North Wales is an area of remarkable outstanding beauty. Irrespective of whether you are craving countryside, coastline, mountains or woodland, you are sure to find a beautiful walking route that is perfect for you.

Tan Rallt Holiday Park is perfectly situated close to many of the most scenic walking routes that the region has to offer. We thought we’d use our first hand experience of these routes to recommend what we consider to be the best circular walks in North Wales that are available within driving range of our resort. Let’s start off with one that is located less than 30 minutes away from Tan Rallt Holiday Park…

1. Great Orme Circular Walk (Llandudno)
The Great Orme is a limestone headland which dominates the skyline looking over the popular seaside town of Llandudno. With its long promenade and historic pier, Llandudno has plenty of walking routes to offer but none are more scenic than the Great Orme circular walk which takes ramblers completely around the foot of the headland.

Not only does the Great Orme circular walk provide spectacular sea views, but it also provides the opportunity to see some of the region's inhabitant wildlife. This includes seals, seabirds such as fulmars, gannets, and guillemots and even the odd goat who made a name for themselves when they invaded Llandudno town centre during the 2020 lockdown.

Covering a distance of 5 miles, the Great Orme circular will take 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. Once you have reached the chequered flag, you may then want to treat yourself to something to eat in one of the many excellent restaurants in Llandudno such as Forte’s or La Taverna.

2. Moel Famau Circular (Clwydian Range)
Moel Famau is the highest peak in the Clwydian Range and the Moel Famau Circular will take you right to the summit of this hill. Sadly, Moel Famau doesn’t quite make the cut to be classified as a mountain on account of it being just 182 feet short of being the required 2,000 feet criteria.

Once you hit the summit you will be able to enjoy panoramic views across North Wales, the English border and even Snowdonia on a clear day. You’ll also be able to explore the partially restored ruins of Jubilee Tower which was first constructed in 1810 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King George III. Otherwise known as Mad King George, the tower has survived almost as well as the King’s reputation, but it is still the perfect landmark for an Instagram shot to prove you have reached Moel Famau’s summit.

This route covers roughly 4.7 miles and is therefore roughly similar in length to the Great Orme Circular. The route is dog friendly, but you may want to keep you pooch on a lead due the many sheep who inhabit the area.

3. Aber Falls and Circular Route (Llanfairfechan, Snowdonia)
Aber Falls is a famously beautiful waterfall which is to be found two miles south of the village of Abergwyngregyn in North Wales. The circular route takes in this breathtaking 120 foot waterfall in addition to the many forest paths and wide open landscapes which are to be found along the way.

This route is just over 3 miles long and will take roughly 2 hours to complete for the average walker. There are far fewer inclines to navigate than is the case in the two aforementioned routes, making this far better suited to those who are not accustomed to rambling or aren’t at their peak in terms of physical fitness.

4. Betws-y-Coed to Llyn Elsi (Snowdonia)
If you are looking for a scenic lakeside walk, look no further than the tranquil Llyn Elsi lake and this circular walk which is located high above the village of Betws-y-Coed.

Taking in the woodlands of the Gwydyr Forest, this route will take the average walker 2-3 hours to complete and covers a distance of roughly 4 miles. There is a slightly steep incline heading out of the woods towards the lake, but the rest of the route is relatively flat and therefore not too difficult to complete, even for those who aren’t as fit as they would like to be.

This off-the-beaten track walking route is ideal for those who are looking for a little tranquillity away from the more populated tourists hotspots. However, this does mean that the tourist facilities around the region are somewhat sparse. We’d therefore advise packing a drink and a picnic if you are looking to boost your energy levels at the end of the walk.

5. Beddgelert Circular (Beddgelert, Snowdonia)
Covering a total distance of 6.2 miles, this is one of the longer circular walks in North Wales which has been featured on our list. It takes roughly 4 hours to complete for the average walker and takes in a number of the area's most famous landmarks including Gelert’s Grave and the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass which is known for its narrow gorge, rushing rivers and steep wooded slopes.

For the benefit of those who aren’t well versed in Welsh folk tales, the grave of Gelert refers back to the story of mediaeval prince’s faithful hound who was wrongly assumed to have murdered the Prince’s one year old son. Finding the dog covered in blood, the nursery ransacked and the baby missing, the Prince assumed the worst and stabbed the dog in the heart. Only then did the baby let out a cry and the prince found his son lying next to an enormous wolf which had clearly been killed by Gelert so as to protect the baby from harm.

The distraught prince buried the dog outside the castle walls where everyone could see the grave and be reminded of the courage that the dog had shown in protecting his son. The grave remains intact to this day along with a stone sculpture of the loyal animal. This is yet another popular Instagrammable landmark which makes for the perfect photo opportunity.

6. Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island (Anglesey)
The final and longest route on our list of circular walks in North Wales is to be found in Newborough Forest on Anglesey. Starting from the Newborough Forest car park, this coastal walk takes you through Newborough Forest and towards the enchanting Llanddwyn Island. The walk is roughly 4.3 miles long and should take approximately 3-4 hours to complete.

What makes this walk so special are the spectacular views which are afforded overlooking the Menai Strait and Snowdonia mountains. In keeping with our theme of finding Instagrammable landmarks, you may wish to snap a shot of yourself with the picturesque Twr Mawr Lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island in the background. This lighthouse was constructed in 1845 with the intention of marking the western entrance to the Menai Strait.

Another facet which makes this walk special are the endangered red squirrels who populate Newborough Forest. The red squirrels were reintroduced to Newborough Forest in 2004 after the species population dramatically declined on the island during the 1980s. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them if you remain quiet and still on one of the picnic benches along the way, with the reds being far more timid than their grey equivalents.