National Landscapes in Wales

National Landscapes in Wales are areas protected for their significant scenic value. Formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), these five designated areas conserve diverse scenery, from coastlines to hills and valleys. This page aggregates routes within four of these landscapes, including the Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape and the Gower Aonb (Gŵyr Ahne).

There are five designated National Landscapes in Wales. Four of these are located entirely within Wales, while the Wye Valley National Landscape is shared with England. This collection features routes across four of the Welsh landscapes: Gower, Llŷn, Anglesey, and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley.

The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with nearly 700 routes available across the four landscapes featured. The terrain supports a variety of human-powered sports, from coastal walks to challenging hill climbs. Specific guides are available for Hiking in Wales and Road Cycling Routes in Wales.

There are over 300 hiking trails across the four featured National Landscapes. These range from coastal paths in the Gower Aonb (Gŵyr Ahne) to hillwalking routes in the Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape. The Offa's Dyke Path National Trail runs the length of the Clwydian Range, offering long-distance options.

Yes, there are numerous routes for both road cycling and touring. The Anglesey Aonb (Ahne Ynys Môn) is particularly well-suited for cycling, with over 70 road and touring routes that trace its varied coastline. The other landscapes also offer extensive networks for cyclists of all types.

The Gower Aonb (Gŵyr Ahne) features over 170 routes, with a strong focus on coastal hiking. The terrain includes dramatic limestone cliffs, sandy bays, and sheltered coves. In addition to more than 70 hiking trails, there are options for mountain biking and road cycling.

The Clwydian Range And Dee Valley National Landscape is the largest in Wales and offers a wide range of activities. Hillwalking is very popular, with over 80 hiking trails, including sections of the Offa's Dyke Path. The area also provides routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and running.

The Llŷn AONB (AHNE Llŷn) offers a rugged coastline and a rolling interior, with over 150 routes available. Hiking is a major activity, with more than 65 trails, many following the Wales Coast Path. The peninsula also has over 50 combined road and touring cycling routes.

Yes, many of the National Landscapes offer routes suitable for families and beginners. The coastal paths of Gower and Anglesey include sections with moderate elevation changes. For more options, the Easy hikes in Wales guide provides a selection of accessible trails across the country.

Both are protected areas, but they have different primary purposes and administrative structures. National Parks have their own authorities and a dual mandate for conservation and recreation. National Landscapes are managed by local authorities with a primary focus on conserving and enhancing the area's natural beauty. Wales has three National Parks in Wales and five National Landscapes.

The landscapes can be visited year-round, but conditions vary by season. Summer offers the longest daylight hours for extended hikes and cycles. Spring and autumn often provide milder weather and fewer crowds, with spring showcasing wildflowers and autumn displaying vibrant foliage.