Welcome to The Wales Way

Three distinct routes, one epic journey. Together, the three Wales Way routes showcase 420 miles of our most exceptional scenery and attractions.

Each has its own unique character — countryside, coast and culture. They take in the nation's most celebrated natural landscapes, along with epic castles, enchanting heritage sites and bustling towns and cities, where you’re sure of a warm Welsh welcome.

The Wales Way Routes

There are unique wildlife encounters and awesome adrenaline activities like ziplining, mountain biking, hiking and gorge scrambling too.

So, if you want to get to know Wales, why not start right here?

The Cambrian Way

Connecting the north and south coasts, The Cambrian Way route follows the mountainous spine of Wales. You'll be thrilled by our epic countryside - think big skies and vast open spaces.

The route passes through the activity hotspot of Eryri (Snowdonia) with its zipwires, underground adventures, mountain biking and hiking. There are heritage railways to ride, red kites to spot and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and Cambrian mountains offer spectacular hiking.

Group of people bouncing in a net in an underground cavern.

Car in the distance driving along a winding road through soaring mountains

Exploring underground at Bounce Below and driving the Cambrian Way through Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales

The wild scenery is punctuated by historic settlements, sleepy villages and bustling market towns like Brecon, Machynlleth and Dolgellau. The elegant Victorian resort of Llandudno and our busy capital city Cardiff mark either end of the route.

The Coastal Way

Taking in the entire curve of Cardigan Bay, The Coastal Way lets you get up close to our dazzling coastline - with beach after beach of sparkling sea and golden sand. Some are wildly unspoilt, others bustling with families and watersports fans in summer.

Hop aboard a boat to discover our marine bird and wildlife - you may well see dolphins, seals and puffins. The inland scenery is equally spectacular, with (Eryri) Snowdonia and the Cambrian Mountains standing sentinel over the sea.

Mwnt beach and the sea, with the surrounding hillside

The beach at Mwnt close to the Coastal Way, Mid Wales

The end points of this coastal route are Aberdaron and St Davids, ancient pilgrimage sites packed with history. Along the way you take in Criccieth, Harlech and Cardigan castles as well as the Italianate village of Portmeirion and the lively university town of Aberystwyth.

Read more: A week travelling The Coastal Way

The North Wales Way

It’s the shortest of the Wales Way routes at just 75 miles long, but on The North Wales Way you can lose yourself in our eons-old cultures - following ancient trading routes dating back to Roman times.

This is the one for castle fans as it takes in the epic UNESCO sites of Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy along with lesser-known fortresses like Rhuddlan, Bodelwyddan, Flint and Penrhyn.

View of the Great Orme Tramway on a steep hill looking down to the sea.

A view overlooking the water towards Conwy Castle

A couple inside a church looking into an tranquil baptismal pool

The Great Orme Tramway, Conwy Castle and St Winefride's Well, North Wales

History from other eras includes pilgrimage sites like Winefrede’s Well, St Asaph Cathedral and the Celtic monoliths of Anglesey. Friendly, seaside towns like Conwy, Bangor and Llandudno offer lots for both families and couples. There are fine beaches too for picnics, paddling and sandcastles.