Wales – a land of rugged mountains, sparkling lakes and magnificent beaches – is the perfect pick me up any time of year. So why not pull on your boots and get walking with our guide to 5 pub walks across the Welsh countryside.
1. Pembroke
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Britain’s only coastal park – and encompasses breezy cliff top walks, stunning shell-sand beaches and welcoming towns: such as the pint-sized city of St Davids. Take a walk around the National Trust-owned Bosherston Lily Ponds – and have a pint of local brew, Brains SA, in Bosherston’s snug St Govan’s Country Inn. Then stroll off the calories with a walk to mysterious St Govan’s Chapel – tucked into the cliff face, down a steep seventy stone steps, before heading back for a well earned rest at Pembroke Travelodge.
2. Porthmadog
Once a bustling harbour, taking Snowdonian slate from the mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog to the roofs of the world, Porthmadog is now a gentle town nestled in some of the most sublime coastal country North Wales has to offer. Take a stroll inland, towards the mountains – crossing the River Glaslyn at Llyn Bach, and onto the harbour-side footpath. From here the views across Traeth Mawr (the Glaslyn estuary) are magical. And if you see the sunlight glinting extra brightly off the shingle, there’s a good reason: the river still transports tiny flecks of rare Welsh gold out into the bay. However you might find the stunning backdrop of the Cambrian hills to be all the treasure you need. Enjoy a well earned pint in the Spooner’s Grill, Cafe & Bar at the harbour railway station before your return to town, and your room at Porthmadog Travelodge.
3. Merthyr Tydfil
They call Merthyr Tydfil the ‘gateway to the Beacons’ – the rugged National Park of the Brecon Beacons easily explorable for those who make the town’s Travelodge their base. There’s a fairly challenging 12 mile walk you can take from town to the foothills of the Brecon Beacons via a ruined castle, returning along the handsome Taff Trail. En route you’ll pass rushing rivers and waterfalls, Iron Age settlements and bluebell-splashed woodland. The route’s fairly level, taking the course of an old tramway, but eventually it traverses open moorland, meadow and a disused quarry. The views, across the mirror-calm Llwyn Onn reservoir, are sensational. Handily, about half way around the route you’ll come upon the excellent Aberglais Inn at Pontsarn: just in time for a well-earned refuel!
4. Holyhead
You’re never too far away from glorious beaches in Anglesey – but take in a bigger view and tackle the relatively easy contours of Holyhead Mountain – as you climb, you’ll be rewarded with magical views over to South Stack lighthouse.
Start your walk 4 km west of Holyhead town centre, and your Travelodge hotel, in a small car park. From here a well signed path heads cliffwards – stopping off at the Seabird Centre, should you wish to find out more about Anglesey’s feathered residents. En route you’ll pass the lonely tower of South Stack lighthouse before climbing up to the summit of Holyhead Mountain – in fact only 220 metres above sea level, but still the highest point on the island.
Back in town, the Harbourfront Bistro is a maritime-themed bar overlooking the beautiful Newry Beach in Holyhead Harbour. Enjoy a hearty portion of fish and chips, and a refreshing pint: after all, you’ve just climbed a mountain. Sort of.
5. Gower
The Gower was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to be designated in the UK and has many awesome walks to enjoy. The Llanmadoc walk is a pleasant 2 1/4 miles, (about 1-2 hours) across hard and soft terrain and starts and finishes at a bus stop, so perfect if you don’t want to take the car with you.
Filled with flora, fauna, and historic landmarks, the route passes The Old Rectory before continuing through Whiteford Woods. Highlights include Whiteford Burrows National Nature Reserve, Llanmadoc Church (dating from the 13th century), and picturesque views over the Loughor Estuary.
The Britannia Inn in Llanmadoc is a great place to refuel after a long walk and is dog-friendly.
Stay in our Swansea Central hotel for access to the Gower Peninsula and Mumbles.
