Dog, North Wales
Best Places To Walk Your Dog In Snowdonia
Snowdonia is the outdoor adventure capital of North Wales so where better than taking your dog for some brilliant walks. This is one of the most beautiful valleys set in North Wales, home to an abundance of wildlife and to the highest mountain in Wales.
Aber Falls
If you and your pooch are up for a bit of a challenge, then why not start your Snowdonia adventure by visiting Aber Falls, with limited parking getting there early is a must.
The walk itself is one of the more challenging walks so be prepared with the right clothing and protection for both you and your dog. Take your time when reaching some tougher parts of the trail.
As you venture towards the falls you will be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views that North Wales has to offer. On the way, you’ll see some of Snowdonia’s wildlife, along with plants and greenery native to this area.
As with most country walks, be prepared to bump into other four-legged friends including sheep and ponies, with this in mind do not forget to pack their lead and treats to avoid any altercations.
Once you reach the falls you will be blown away by its size and beauty, this is definitely one for the photo book.
Betws-y-Coed
Staying in line with waterfalls, why not head to Betws-y-Coed, the village known as the Gateway to Snowdonia. This quaint little village has so much to offer adventurers both human and dog. As you cross over the Pont-y-Pair Bridge which itself is rather charming, this will lead you into the woodland along the river bank where your pooch can have a little paddle and play.
Continue along the trail and you will eventually be faced with Swallow Falls which is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Once you have finished your walk why not head to one of the local coffee shops for a bite to eat, most shops and eateries allow dogs and often have small bowls of water should your pooch need a top-up.
When in Betws, you must visit what is known as the Ugly House or in Welsh Ty Hyll, an enchanting cottage with a traditional Welsh interior. Dogs aren’t allowed inside but are welcome in the garden area which is lovely on a dry day.
If you are looking for a shorter walk why not make your way to Gelert’s Grave Walk and pay your respects to Gelert, the faithful dog of the medieval Welsh Prince Llywelyn the Great. Gelert, a hero, bravely fought a wolf to protect the prince’s son.
This walk differs from the steep inclines of Snowdon’s mountainous landscape, following a well-marked footpath the short walk will take you through the village of Beddgelert.
Llyn Dinas
Not too far from Gelert’s grave is Llyn Dinas, this walk is another one of Snowdonia’s easier routes to take. With limited roadside parking, getting there early should ensure you get a parking spot. Your four-legged friend is sure to enjoy all the sights and smells that surround the lake.
There are two routes back to your car, one along the road but if you haven’t seen enough beauty then head back along the Lon Gwynant. This is also a safer route, especially for dogs with bags of energy.
Dolmelynllyn Estate Walk is another walk on our list. It can be a little muddy and steep in some spots but it’s a great walk for all the family filled with history. You will pass waterfalls and ruins to an old gold mine and you must keep a lookout for an old rock inscribed by the eighteenth-century poet Thomas Gray.
Why not make the most of your day and take a picnic, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a bite to eat. The car park also offers picnic tables and public toilets where you can sit in comfort after your jaunt.
Bala
If you’ve not already been then a visit to the small historic market town of Bala. It is definitely worth a trip. This area is great if you are looking for beautiful walks without the crowds. That are quite often found in Snowdonia.
Filled with forests, waterfalls, mountains, reservoirs and not to mention the four-mile-long Bala lake. Which is one of the main attractions. There are a variety of walks around this lake. If you and your four-legged friend are looking for a bit of an extreme adventure. Then walking through the surrounding hills should be about fourteen miles. However, if this doesn’t appeal to you the walk can always be split and take half the time and distance.
Remember to keep an eye out for any farmyard animals and to keep your pets close by at all times, especially as the Lake Bala is rumored to be the home of Teggie, North Wales’ answer to the Loch Ness Monster.
Coed-y-Brenin
Coed-y-Brenin is the perfect place to go if you want to inject some adventure into your day. With a variety of walking trails to suit all abilities including some routes which are designed to allow wheelchair and pushchair access. Each route starts from the car park where there is a small charge.
The trails are named after the history and wildlife-based around the area, labeled with their level of ability to ensure each adventurer gets what they want out of their visit. There are tracks designed for biking where your dog can run alongside you and explore what Coed-y-Brenin has to offer, with children’s activities such as an animal puzzle trail to keep them entertained and teach them about local wildlife as well as orienteering courses to suit all ages, these are great fun and excellent for all explorers.
If you are a lone walker with just you and your pooch you might want to download the audio guide and listen along as you enjoy your walk.
To break your day up, why not bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch taking in the nature that surrounds you. The great thing about Coed-y-Brenin is with so many routes and activities, each time you visit is never the same.
Mountain Snowdon the heart of Snowdonia
Finally, we can’t talk about walks in Snowdonia without mentioning the famous mountain itself, Mount Snowdon. If you are planning a trek up the mountain. You must make sure both you and your dog are fit enough to take it on. The walks up are strenuous and can take four to eight hours depending on your fitness level.
With six routes to take, planning ahead is key to avoiding running into any trouble along the way. Perhaps it might be wise to start on some of the small slopes around Snowdonia. To build up both you and your dog’s fitness.
We would recommend avoiding this trail if you have a senior dog. Due to they wouldn’t have the stamina and are more at risk of injury. A new puppy should also avoid this walk. Because they are still developing and this could put too much pressure on the growing limbs. If taking your dog is something you really feel passionate about. And either of them comes under these two categories. There are accessories that can help support smaller breeds of dogs. For example, a rucksack made for carrying small dogs. You will carry their weight but can put them down for short bursts. So they can have a toilet break or a sniff around the area.
Snowdon does have a railway that goes up the mountain but unfortunately, it only allows registered support dogs on board.
Be prepared for your adventures in Snowdonia
It is important to be prepared when taking your four-legged friend on an adventure. You want the experience to be fun and enjoyable so you can have many more outings. Make sure to pack all the right equipment such as water. To ensure both you and your pets are hydrated, even in the colder months.
Blankets and waterproofs, poop bags, treats for good behavior. A toy for the journey, lead/ harness, and if you have one, a doggy first aid kit. Doggy first aid kits are great if you run into any trouble along the way. Such as ticks or small cuts on their paws and you can tailor them to suit your dog’s needs.
Avoid hanging or leaving any poop bags on trees or paths. A lot of the time these can often be forgotten. They pose such a danger to the native wildlife in the areas you visit. Please remember to be a sensible walker and follow the countryside code.
If this is your first time planning an adventure with a dog and is a bit unsure what to take. Then why not call into one of our stores. Where a member of our team can give you some great advice. And suggest different products that might suit your needs. A lot of our team members are local to North Wales so they may even have some suggestions. Of excellent places to visit in Snowdonia that you wouldn’t often hear of.
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