Winter Wanderings: Six North West Wales Paths for Cold Day Adventures
Winter has its own quiet magic on the coast and in the hills of North West Wales. The beaches are moody and spacious, the skies sharpen, and the paths feel made for woollies, wellies and a warm drink waiting at the end. We’ve gathered six gentle, family-friendly walks: places where you can breathe out, wrap up, and explore at your own pace.
1. The Dune Path from Rhosneigr to Borth Bach, Ynys Môn
This sandy ribbon runs behind the beaches of Rhosneigr and Tyn Towyn, skimming low dunes with glimpses of the bay on one side and heathland on the other. In winter, it’s a full sensory experience as the breeze riffles the reeds and the sound of the sea carries further.
The reward at the end? A sweep of quiet beach at Borth Bach that feels miles from the village, even though it isn’t. Visit in December, and you may spot kite-surfers taking advantage of the winter winds.
Back in Rhosneigr, The Oyster Catcher usually has hot chocolate on the go and often mulled wine on their seasonal winter menu – an easy, cosy way to round things off before heading home to Melin Y Bont or Tyn Towyn.
2. Silver Bay to Borthwen Coastal Bay, Ynys Môn
This open stretch of the Anglesey Coastal Path runs between Traeth Llyddan (Silver Bay) and the sands of Borthwen, following low, grassy cliffs with uninterrupted sea views for much of the way. It’s a steady, well-trodden path that feels expansive rather than exposed, even in winter.
Cold-season light really suits this section of coast. On bright days, the sea sharpens to steel-blue, and the outlines of distant headlands feel unusually crisp. Waves break far below, and in the quieter months, you’re more likely to spot seals hauling out in the sheltered coves than other walkers passing by.
The walk is easily adapted to suit the day: an out-and-back from either beach works well, or you can link sections together depending on time and weather. Underfoot conditions are generally reliable, making it a confidence-giving option when you want coastal drama without committing to anything technical.
Staying at Cae Llyn, a gorgeous bolthole for eight whose two-acre garden overlooks Borth Wen beach, this stretch of coastline is right on your doorstep. You can join the coastal path nearby and head out for as long or short a walk as suits the mood, returning to wide sea views and the comfort of being back home with very little fuss.
3. Borthwen Headland, Rhoscolyn, Ynys Môn
This short headland loop around Borthwen is one of those walks that doesn’t announce itself loudly but stays with you long after. Beginning from the beach, the path rises gently onto low cliffs and curves around a series of small, sheltered bays, each offering changing views.
What makes it especially rewarding in winter is clarity. On crisp days, you can see across to Holyhead Mountain, and when conditions are just right, the Wicklow hills sit faintly on the horizon. The sea here often feels calmer than on more exposed stretches of coast, and seals are regularly spotted resting in the coves below.
There’s no rush on this walk. Benches, rock ledges and natural stopping points invite you to pause, take in the view and listen to the water moving below. It’s a route built for wandering rather than covering distance.
With the path almost on the doorstep, Borthwen Bach, Borthwen Farmhouse and The Cable make ideal bases for dipping in and out of this coastline. You can step straight out for a brief loop, a longer linger on the headland, or simply take a quiet beach wander before retreating indoors as the light fades.
Afterwards, The White Eagle offers a welcome chance to chase away the chill, with warming food and a fire that makes a cold, clear day by the sea feel properly complete.
On clear winter nights, it’s worth stepping back outside once the fire is lit. Anglesey is a recognised Dark Sky area, and around Borthwen the lack of street lighting makes a real difference. On still evenings, the stars feel unusually close, with the Milky Way often visible on cold, moonless nights.
4. Nant Gwrtheyrn Circular Walk – A Hidden Valley to the Sea, Llŷn Peninsula
There’s something unforgettable about approaching the coast through the steep, wooded valley of Nant Gwrtheyrn. The path begins high above Llŷn, dipping into sheltered pines before the horizon suddenly opens, revealing the grey-blue sweep of Porth y Nant far below. In Winter, the valley holds the quiet: dripping branches, soft needles underfoot, and the echo of waves drifting up the stone track.
The loop follows clear way markers from the heritage village down to the pebbled beach, where the sea feels close and dramatic even on still days. It’s an easy, unhurried climb back through the trees, and the whole circuit feels like a secret: a walk locals return to when they want mood, shelter and space without committing to a full mountain day.
Well-mapped, easy to shorten and perfect for those crisp winter afternoons when you want a bit of drama wrapped in something gentle. Cosy up back home nearby in front of Hen Dafarn’s fireplace.
5. Afon Mawddach Riverside Path, Coed y Brenin, Eryri
Coed y Brenin, tucked between Dolgellau and Trawsfynydd, is a brilliant winter choice when the higher mountains are out of bounds. The forest is huge, with well-maintained paths, clear markers and enough variations to suit all ages.
On icy days, locals turn to the Afon Mawddach path: a steady route that traces rapids, small waterfalls and mossy boulders along the forest edge. After rain, the gorge fills with sound, and the path stays comfortably clear of the rising water.
The visitor centre café does reliably good soup, cake and hot drinks. It’s the sort of place you walk into with cold hands and walk out of smiling.
After warming up at the café, it’s a pleasure to head back home to Bryn Afon, where the sound of the river carries well into the evening.
6. The Conwy Valley: Llyn Crafnant to Llyn Geirionydd
The Conwy Valley shines in winter. The steep, wooded hills trap early mist, the lakes sit still and silver, and the forests carry that resin-rich scent that only appears on cold mornings.
This circular walk links Llyn Crafnant, one of the most photogenic lakes in Eryri, to Llyn Geirionydd, following an old miners’ track over Mynydd Deulyn. It’s a classic local’s route: steady, scenic and much quieter than the better-known trails further south.
At Crafnant, the view north towards Crimpiau is a favourite of photographers. Down at Geirionydd, the single-track lakeshore path feels wonderfully tucked away. In winter, you can hear the echo of ravens calling off the slate cliffs.
Finish in Trefriw or Llanrwst for a hot chocolate or mulled cider; Tu Hwnt i’r Bont feels especially welcoming at this time of year. From here, it’s a short return to Bwthyn Ysgubor, where a sauna session feels especially earned after a brisk but beautiful day around the lakes.
Making the Most of Winter
These paths will make you feel you’ve really seen North West Wales, not the headline, high-risk ridges, but the places locals return to again and again. They’re simple to reach from our boltholes, easy to enjoy in winter layers, and full of the small details that linger: the sudden view, the seal in the surf, the crunch of frost on a lakeside path.
Nothing complicated and nothing strenuous. Just reliable winter walks supported by places that make the short days feel uncomplicated.
