Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Discover
Nature Reserves in United Kingdom

Nature Reserves in Wales

Nature Reserves in Wales

Nature Reserve Guide

Wales is home to more than 40 nature reserves, designated to protect the country's significant wildlife, habitats, and geological features. These protected areas span a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged, glacial terrain and ancient woodlands of the north to the vast sand dune systems and coastal cliffs of the west and south. The reserves also encompass internationally important wetlands, lowland fens, and steep river gorges. Across these varied environments, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as…

4139

Routes

4.6

(6161)

Average rating

93K+

Explored with komoot

Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.5

(334)

6,548

hikers

#1.

Rhinog National Nature Reserve

Rhinog National Nature Reserve offers rugged, glacial landscapes with angular rocks, steep cliffs, and heathland, providing diverse routes for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(520)

6,207

hikers

#2.

Lady Park Wood National Nature Reserve

Lady Park Wood National Nature Reserve is an ecologically important old-growth woodland in the Wye Valley, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and more.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(146)

6,046

hikers

#3.

Crymlyn Bog And Pant Y Sais National Nature Reserve

Crymlyn Bog And Pant Y Sais National Nature Reserve is South Wales' largest lowland fen, offering accessible routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging through its unique wetland landscape.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(188)

4,138

hikers

#4.

Maes-Y-Facrell, Pen Y Gogarth National Nature Reserve

Maes-Y-Facrell, Pen Y Gogarth National Nature Reserve offers diverse landscapes for hiking, cycling, and jogging across limestone heath, grasslands, and coastal cliffs.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(192)

4,067

hikers

#5.

Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve

Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve offers over 438 hectares of diverse coastal habitats and flat paths ideal for cycling, hiking, and jogging with Severn Estuary views.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(284)

3,977

hikers

#6.

Fiddler'S Elbow National Nature Reserve

Fiddler'S Elbow National Nature Reserve offers 45 hectares of ancient woodlands and riverside trails along the River Wye, ideal for hiking and cycling.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(175)

3,871

hikers

#7.

Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve

Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve features one of Europe's largest sand dune systems, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(252)

3,324

hikers

#8.

Newborough Warren And Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve

Newborough Warren And Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve offers diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging across sand dunes, forests, and coastal paths on Anglesey.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(272)

2,846

hikers

#9.

Coed Dolgarrog National Nature Reserve

Coed Dolgarrog National Nature Reserve offers diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging through ancient woodlands, volcanic cliffs, and past scenic waterfalls.

Character count: 160

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(167)

2,810

hikers

#10.

Whiteford National Nature Reserve

Whiteford National Nature Reserve offers diverse terrain for hiking, jogging, and cycling, from sandy beaches and dunes to wetlands and pine plantations.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(179)

2,608

hikers

#11.

Coed Rheidol National Nature Reserve

Coed Rheidol National Nature Reserve offers diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling through ancient woodlands and a dramatic river gorge.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(225)

2,605

hikers

#12.

Gower Coast National Nature Reserve

Gower Coast National Nature Reserve offers diverse terrain, from dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches to hills and woodlands, perfect for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(74)

2,537

hikers

#13.

Kenfig Pool And Dunes National Nature Reserve

Kenfig Pool And Dunes National Nature Reserve offers diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking across its dynamic sand dunes, expansive pool, and woodlands.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.7

(180)

2,475

hikers

#14.

Cors Erddreiniog

Cors Erddreiniog is Anglesey's largest fen, offering diverse landscapes for hiking, cycling, and jogging through reed beds, woodlands, and heathland.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.6

(163)

2,265

hikers

#15.

Oxwich National Nature Reserve

Oxwich National Nature Reserve offers diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches and dunes to woodlands and cliffs, perfect for hiking, cycling, and more.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(123)

2,247

hikers

#16.

Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve

Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve features dynamic sand dunes, extensive beaches, and diverse habitats for hiking, cycling, and jogging, with views towards Snowdonia National Park.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.5

(136)

2,067

hikers

#17.

Cors Bodeilio National Nature Reserve

Cors Bodeilio National Nature Reserve is an internationally important wetland on Anglesey, offering accessible trails for hiking, cycling, and jogging through its unique fen ecosystem.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

4.8

(121)

1,929

hikers

#18.

Dyfi National Nature Reserve

Dyfi National Nature Reserve offers diverse landscapes, from sand dunes and mudflats to ancient bogs, ideal for hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, and gravel biking.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(187)

1,802

hikers

#19.

Aberbargoed Grasslands National Nature Reserve

Aberbargoed Grasslands National Nature Reserve offers 105 acres of flower-rich grasslands and woodlands with diverse routes for cycling, jogging, and walking.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Gravel riding

Road cycling

Cycling

4.4

(126)

1,744

hikers

#20.

Cors Goch National Nature Reserve

Cors Goch National Nature Reserve features diverse landscapes, including fen, heath, and open water, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

Hiking

Running

Mountain biking

Road cycling

Cycling

See more

Loading

Most popular routes in Wales

Hiking in Wales

Nature to explore in Wales

National Landscapes in Wales

Frequently Asked Questions

What are nature reserves in Wales?

Nature reserves in Wales are areas designated to protect significant wildlife, habitats, and geological features. There are 76 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) across the country, managed by bodies like Natural Resources Wales. This page aggregates information on over 40 of these reserves, covering landscapes from coastal dunes to ancient woodlands.

What are some notable nature reserves in Wales?

Some notable reserves include Rhinog National Nature Reserve, known for its rugged, glacial terrain. In South Wales, Crymlyn Bog And Pant Y Sais National Nature Reserve is the region's largest lowland fen. On the coast, Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve features one of Europe's largest sand dune systems.

What activities are available in Welsh nature reserves?

The primary activities in Wales's nature reserves are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. There are over 4,000 documented routes across these areas. Specific trails are available for activities like birdwatching, running, and exploring different landscapes such as wetlands, forests, and coastal paths.

How do nature reserves in Wales compare to its National Parks?

Nature reserves are typically smaller, focused on protecting specific habitats or species. National Parks in Wales, like Snowdonia (Eryri), are much larger areas that encompass towns, farms, and multiple nature reserves within their boundaries, designated for their scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.

What kind of trails are in Rhinog National Nature Reserve?

The Rhinog National Nature Reserve is characterized by a rugged, glacial landscape with heathland and steep cliffs. It offers more than 100 routes, with a significant number of challenging hiking trails through its wild terrain. There are also routes suitable for mountain biking and jogging.

What is there to do at Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn?

At Newborough Warren And Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve, activities include hiking and cycling through sand dunes, forest, and along coastal paths. The reserve is notable for its tidal island, Ynys Llanddwyn, and is a habitat for red squirrels. There are over 100 routes available for exploration.

What is Crymlyn Bog And Pant Y Sais National Nature Reserve known for?

Crymlyn Bog And Pant Y Sais National Nature Reserve is South Wales' largest lowland fen. It is known for its accessible, flat trails through a unique wetland landscape. The reserve offers over 120 routes suitable for hiking, jogging, and cycling.

Are there good hiking trails in the nature reserves in Wales?

Yes, there are thousands of hiking trails across the nature reserves in Wales. These range from challenging mountain hikes in places like Coed Dolgarrog National Nature Reserve to gentle woodland walks in Lady Park Wood National Nature Reserve. The routes cover diverse terrains including coastal cliffs, river valleys, and ancient forests.

Can you cycle in Welsh nature reserves?

Yes, cycling is a popular activity in many of Wales's nature reserves. There are routes for both road cycling and mountain biking. For example, Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve offers flat paths ideal for cycling with views of the Severn Estuary.

Are there family-friendly nature reserves in Wales?

Several nature reserves in Wales are suitable for families. Cors Caron National Nature Reserve features a fully accessible boardwalk leading to a wildlife viewing hide. Newborough Warren offers the 'Saint, Sand and Sea Trail', a family-friendly route exploring local geology and history.

When is the best time to visit nature reserves in Wales for wildlife?

The best time to visit depends on the wildlife of interest. Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing wildflowers and seabirds, such as the large puffin colony on Skomer Island. The autumn and winter months are good for spotting overwintering birds in coastal reserves like Newborough Warren.

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating
Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy