The best walks and hikes around Llyn Peris

Yes, the area offers several easier options perfect for families. The trails within Padarn Country Park are a great choice, particularly the well-marked Woodland Walk and Nature Walk. For a route that combines easy walking with local history, consider the Dinorwic Slate Quarry – Dinorwig Slate Mine Ruins loop from Llanberis, which is relatively short and explores the fascinating quarry remains.

Most hikes start from or near the village of Llanberis, which has several pay-and-display car parks. These can get very busy, especially on weekends and during holiday periods, so arriving early is strongly recommended. Some specific trailheads, like those for Padarn Country Park, have their own dedicated parking areas.

Yes, Llanberis is accessible by bus services, primarily from nearby towns like Caernarfon and Bangor, which have mainline train stations. This makes it feasible to reach the trailheads without a car. Once in Llanberis, most of the popular routes around Llyn Peris, Llyn Padarn, and the slate quarries are accessible on foot.

Dogs are welcome on most public footpaths in the area, including those in Padarn Country Park. However, you will be walking through a landscape with active farmland, so always keep your dog on a lead, especially near livestock. Be aware that some stiles may be difficult for larger dogs to cross.

A full circular walk combining both lakes involves a mix of terrain. The View of Llyn Padarn – Llyn Padarn Trail loop from Llanberis is a good example, featuring quiet country lanes, dedicated lakeside paths, woodland tracks, and sections on old quarry tracks. Expect some moderate inclines, particularly on the side of the Dinorwig Quarry.

The Moel Eilio from Llanberis loop is a moderately challenging hike. While it doesn't involve the technical scrambling of some Snowdonia peaks, it features a significant and sustained ascent to reach the ridge. The paths are generally grassy and clear, but the route is exposed, so be prepared for changing weather conditions.

For spectacular views, the trails ascending the slopes of the Dinorwig Slate Quarry are unparalleled. They offer a high vantage point looking down the length of Llyn Peris towards Dolbadarn Castle. For a more accessible but equally stunning panorama, the Llyn Padarn and Llanberis View Point is a highly-regarded spot that captures the classic scene of the lakes and mountains.

The landscape is dominated by the legacy of the slate industry. Many trails, such as the Dinorwic Slate Quarry – Dinorwig Slate Mine Ruins loop, take you directly through the former Dinorwig Slate Quarry. You'll see vast terraced slopes, ruined quarry buildings, barracks, and old machinery, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's past.

There are over 450 hiking routes to explore around Llyn Peris, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to difficult mountain ascents. The network includes 132 easy, 174 moderate, and 151 difficult trails, ensuring there's a route for every fitness and experience level.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 6,300 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique combination of dramatic natural beauty and fascinating industrial history. The stunning views over the lakes from the quarry paths are a frequently mentioned highlight.

The trails themselves are largely undeveloped, so you won't find pubs or cafes on the mountain or quarry paths. However, most routes start and finish in or near Llanberis, which has a wide selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants where you can get refreshments before or after your hike.