Gwynedd contains much of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the mountainous heart of north-west Wales, as well as the Llŷn Peninsula and a long, scenic coastline. It is one of the best-known walking areas in Britain, with routes for every level, from lakeside strolls to serious mountain days.

Yr Wyddfa and the northern mountains. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), at 1,085 metres, is the highest mountain in Wales and is climbed by several well-used paths, including the Llanberis Path and the routes from Pen y Pass. Llanberis is the main base, with Llyn Padarn and Dolbadarn Castle on its doorstep, while Tryfan and the Glyderau rise nearby above the Ogwen Valley.

Southern Eryri. Cadair Idris, at 893 metres, towers above Dolgellau, and the Mawddach Trail follows an old railway line along the estuary between Dolgellau and Barmouth. Harlech has a famous castle and is a gateway to the rugged Rhinog mountains, and Bala sits at the end of Wales’s largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid.

Llŷn and Caernarfon. Caernarfon has a World Heritage castle and Pwllheli is the main town on the Llŷn Peninsula, where the coast path leads to remote headlands and quiet beaches. Blaenau Ffestiniog, in the heart of the slate country, offers industrial heritage and mountain walks.

Mountain weather can change very quickly, so go prepared with a map, compass, waterproofs and warm layers, and check the forecast before setting out.