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…
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4.6
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93K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.5
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hikers
Rhinog National Nature Reserve offers rugged, glacial landscapes with angular rocks, steep cliffs, and heathland, providing diverse routes for hiking and cycling.
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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.
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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.
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hikers
Maes-Y-Facrell, Pen Y Gogarth National Nature Reserve offers diverse landscapes for hiking, cycling, and jogging across limestone heath, grasslands, and coastal cliffs.
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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.
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4.5
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3,977
hikers
Fiddler'S Elbow National Nature Reserve offers 45 hectares of ancient woodlands and riverside trails along the River Wye, ideal for hiking and cycling.
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3,871
hikers
Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve features one of Europe's largest sand dune systems, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes.
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3,324
hikers
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.
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2,846
hikers
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
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4.7
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2,810
hikers
Whiteford National Nature Reserve offers diverse terrain for hiking, jogging, and cycling, from sandy beaches and dunes to wetlands and pine plantations.
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4.5
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2,608
hikers
Coed Rheidol National Nature Reserve offers diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling through ancient woodlands and a dramatic river gorge.
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4.7
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2,605
hikers
Gower Coast National Nature Reserve offers diverse terrain, from dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches to hills and woodlands, perfect for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
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4.6
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2,537
hikers
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.
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4.7
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2,475
hikers
Cors Erddreiniog is Anglesey's largest fen, offering diverse landscapes for hiking, cycling, and jogging through reed beds, woodlands, and heathland.
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2,265
hikers
Oxwich National Nature Reserve offers diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches and dunes to woodlands and cliffs, perfect for hiking, cycling, and more.
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4.4
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2,247
hikers
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.
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2,067
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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.
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4.8
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1,929
hikers
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.
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4.4
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1,802
hikers
Aberbargoed Grasslands National Nature Reserve offers 105 acres of flower-rich grasslands and woodlands with diverse routes for cycling, jogging, and walking.
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4.4
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1,744
hikers
Cors Goch National Nature Reserve features diverse landscapes, including fen, heath, and open water, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

