Rhinog National Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve located within the rugged Rhinogydd mountains of North Wales. This area is characterized by a wild landscape featuring angular rocks, enormous boulders, steep cliffs, and extensive upland heath, shaped by glacial activity. Prominent peaks such as Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, alongside numerous smaller lakes and wooded areas, define the terrain. These diverse natural features provide varied environments for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, touring cycling, and more.
119
Routes
4.4
(342)
Average rating
6647
People visited

4.8
(34)
806
riders
25.2km
02:30
540m
550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.7
(65)
1,227
riders
34.4km
03:24
780m
770m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(20)
569
riders
14.7km
01:26
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(10)
317
riders
16.8km
01:43
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(32)
175
hikers
9.80km
03:15
450m
450m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
47
hikers
8.95km
03:04
460m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
7
hikers
23.1km
08:06
1,160m
1,160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

8
hikers
17.9km
07:41
1,460m
1,460m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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182
runners
14.3km
01:43
290m
300m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

1
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
103
runners
7.70km
00:51
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

93
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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5.0
(1)
74
riders
64.9km
03:32
1,020m
1,020m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

25
riders
57.9km
03:14
920m
920m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

25
riders
83.5km
03:57
960m
960m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

26
riders
32.5km
01:52
690m
690m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3
riders
84.6km
06:00
1,700m
1,700m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
349
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
190
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(1)
159
riders
18.2km
01:37
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
32
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
13
riders
34.4km
02:33
620m
620m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
12
riders
55.6km
03:42
700m
700m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

25
riders
9.76km
00:42
120m
130m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Rhinog National Nature Reserve offers a range of outdoor activities, primarily hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and touring cycling. The reserve is known for its rugged terrain, providing energetic walks and challenging routes. While core mountainous areas are less suitable for cycling, peripheral routes and nearby forest parks offer cycling opportunities.
Key hiking attractions include the historic Roman Steps, a medieval packhorse trail, and ascents to prominent peaks like Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach. These routes offer extensive views across Snowdonian peaks and Cardigan Bay. For more details, refer to the Hiking around Rhinog National Nature Reserve guide.
Yes, there are easier hiking options available within Rhinog National Nature Reserve, such as the "Llyn Hywel – Llyn Cwmhosan loop." While many trails are rugged, some routes are suitable for less experienced walkers. The Easy hikes around Rhinog National Nature Reserve guide provides further information.
The core mountainous areas of Rhinog National Nature Reserve are generally not suitable for typical mountain biking due to rocky, steep, and discontinuous terrain. However, cycling is possible in the broader Rhinogs area and surrounding forests, such as Coed y Brenin Forest Park. For suitable routes, consult the MTB Trails around Rhinog National Nature Reserve guide.
Touring and road cycling are possible around the periphery of the Rhinog mountains and in surrounding areas. These routes may include both paved and unpaved surfaces, offering views of the reserve. Guides like Cycling around Rhinog National Nature Reserve and Road Cycling Routes around Rhinog National Nature Reserve offer route suggestions.
The reserve is characterized by a rugged landscape of angular rocks, enormous boulders, and steep cliffs, shaped by glacial activity. It features extensive upland heath, which blooms with heather in late summer, and numerous smaller lakes like Llyn Du and Llyn Cwmhosan. Deep passes such as Bwlch Tyddiad and Bwlch Drws Ardudwy are also prominent.
Yes, there are family-friendly hikes available, offering less strenuous paths suitable for a wider range of ages and abilities. These routes allow families to experience the reserve's natural beauty. The Family-friendly hikes around Rhinog National Nature Reserve guide provides specific recommendations.
Rhinog National Nature Reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including special bird species like the Ring Ouzel, Northern Wheatear, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, and Hen Harriers. Other inhabitants include black and red grouse, golden-ringed dragonflies, bilberry bumble bees, and feral goats. The reserve's varied habitats support a rich ecosystem.
Komoot offers guides specifically for routes accessible via public transport. The Hikes from bus stations around Rhinog National Nature Reserve guide provides options for exploring the area without a car.
Routes in Rhinog National Nature Reserve have an average rating of 4.45 out of 5 stars from more than 3,500 ratings. Over 34,000 visitors have shared their experiences, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the outdoor opportunities available.
Rhinog National Nature Reserve is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Their official website is www.naturalresources.wales. For general inquiries, the phone number is 0300 065 3000, available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

