Discover the Best Walks in Criccieth and North Wales
The Caerwylan Hotel is perfectly positioned on Criccieth’s seafront, making it an excellent base for exploring some of the most beautiful walking routes in North Wales. Whether you’re looking for a gentle coastal stroll, a woodland walk, or a challenging mountain hike, you’ll find a walk to suit every ability and interest.
Our walking guide features some of the best walks in Criccieth, Porthmadog, Harlech, Beddgelert, Abersoch, Pwllheli, the Llŷn Peninsula, and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Discover spectacular coastal paths, peaceful forests, hidden lakes, historic landmarks and breathtaking mountain scenery, all within easy reach of the hotel.
From the Wales Coast Path and family-friendly beach walks to iconic routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and scenic trails through Eryri, North Wales offers unforgettable walking experiences throughout the year.
If you’re unsure which route is right for you, our reception team is always happy to recommend local walks, provide maps and directions, advise on weather conditions, and help you discover some of our favourite hidden gems.
Browse our guide below to find the best walks in Criccieth and North Wales and make the most of your stay at The Caerwylan Hotel.
Best Walks for History Lovers
Tre’r Ceiri & Llithfaen
Why Visit?
One of the most remarkable Iron Age sites in Europe
Highlights:
• Over 150 stone hut circles
• Massive defensive walls
• 2,000 years of history
• Panoramic views across Llŷn
Perfect for: Archaeology enthusiasts, Ancient history lovers and Photographers
Llanystumdwy Circular Walk
Why Visit?
The childhood home of David Lloyd George.
Highlights:
• Lloyd George Museum
• Lloyd George’s Grave
• Traditional Welsh village
• Historic Dwyfor Valley
Perfect for: Political history enthusiasts, Easy walkers & Families
Clynnog Fawr & Trefor
Why Visit?
A key stopping point on the medieval pilgrimage route to Bardsey Island.
Highlights:
• St Beuno’s Church
• Pilgrim heritage
• Historic villages
• Mountain scenery
Perfect for: Religious history, Medieval Wales and Long-distance walkers
Abergwyngregyn
Why Visit?
Once a royal court of the Princes of Gwynedd.
Highlights:
• Site of Llywelyn’s court
• Carneddau scenery
• Historic village
• Coastal views
Perfect for: Welsh history enthusiasts and Landscape lovers
Best Walks for Photography
Tre’r Ceiri & Llithfaen
Best Photographs:
Tin Man sculpture
Cardigan Bay sunsets
Snowdonia mountains
Purple heather in late summer
Barmouth Panorama Walk
Best Photographs:
Mawddach Estuary
Barmouth Bridge
Mountain reflections
Evening light over the harbour
Aber Falls
Best Photographs:
Waterfall
Ancient woodland
Carneddau backdrop
Rhiw Circular Walk
Best Photographs:
Hell’s Mouth Beach
Coastal cliffs
Snowdonia views
National Trust landscape
Porthdinllaen & Edern
Best Photographs:
Ty Coch Inn
Fishing boats
Coastal sunsets
Golf course by the sea
Criccieth to Llanystumdwy Circular Walk
Distance from Caerwylan Hotel
Starts in Criccieth
Distance
Approximately 5 miles (8 km)
Time
2–2.5 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Start Point
West Parade Pay & Display Car Park, Criccieth
What to See
- Wales Coast Path
- Tremadog Bay views
- Afon Dwyfor Estuary
- Llanystumdwy village
- Lloyd George Museum and Grave
- Rural Gwynedd countryside
Perfect For
- Families
- Coastal walkers
- History lovers
- Visitors wanting a walk directly from the hotel
Facilities
- Parking in Criccieth
- Toilets in Criccieth and Llanystumdwy
- Café in Llanystumdwy (seasonal)
- Pubs and restaurants in Criccieth
Route Description
Leave West Parade car park and join the Wales Coast Path heading west towards Llanystumdwy. The route follows low cliffs above the shoreline before opening onto panoramic views across Tremadog Bay.
Continue along the coast beside the Afon Dwyfor estuary before heading inland towards Abercin Farm. Cross carefully into Llanystumdwy village.
Visit the Lloyd George Museum and continue towards Lloyd George’s Grave. Follow quiet country lanes back towards Criccieth, passing fisheries and farmland before returning via Lôn Fêl and Criccieth Castle.
Local History
Llanystumdwy was the childhood home of David Lloyd George, Britain’s Prime Minister during the First World War. His grave sits beside the River Dwyfor beneath a simple boulder.