As temperatures dip and the ground hardens, it’s an ideal time to explore frosted woodlands and snow-covered hills
Winter wonderland above Loggerheads Country Park(Image: Jeremy Bolwell/Wiki)
Now that winter is finally set to make an appearance, the colder weather should start to work its magic. At temperatures dip, frosted trees, snow-covered hills and icy lakes transform familiar landscapes into breathtaking scenes.
But where to go? New analysis has picked out three spots in North Wales that are popular for winter walks. They were selected on the basis of winter-related reviews and their popularity on social media.
Topping the list was Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls) near Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd. In summer it’s a hugely popular destination – so much so that parking is at a premium and the access road can get snarled up.
In winter it’s quieter and there should be fewer problems finding parking spaces above the village. The big attraction here is the prospect of snow on the Carneddau mountains, making for scenic backdrops. At this time of year the 120ft waterfall should be more impressive, especially if there’s been recent rain.
Occasionally, parts of the waterfall itself can freeze over, leaving foot-long icicles like rows of jagged teeth. It’s a fairytale look that requires several days of sub-zero temperatures.
Next on the list, compiled by photo-printing company Cewe, is Loggerheads Country Park near Mold, Flintshire. Located beneath the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Alyn Valley, it’s a place of steep wooded gorges and riverside paths. With a dusting of snow or ice, they look pretty as a picture.
From here you can walk west to Moel Famau Country Park, another popular winter destination – especially in the snow. North of Loggerheads, along the Leete Path is Devil’s Gorge, a narrow slit in the limestone with a famous bridge and an intriguing cave. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls) hasn’t frozen like this since 2021. But the waterfall is still impressive in winter, especially if in full spate(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
In recent years, Loggerheads has been hit by winter flooding. All that should be in the past following a major flood alleviation scheme, part of a £1.4m visitor centre upgrade.
Also welcomed was the recent opening of a new pop-up café, Ty’r Felin. This replaces Caffi Florence, Loggerheads’ resident café, which closed earlier this year.
Visitors to Chirk Castle in Wrexham county have applauded its festive offerings, which this year includes shadow puppet theatres and community-decorated Christmas trees. But its gardens and parkland can be just as impressive with frost on the ground glinting like diamonds in a low winter sun.
Winter sun at Chirk Castle(Image: Jeff Buck/Wiki)
The National Trust property doesn’t merit quite as many winter mentions online as others on the list. But it’s particularly popular on Instagram thanks to its photogenic surroundings, so edges into the all-Wales top 10.
There are two main circular trails on the estate, both relatively genteel. One offers great views of the castle, and the other follows paths through woodland and parkland.
The estate shuts on December 25-26 and January 1 but otherwise it’s a good excuse for a winter excursion.
Top 10 scenic winter walks in Wales based on social media popularity and winter-related reviews(Image: Cewe)
Top billing in Wales went to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, followed by the now closed Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre in Ceredigion.
Like Coed y Brenin in Eryri (Snowdonia), site manager Natural Resources Wales is looking for a partner to reopen the visitor centre – but this is unlikely to happen before next summer.
Heading the UK list for scenic winter walks was Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in Scotland, followed by Dartmoor National Park in England. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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