The best mountains in Wales

When discovering Wales there are many paths to choose. Exploring on foot allows you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful country.  

If you feel like hiking the highest peak of course Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the one to bag. Actually, the top ten highest peaks in Wales are in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, which is great if you want to hike many peaks without having to travel too far. However, there are many other mountains in Wales to enjoy.

Each peak is unique so the routes can vary from easy inclines to steeper climbs, with some mountains set in isolation without any facilities nearby. So always ensure you bring your essentials, check the weather and bring your food supplies. 

Here are our top five peaks to climb in Wales.

1. Pen y Fan (South Wales & Mid Wales)

Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons National Park. Photo by Sally Griggs

Area: Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) As the highest point in South Wales, Pen y Fan is famous for its iconic flat-topped silhouette and its use as a training ground for the SAS.

• Walking route: the 'Motorway' (from Pont ar Daf) for an easy-to-follow path, or the Cwm Llwch circuit for a quieter, more scenic challenge.
• Distance/time: approximately 4 miles (2.5 hours) for the popular route.
• Experience level: moderate - a steady climb on well-maintained paths.

There are other alternative routes if you fancy more of a challenge or view point, along with other peaks within the Brecon Beacons. 

Where can  I stay near Pen y Fan?

Brecon Beacons Club Campsite - 10 miles from Pont ar Daf car park

• Top tip: arrive at the Pont ar Daf car park before 8:30 AM. It’s one of the most popular peaks in the UK and parking fills up fast!

2. Cadair Idris (Southern Snowdonia / Mid Wales)

Mountain goats on Eryri (Snowdonia). Photo by Diane Dale

Area: Known as the 'Chair of Idris,' it's also locally known as Cader Idris. Legend says that anyone who sleeps on its slopes will wake up either a madman or a poet. It offers some of the most dramatic glacial scenery in Wales without the Llanberis crowds.

• Walking route: The Minffordd Path (dramatic stone steps and lake views) or the Pony Path (more gradual). 
• Distance/time: 6 miles (5 hours).
• Experience level: hard - expect steep ascents and rocky terrain.

Where can I stay near Cadair Idris?

Coed-Y-Llwyn Club Campsite - 23 miles away from Dôl Idris Car Park

Swn-Y-Nant Certificated Location (CL) - 3 miles away

• Top tip: take the Minffordd path to see Llyn Cau, a breathtaking crater lake that looks like it belongs in the Alps.

3. Pumlumon Fawr (The Cambrian Mountains)

Near Gwern Y Bwlch, Mid Wales. Photo by Paul Dyson

Area: Pumlumon Fawr is the highest point in Mid Wales and the source of the River Severn and River Wye. It is known for its total isolation and 360-degree views of the coastline. To get to the starting point you have to travel on narrow mountain roads. There are no toilets or facilities so ensure you bring all the supplies you need.

• Walking route: car park near Eisteddfa Gurig (A44).
• Distance/time: 5 miles (3–4 hours).
• Experience level: moderate to hard - navigation can be tricky in mist as the paths are less developed than Pen y Fan.

Where can I stay near Pumlumon Fawr?

Shawsmead Club Campsite - 25 miles from starting Eisteddfa Gurig car park

• Interesting fact: On a perfectly clear day, you can see across the sea to the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland.

4. Waun Fach (The Black Mountains)

Area: Monmouthshire/Powys Border Waun Fach is the highest point in the Black Mountains (the eastern part of the Bannau Brycheiniog). Unlike the craggy peaks of the west, this is a massive, rolling plateau that feels incredibly vast. The ridges leading to Waun Fach and Pen y Gadair Fawr are commonly known as the 'Dragon's Back.'

• Walking route: The Dragon’s Back from Pengenffordd - widely considered one of the best ridge walks in the country.
• Distance/time: 7 miles (4–5 hours).
• Experience level: moderate - a long walk but with no technical scrambling.

Where can I stay near Waun Fach?

Pandy Club Campsite - 23 miles from Pengenffordd car park

• Top tip: visit the nearby 'Town of Books,' Hay-on-Wye, after your hike for a well-earned coffee and a browse through the bookstores.

5. Holyhead Mountain (Anglesey)

Penrhos Country Park, Anglesey. Looking towards Holyhead mountain. Photo by Susan Schofield

Area: while only 220m high, not considered a mountain to some but it is the highest point on the island and offers a true 'mountain' feel due to its coastal location. It is known for its prehistoric hillfort (Caer y Twr) and the nearby South Stack Lighthouse. Enjoy the wildlife, human history and amazing views. 

• Walking route: circular walk from Breakwater Country Park.
• Distance/time: 3 miles (1.5–2 hours).
• Experience level: easy/entry level - Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Where can I stay near Holyhead Mountain?

Cae Mawr Club Site - 25 miles away

Penrhos Club Campsite - 25 miles away

• Interesting point: look out for the Chough, a rare red-beaked crow that nests on the cliffs here. It’s one of the few places in the UK where they're easily spotted.