These Welsh Ice Age giants hold the secrets and stories of the ages and scaling them with pooch pals is thrilling and endlessly exciting. Get ready to see the beauty of Wales from the skies – this guide will inspire your amazing mountain adventures this summer and beyond.
We are delighted to be partnering with Visit Wales to showcase our top-dog destination for Summer 2024 for ulti-mutt memories together.
Read on to discover details on how to win a trip to this magnificent place, and how to cymryd ar y cewri (take on the giants)!
South Wales
For more breathtaking views from the skies, you’re spoilt for choice in South Wales. Start with Caerphilly Mountain north of Cardiff and a 360 degree spectacular view over Caerphilly, Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel, which is an absolute favourite for dogs. The Black Cock Inn is a fabulous watering hole, plus, Cardiff is easily accessible – less than 2 hours from London by train!
Hike the Sugar Loaf – one of the highest peaks in the Black Mountain range with panoramic views across south Wales, Coed y Bwnydd the Iron Age hillfort, and ancient woodlands home to a variety of wildlife.
The Offa’s Dyke Path passes through 177 miles of different types of landscape passing through 8 counties, and crossing the Welsh and English border over 20 times with the peak at Hatterrall Ridge. Whilst you’re in the area, a must-stop off is Hay-on-Wye to shop at dog-friendly The Old Electric Shop, and Murder and Mayhem bookshop, before a light bite at the Three Tuns, a coffee break at the Cosy Cafe, or a cold glass and tapas at Tomatitos.
In the area, we have some pawfect options for R&R including the stunning Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Glamorgan close to Porthcawl, Ogmore by the Sea and Merthyr Mawr where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. Close to Cardiff, the majestic New House Country Hotel Thornhill, Glamorgan towers over the city offering the best of both hustle and bustle, plus the calming effects of the beautiful Welsh countryside. For a more unusual stay, check out the Shepherd’s Huts, at the Parkway Hotel and Spa in Cwmbran nestled in over seven and a half acres of gorgeous gardens.
Mid Wales
Where do we start with the mountain magic of Mid Wales?
The forever beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) spans 520 square miles on the borders of mid and south Wales and is famous for its Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark where you can explore the 470 million-year-old layers of rocks recognised for their distinctive geology sculpted from ice.
We love the Dragons Back Circular walk taking you over the highs and lows resembling a “Dragons Back” at which the highest point of Waun Fach is the second-highest mountain in southern Britain.
It’s also home to the first International Dark Sky reserve in Wales with spectacular views of the Milky Way from the Visitors Centre in Libanus. For a walk easier on the knees, start at architectural wonder Tretower Court and Castle, and trace the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal to discover the UNESCO World Heritage site at Blaenavon the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Or try a day trip around Brecon, starting at the Theatr B! Café for a homemade scotch egg and Black Mountain Preserves chutney, then visit one of the best book shops in the country at The Hours, sample a bowl of delicious Welsh Cawl at Caffi Y Fan, before a wander around the dog-friendly Brecon Cathedral to catch a concert.
In the very heart of Wales, you’ll find the Cambrian Mountains area of Astounding Natural Beauty sprawling across Ceredigion, Powys and Carmarthenshire. We especially love the Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies trail which has 9 discovery sites, part of the Astro Trail, plus the IDA International Dark Sky Park (Elan Valley Estate) protected against light pollution creating a stargazing sanctuary.
Stay at The Lake Country House Hotel & Spa, in Powys, an elegant retreat complete with a spa, swimming pool and 50 acres of grounds for you to enjoy.
West Wales
If you’re planning to explore further into West Wales you can discover the stunning Preseli Mountains in Pembrokeshire – try Llys Meddyg, a Georgian coaching Inn, bursting with character and comfort to revive and refuel. Whilst in the area, a must-climb is Carn Ingli nearby, with both prehistoric and historic remains.
And for a dog-friendly day out, head to Heatherton World of Activities which is free admission and home to a dedicated agility course, doggy ice cream and treats, plus they can watch you participate in human activities including a hedge maze, tree tops trail, and bowls.
North Wales
Mountains define the Welsh landscape, and none so much as the infamous Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, steeped in culture, history and towering ranges.
Dogs are welcome on leads, so to hike this beautiful behemoth with your dog-friend, we’d recommend taking the 13km Llwybr Cwellyn Path (Snowdon Ranger Path) as it’s the quietest and easiest route to the top. Take in the beautiful views towards Llyn Cwellyn Lake and across to Mynydd Mawr to spot a crag at the edge of the forest known as Castell Cidwm – where the giant Cidwm lives according to local folklore.
There are many beautiful trails in the area including the most popular Llanberis Path, and the more challenging Cader Idris all to be explored, each and every one just breathtaking.
There are many more amazing dog-friendly experiences to be had in the area for your rest moments (for both humans and pooch-paws!), including the distinctive greatest-castle-never-built Beaumaris, taking in the spectacular views from Great Orme, with a fabulous Tramway to the summit to rest your legs. Whilst you’re there, watch the sunset at Ynys Lawd South Stack.
To keep you and your pup fueled, start the day with locally sourced coffee and bap at Jollys in Beaumaris, try the Fish Friday at the Pier House Bistro, or enjoy the sandy views of the gorgeous Oyster Catcher for Welsh Tapas on Ynys Môn (Anglesey).
For your North Wales mountain adventure, we’d recommend stays at Caer Rhun Hall, Conwy, Llandudno Bay Hotel, Conwy, and Palé Hall Hotel, Gwynedd all of which promise a dog-friendly welcome!
As with any adventure with your canine, make sure to plan your route, be safe, research the Dog Walking Code and check the conditions before beginning.
Check out our hand-picked collection of dog-friendly escapes in Wales, and your chance to WIN a holiday voucher worth £500 for a break in Wales! All the details you need to enter are HERE>>
For endless adventures, splashing in sparkling bays, feasting with friends and family, and unwinding in nature, start planning your holiday in Wales today!