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Northumberland is a region known for its rugged beauty and unspoiled landscapes. It is also home to some of...
With 188 mountains in Wales, the country is a hiking haven! Our guide features a selection of the best peaks from each of Wales’ mountain ranges; you’ll be spoiled for choice.
No matter your hiking ability, you’re sure to find a beautiful mountain range to spend the day in. Mountains with views as far as the Lake District, and peaks with more than ten hours of hiking await you.
Use this guide to discover the best mountains in Wales…
Snowdon Massif
Cambrian Mountains
Black Mountain
Brecon Beacons
Moelwynion
Carneddau
Berwyn Range
Mountains in Wales map
We’re delighted to start off our guide with Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain and arguably the most famous mountain in Wales! Standing at a whopping 1,085 metres tall, it’s a tough climb, but nearly 600,000 people venture up the mountain each year.
The views at the top of this Welsh mountain are nothing short of spectacular. From the Hafod Eryri – Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre, you’ll be able to spot 24 counties and 29 lakes! The Peak District National Park and South Pennines are also part of the Yr Wyddfa summit’s panorama.
Are you an avid rock climber or interested in a new way of exploring the peak?
Yr Wyddfa is home to Clogwyn Du’r Arddu, one of the best rock-climbing cliffs in the country. Higher Climbing Wales offers expert guidance on venturing up the mountain; why not book a session?
GPS coordinates: 53.0684984, -4.1112101
Nearest car park: Colwyn Banc Car Park, LL55 4UY
Parking charge: There is a charge, please check upon arrival
More information on climbing the mountain.
Cadair Idris, also known as Cader Idris, is the second peak on our guide to Welsh mountains. The mountain’s name means “Idris’ Chair”, with “Idris” being known as a name given to giants. This makes sense, as the mountain boasts a height of 893 metres, one of the highest in the region!
Another challenging climb, you can find Cadair Idris on the Minfford Path as well as one of the mountains in the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. The challenge features a total ascent of 2,334 metres and a distance of 17 miles, making it ideal for expert hikers.
When exploring Cadair Idris, be sure to stop at the Cadair Idris Visitor Centre. You can find the attraction at the start of Minfford Path, offering access to a marvellous tea room and an exhibition featuring the geology and wildlife of the area.
GPS coordinates: 52.6994, -3.9077493
Parking: Dol Idris Car Park, LL36 9AJ
Parking charge: £4 for three hours, £6 for all-day
More information on climbing the mountain.
The highest peak in the Cambrian Mountains and Mid Wales, this Welsh mountain is a superb addition to our guide. Enjoying a height of 752 metres, the mountain provides stunning views of Cadair Idris, Cardigan Bay and Yr Wyddfa.
To reach the summit, we recommend embarking up the mountain via the Cambrian Way or the Caradoc Jones Trail. Watch out for paragliders, as they frequently use Plynlimon as a take-off spot!
This mountain in Wales is steeped in folklore, with its name meaning “sleeping giant under Plynlimon”. According to legend, the three rivers flowing throughout the region – Severn, Rheidol and Wye – were created by the giant’s tears when he cried in frustration at the land’s lack of life.
GPS coordinates: 52.4669288, -3.7917825
Parking: Free parking at Pendam Car Park, SY23 3HA
The mountain of Pen y Garn boasts a height of 611 metres and is a must-visit peak in the Cambrian Mountains.
Despite its controversial landscape – being home to a wind farm – it still makes for a picturesque hike, and its summit views are just extraordinary! The Plynlimon massif and distant Aberystwyth are just a couple of the sights here.
The walk up the mountain shouldn’t be too taxing if you’re an adept hiker, with forest trails and tracks to follow. The summit is unique, featuring a hollowed-out shelter made from a burial chamber! It’s a great spot for a picnic, offering a backdrop of fantastic views.
GPS coordinates: 52.3785496, -3.7667992
Parking: Free parking at The Arch on the B4574, SY23 3JN
More information on climbing the mountain.
Picws Du is part of the Carmarthenshire area of the Black Mountain Range in Wales. The second-highest in the area at 749 metres, it boasts a unique formation, thanks to glacial erosion and Bronze Age archaeology.
The wildlife at this Welsh mountain makes the walk here very exciting. A plethora of birds soar through the skies around Picws Du, including red kites, buzzards and ravens; don’t forget your binoculars! A range of mammals are also dotted throughout the mountain, from rabbits and foxes to badgers and weasels.
With its position in the open country, Picws Du is accessible to all walkers. The best way to explore the mountain is via a trail that takes you past the neighbouring lake of Llyn y Fan Fach.
Not only is the lake a beautiful place to pause and soak up the sights, but it gives amazing views of the mountain itself!
GPS coordinates: 51.8825991, -3.7364548
Parking: Free parking at Llyn y Fan Fach Car Park, SA19 9UN
More information on climbing the mountain.
This is the highest peak of the mountain range and was bound to make our guide to Wales’ mountains! Fan Brycheiniog provides an extraordinary hike, reaching an elevation of 802.5 metres.
You can find the peak along part of The Beacons Way, southwest of Llanddeusant. Whilst a hike up the mountain is a hard one, multiple stone pavements have been laid down to make the climb less challenging.
Enjoy foraging? Due to the peat bog adorning the mountain, you’ll be able to find bilberries (European blueberries), heather and different types of moss. Wildlife has made this peak their home, and you may be able to see game birds here, from partridges to red grouse.
Another mountain enjoying access to a scenic lake, this peak rests next to Llyn y Fan Fawr. This lake is not only a beautiful spot but rests along the Llyn y Fan Fawr Circular, one of the best Brecon Beacons walks, it offers access to the neighbouring peak of Picws Du and Fan Foel’s burial mound.
GPS coordinates: 51.8822492, -3.7168381
Parking: Free parking at Llyn y Fan Fach Car Park, SA19 9UN
More information on climbing the mountain.
One of the most well-known mountains in Wales, Pen y Fan is one that you must explore. The highest mountain in South Wales, the mountain towers over the countryside at 886 metres. This impressive summit lies in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, and in April 2023 park authorities announced that they were reclaiming the Welsh name of this national park.
There are four routes to choose from, including The Beacons Circuit, The Cwm Llwch Walk, Horseshoe Ridge and Storey Arms Pen y Fan to Pont ar Daf. All trails vary in difficulty, from easy to hard, meaning anyone from families to expert walkers can enjoy the mountain up close.
Another Welsh mountain enjoying fascinating structures, Pen y Fan features a Bronze Age cairn atop its summit. Be sure to snap a picture with it when you reach the peak!
The panorama from the summit is another picture-worthy feature, with views including the Bristol Channel, Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula.
GPS coordinates: 51.8840472, -3.4451975
Parking: Free day parking at Storey Arms Car Park, LD3 8NL
More information on climbing the mountain.
Fancy a hike with more sweeping views? We recommend exploring Fan y Big, another striking Brecon Beacons peak.
Known best for its unusual shape, the Welsh mountain stands at 716.7 metres high and makes for a challenging yet rewarding walk. Its name translates to “point of the peak” and lives up to this, boasting a sharp shape.
The summit itself isn’t sharp, though, it’s very grassy and offers superb views. On a clear day, you should be able to spot the wealth of valleys inhabiting the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Why not make your way onto the summit’s “diving board”, a rock slab that’s ideal for pictures, with distant views of Corn Du and Pen Y Fan?
GPS coordinates: 51.8762076, -3.401103
Parking: Free day parking at Storey Arms Car Park, LD3 8NL
More information on climbing the mountain.
Situated in the heart of Snowdonia National Park and enjoying the status of Site of Special Scientific Interest, the piercing peak of Moelwyn Mawr is a must-see Welsh mountain.
Amazing sights await up Moelwyn Mawr, including the Llyn Stwlan Reservoir, along with views over flanking quarries, including Rhosydd Quarry and Moelwyn Slate Quarry.
There are several walks you can embark on in order to reach the mountain’s summit. These include: The Cambrian Way, The Paddy Buckley Round, Maentwrog to Capel Curig, and the Moelwyn Bach, Moelwyn Mawr and Cnicht Circular. The latter is the most popular walk and involves the mountain’s neighbouring peaks.
The nearest town to Moelwyn Mawr is Blaenau Ffestiniog, why not treat yourself to a post-hike trear here? De Niros, Lakeside Café and Trish & Chips are a handful of eateries dotted in and around the town.
GPS coordinates: 52.984218, -4.0002955
Parking: National Trust Car Park – Aberglaslyn, LL55 4YG
Parking charge: Please check upon arrival
More information on climbing the mountain.
Cnicht in the Moelwynion range is another peak to add to your Wales mountain itinerary. At 689 metres, there are several trails you can follow to explore the mountain, all of which are moderate in difficulty. These include routes from Croesor, Llyn Dinas, Bwlch y Batell, Llyn Edno and Beddgelert.
The most popular and easiest trail of the bunch is from Croesor Walk. During this hike, you’ll be challenged slightly by the steep scramble to the top but the views are truly mesmerising. Views of Snowdonia National Park and surrounding Moelwynion mountains await.
Despite being a Welsh mountain, Cnicht is actually an Old English word for “knight’s helmet”. In fact, Cnicht is the only mountain in Wales without a Welsh name!
GPS coordinates: 53.000396, -4.0276165
Parking: National Trust Car Park – Aberglasgyn, LL55 4YG
Parking charge: Please check upon arrival
More information on climbing up the mountain.
Nestled between the southwest and northeast ridges of Carneddau, Carnedd Llewelyn boasts a height of 1,064 metres! It’s the highest point in the country outside of the Snowdon massif and is an ideal hiking spot for walking enthusiasts.
There is a range of trails to try here, however, they are all pretty challenging! If you’re looking to embark on a long-distance walk and enjoy a bit of camping during your excursion, we recommend embarking on the Carnedd Llewelyn Cwm Eigiau Horseshoe walk.
Alternatively, for a shorter hike, take the Pen yr Ole Wen – Glan Denau trail. Classed as the “superior” route up this Welsh mountain, it features less scrambling than any other trail.
The views at the summit of Carnedd Llewelyn are glorious and comprise Snowdonia National Park all the way to Colwyn Bay!
GPS coordinates: 53.1600207, -3.9703529
Parking: Ogwen Car Park, LL57 3LZ
Parking charge: £6 for all-day parking
More information on climbing the mountain.
Next on our guide to mountains in Wales is Foel-Fras, another mighty peak! With a height of 944 metres, the views here are guaranteed to be far-reaching and the walk a strenuous one.
A wealth of walks weave around Foel-Fras, however, the most popular hike must be the hike from Llanfairfechan. It’s an eight-hour hike that’s ideal for hikers who can handle an ascent of 1,243 metres and a distance of 24.38 kilometres.
With the peak resting on the borders of Conwy and Gwynedd, you’re bound to spot a range of sights when you reach its summit.
After exploring Foel-Fras, head to the nearby town of Bethesda for a bite to eat at one of its welcoming eateries. Why not enjoy a well-deserved pint at the pubs Tafarn Tryfan Inn or Y Siôr?
GPS coordinates: 53.1944852, -3.9524234
Parking: Aber Falls Car park, LL33 0LP
Parking charge: £3 for all-day parking
More information on climbing the mountain.
Cadair Berwyn is an 832-metre mountain located in the Berwyn Range. This peak offers a hike filled with panoramic views that extend as far as the Yorkshire Dales.
Cadair Berwyn holds a particular significance as it is one of the peaks where a UFO sighting happened in 1974. UFOlogists initially claimed that a UFO had crashed between Cadair Berwyn and Cadair Bronwen. However, this was later declassified as being a meteor. Unfortunately, you won’t find any Martians while exploring this peak!
This is another Welsh mountain offering ample routes to embark on. Even if you’re not an experienced hiker, don’t worry! The trails in Cadair Berwyn consist of moderate hikes that average around two and a half hours in length.
Once you’ve explored Cadair Berwyn, we recommend venturing into Snowdonia, where Bala awaits. If you’re also a watersport enthusiast, Bala Lake is a must here!
GPS coordinates: 52.8805815, -3.3985096
Parking: Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant Village Centre Car Park, SY10 0JG
Parking charge: Please check upon arrival
More information on climbing the mountain.
Situated between the towns of Tonyrefail and Pontypridd is the last destination on this list of mountains in Wales, Mynydd y Glyn. With a height of 377 metres, you can look forward to a gentler walk.
Despite its smaller size, the mountain has star-studded ties! Mynydd y Glyn was a filming location in “The Englishman who went up a Hill and came down a Mountain”. The romantic comedy stars Ian McNeice and Hugh Grant, who play English cartographers.
The top of the mountain is relatively flat, making it great for picnics. Whilst you’re enjoying an alfresco lunch, be sure to soak up the wonderful views surrounding the mountain, such as the sea and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
GPS coordinates: 51.5968882, -3.4003611
Parking: Porth Plaza Car Park, CF39 9PN
Parking charge: Please check upon arrival
More information on climbing the mountain.
Itching to venture to these mountain ranges in Wales? Be sure to do so from a Wales holiday cottage, where a relaxing base awaits. If you’re looking for more hiking spots in the country, our guide to walks in Wales is well worth a browse.
Image Credits: Dmitry Djouce – CC BY 2.0; Nigel Davies – CC BY-SA 2.0; Jeff Buck – CC BY-SA 2.0; Eirian Evans – CC BY-SA 2.0; Alan Hughes – CC BY-SA 2.0
Hi, I'm Lola and I joined Sykes in 2021. My favourite holiday destination in the UK has to be Suffolk, I have so many happy memori...
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