National Parks in Wales

There are three national parks in Wales: Eryri (Snowdonia), Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), and the Pembrokeshire Coast. Together, these parks protect 20% of the country's landmass, covering a diverse range of landscapes from mountains to coastlines.

The national parks in Wales offer a wide range of human-powered outdoor activities. The most prominent are hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking, with over 600 aggregated routes available. Other activities include jogging, mountaineering, and gravel biking.

Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, is Wales's largest and oldest national park. It is defined by its rugged, mountainous terrain, including Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales. The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, recognized for its exceptional stargazing conditions.

The Brecon Beacons National Park features rolling hills, moorlands, and the notable "Waterfall Country". Hiking routes are popular, including the ascent of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. The park also provides numerous trails for mountain biking and road cycling.

The Pembrokeshire Coast is the United Kingdom's only national park designated primarily for its coastal landscape. Its premier feature is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 186-mile (299 km) National Trail that follows the coastline. The park encompasses rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and sheltered estuaries.

Yes, there are routes suitable for beginners and families across all three national parks. The Pembrokeshire Coast offers many level sections of its coastal path, while Brecon Beacons has gentle valley and reservoir walks. A selection of accessible routes can be found in the guide to Easy hikes in Wales.

The national parks in Wales provide extensive opportunities for both road cycling and mountain biking. Snowdonia offers challenging mountain passes for road cyclists and rugged trails for mountain bikers. Bannau Brycheiniog and the Pembrokeshire Coast also feature a wide network of routes for various cycling disciplines.

Dogs are widely permitted in the national parks of Wales, but they must be kept under control, especially near livestock and wildlife. Some specific areas, such as certain beaches or nature reserves, may have restrictions, particularly during bird nesting seasons. It is advisable to check local signage for specific rules on any given trail.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a National Trail that runs for 186 miles (299 km). It stretches along the coastline of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The path is known for its varied scenery, including cliffs, beaches, and estuaries.

The terrain in Eryri is predominantly mountainous and rugged, characterized by steep ascents, rocky ridges, and deep valleys. It contains nine mountain ranges and 15 peaks over 3,000 feet (914 m). The park also includes forests, lakes, and 23 miles of coastline, offering a diverse range of conditions for hiking and mountaineering.

National parks in Wales, such as Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog, are large areas with their own authorities and a dual purpose of conservation and recreation. National Landscapes in Wales, formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), are also protected for their scenic quality but are typically smaller and managed by local authorities.