Getting fresh air in her lungs while admiring the beauty of Wales is always on Jessie-Ann Lewis’s weekly agenda. Her passion for exploring nature began as a child when she would go on days out with her grandparents, and it has brought her much fulfilment and joy ever since.
“I am so lucky to have so many nice places in my country to explore. I’ve found that getting away from urban spaces and going to the rugged mountains, or the wild coast, reminds me that I’m a very small part of this world, and that is always comforting,” Lewis, 32, says.
Through her hobby, she has become an ambassador for the Wales Coast Path and has an engaged walking community on Instagram who turn to her for inside knowledge on which routes to take. Here, Lewis shares her 15 favourite walks and hikes.
North Wales
Y Garn
Eryri (Snowdonia), Gwynedd
- Distance: 7.9km/4.9 miles
- Approx time to complete: 4hrs
- Start/finish: Llyn Ogwen car park, circular
“This is a lovely walk starting near the Ogwen Valley visitor centre, heading up to the lake of Cwm Idwal. Following the path around the lake, you then find yourself taking a scramble up Devil’s Kitchen, before coming onto the mountaintop, where you get a breathtaking look at Eryri’s highest peaks. The route features some steep and rocky sections, so it’s important to take care.”
Cwm Idwal
Eryri, Gwynedd
- Distance: 4.8km/3 miles
- Approx time to complete: 2hrs
- Start/finish: Ogwen Cottage and Ranger Base, circular
“In a similar spot to Y Garn, there is an easier route, the Cwm Idwal lake walk. Once you get to the lake, after heading uphill from the car park in the Ogwen Valley, instead of heading upwards onto the peaks, you follow a shore-side route. If you are new to hiking, or you’re just wanting a more casual walk, this is far flatter, but you still get epic views of the mountains reflecting in the crystal clear waters of Llyn Idwal.”
Cadair Idris
Eryri, Gwynedd
- Distance: 9km/5.6 miles
- Approx time to complete: 6hrs
- Start/finish: Dôl Idris Car Park, circular
“This is one of the most challenging hikes I have done. It’s tough on the lungs, the legs and also can be difficult to navigate, but wow, the climb is worth it for what you see when you reach the highest point. I’ve taken the Minffordd Path to the top a few times, and you can stop halfway at the Llyn Cau, a glacial lake. If you want to continue, head on up to the ridgeway. The weather changes extremely quickly here, so you need to be fairly experienced to take it on. There is a small stone hut at the top where you can sit and have a picnic, or shelter from the weather, before heading back down.”
Lewis shares her adventures on social media (Photo: Provided)
North-west Wales
Mawddach Estuary Trail, Gwynedd
- Distance: 15km/9.3 miles
- Approx time to complete: 6hrs
- Start/finish: Dolgellau to Barmouth
“Starting in Dolgellau and following a flat path to Barmouth, crossing over the iconic Barmouth Bridge. This is a beautiful route along the estuary, with mountain views as you get closer to the sea. I rented a bike at a local shop in Dolgellau, but you can walk it, too. Barmouth is known for being a lovely seaside resort. A perfect spot to grab an ice cream before heading back.”
Mid Wales
Hafren Forest Boardwalk Cambrian Mountains, Powys
- Distance: 0.9-13km/0.5-8 miles
- Approx time to complete: 30 minutes-5hrs
- Start/finish: Rhyd-y-benwch car park, circular
“A beauty in Mid Wales, and just a short drive from Llanidloes in a magical forest setting. This really is a hidden gem, and you can walk out as far as you want to, so great for families and those wanting a shorter trek. The Cascades Walk is the shortest, and you’ll go across the riverbank boardwalk and see the side of the tumbling cascades. It feels otherworldly. I have hiked in Canada, and it reminded me of that. The Source of the Severn Trail is the most strenuous, but you’ll get to see the remains of a mine and a farmstead.”
South Wales
Beacons Horseshoe Circular, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), Powys
- Distance: 16km/9.9 miles
- Approx time to complete: 5-6hrs
- Start/finish: Neuadd car park near Taf Fechan forest, circular
“Over the circular walk which takes around six hours, you take in four of South Wales’s highest peaks, so you can see the mountains from all around, as well as the surrounding countryside over to Brecon and Abergavenny, and even as far as the Bristol Channel on clear days. It is hard on the legs because there are steep inclines and declines, but it’s worth it for what are, in my opinion, the best views in Wales, so I’ve done it several times. Apart from Pen y Fan, it’s peaceful, and you will bump into only a handful of people at the peaks. The Neuadd carpark near the Taf Fechan Forest, which is a good point to begin the route, is free.”
Pen y Fan
Bannau Brycheiniog, Powys
- Distance: 7.4km/4.6 miles
- Approx time to complete: 3hrs
- Start/finish: Pont ar Daf to Pen y Fan
“Starting from the National Trust Pont ar Daf car park, the hike to Pen y Fan is a really popular out-and-back route, some say too popular, but I love it nonetheless. It’s a great one for people new to hiking or wanting to gently build up their fitness, as there is a really easy route. There are also plenty of people around to ask questions if you feel yourself getting lost. But don’t be fooled – the weather can change very quickly up there, so you still need your wits about you, appropriate layers and footwear.”
lyn y Fan Fach + Fawr (Photo: Provided)
Llyn y Fan Fach, Llyn y Fan Fawr and The Carmarthen Fans Circular
Bannau Brycheiniog, Carmarthenshire
- Distance: 15.3km/9.5 miles
- Approx time to complete: 5.5-6hrs
- Start/finish: Fforest Fawr car park, circular
“This walk is in my home county of Carmarthenshire, and features two lakes with stunning ridgeway views. It really is beautiful to be in this remote location sandwiched by two mountains. I would suggest getting there early as the car park is small and can get busy, but it’s a much quieter route than others in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. To add to its allure, it has folklore surrounding it. The story goes that there’s a lady in the lake who appeared to a young farmer and became his wife, but then returned, leaving him in despair.”
Cardiff Bay Trail
Cardiff
- Distance: 10km/6.2 miles
- Approx time to complete: 2.5hrs
- Start/finish: Wales Millennium Centre, circular
“I walked or ran along here every day during lockdown, and it’s how I got my love back for doing those things after a short period of not getting outside as much in early adulthood. It was my little slice of waterside peace among the craziness of Covid. There is a five-mile circular route that is very clearly signposted with great coffee shops, restaurants and cafes around it, so lots of places to stop for a snack, and you get to walk through local parks. There’s always something going on down the bay, especially in the summer, whether it’s a food festival or live music. It’s totally flat, so great for wheelchair-users and prams.”
Rhossili Downs Loop
Gower Peninsula
- Distance: 8km/5 miles
- Approx time to complete: 2.5hrs
- Start/finish: Rhossili National Trust shop, circular
“Rhossili Bay is a beach that frequently features on the best-in-the-world lists. This walk heads up onto the Rhossili Downs, the highest point of the Gower, and overlooks the beach itself with stunning views of Worm’s Head. The Gower is a really beautiful part of Wales – super-rugged and has its own microclimate. The walk has you coming back via the beach. Visit in the summer and head to the Rhossili sunflower fields, a short walk from the start and end point of this circular walk. Rhossili also has some great places to eat after your walk. The View is a favourite, and aptly named as it looks over the beach.”
South-west Wales
Bosherston Lily Ponds
Pembrokeshire
- Distance: 8km/5 miles
- Approx time to complete: 1.5-2hrs
- Start/finish: Bosherston Lily Ponds, circular
“This is my favourite walk in the world, and where my grandparents would take me. It starts at Bosherston Lily Ponds – go in June for beautiful lily views – and heads to Stackpole and Barafundle Bay, which is also frequently voted as one of the world’s best beaches. It feels like you’re in a tropical country with its golden sand and clear waters, which is how it got its nickname, Welsh Caribbean. You then follow the route around onto the clifftops to Broadhaven South, which is often used as a filming spot, including in Doctor Who. I love the tea rooms at Stackpole for the best Victoria sponge.”
Tenby-to-Manorbier coastal path
Pembrokeshire
- Distance: 13.5km/8.4 miles
- Approx time to complete: 3.5hrs
- Start/finish: Tenby to Manorbier
“Tenby is a gorgeous harbour town with nice places to eat, beaches, shops and galleries. I love Harbwr for a good meal, or Cadwaladers for an ice cream. If you take the Wales Coast Path, which is the first path in the world to follow a country’s coastline in its entirety, to the west, you’ll head towards Manorbier, a much quieter village, that gives a totally different vibe with its pastel-coloured houses and surfing spots. On the way, you pass Skrinkle Haven and Church Doors Cove, a secluded and beautiful beach with a rock formation.”
The Laugharne Circular (Photo: Provided)
Laugharne Circular
Carmarthenshire
- Distance: 5.5km/3.4 miles
- Approx time to complete: 2hrs
- Start/finish: Laugharne Castle, circular
“Laugharne lies on the edge of the Tâf Estuary in Carmarthenshire, with its stunning castle and is famed for being the home of Dylan Thomas. This is a short, easy walk, taking in views of the Taf Estuary and passing Dylan’s home, the Boathouse, and his Writing Shed. This walk is special because it feels like you’re following in the footsteps of the great poet, and it is a really peaceful stroll by the estuary. Laugharne has some lovely places to eat, and there’s even a spa at the Dylan Coastal Resort – you could treat yourself to a massage as a reward for your walking.”
West Wales
Ceredigion Coast Path
Ceredigion
- Distance: 10.5km/6.5 miles
- Approx time to complete: 4hrs
- Start/finish: New Quay to Aberaeron
“New Quay is the official midpoint marker of the Wales Coast Path, and this section links two of Ceredigion’s most iconic towns. It is pretty and has some hillier sections along the clifftops, with sweeping views of Cardigan Bay. You can sometimes spot dolphins in the bay. Walk out and get the bus back like I did, as they have really frequent, great public transport, but not before grabbing a dessert at Hive in Aberaeron, where they make honey ice cream.”
Porthclais and Caerfai Bay loop
Pembrokeshire
- Distance: 6.5km/4 miles
- Approx time to complete: 2hrs
- Start point: St David’s Cathedral, circular
“This is a lovely four-mile loop starting and ending at the beautiful St David’s Cathedral. If you head out of the village to Caerfai Bay, you then follow beautiful clifftop walks to the sweet little harbour of Porthclais. Grab an ice cream from the kiosk in the harbour car park and then head back up the country lanes to the cathedral. While the size of a small village, St David’s is technically a city as it has a cathedral, and is full of independent cafes, shops and art galleries.”