrimage
View of Worms Head, Rhossili
Walking trail

Worm's Head, Gower 

The name 'Worm's Head' comes from the Nordic word 'Wurm' which means serpent or dragon. 'Tame the dragon' by walking there. The Worm's Head is a tidal island with access possible for approximately two half hours either side of low tide. The coastguard lookout has tide tables available and will offer advice as to the best time to cross. Be careful, you don't want to get stuck on a dragon's head! Take in the beautiful views of Rhossili Bay, one of the best beaches in the world, as you go.

Climb a dragon