Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s most breathtaking regions, offering dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and countless trails for you and your dog to explore together. Whether you are looking for a gentle woodland stroll or a challenging mountain adventure, there’s something for every pair of paws. Here are ten of the best dog friendly walks and hikes in Snowdonia, with a mix of distances, terrain and difficulty levels to suit all canine abilities and human tastes.
1. Mount Snowdon (Llanberis Path)
Distance: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mountain paths, rocky and steep sections
The highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon is a must for adventurous dog owners. There are several routes to the summit, including the Llanberis Path, which is by far the most dog friendly route on the mountain. However, if you want something a little more challenging, the Miners’ Track and Pyg Track can provide that although they’re rockier terrain and suited to more experiened climbers and their dogs.
Always keep dogs on a lead near livestock and steep drops. If you’re looking for more information our dedicated guide to climbing Mount Snowdon with a dog should help.
Please note: Crib Goch and South Ridge are not dog friendly routes up the mountain, these ridge routes are dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced climbers.
Best for: Experienced hikers and fit dogs who love a big mountain challenge.
For more information, we have a detailed guide on climbing Mount Snowdon with a dog.
2. Llyn Idwal Circular Walk
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Gravel and rocky paths
Located in the Ogwen Valley, this short but spectacular route loops around the crystal-clear waters of Llyn Idwal. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and mountain scenery, it’s one of the most scenic and dog friendly walks in Snowdonia, espeically ideal for dogs who love a splash in the lake.
Best for: Scenic short walks with great photo opportunities.
3. Cwm Idwal and Devil’s Kitchen
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Terrain: Rocky paths, steep ascent
For something more challenging, extend your Llyn Idwal walk to include the Devil’s Kitchen (Twll Du). The climb offers rugged beauty and sweeping views across the Ogwen Valley. Fit, agile dogs will relish the adventure, though it’s not suitable for those with joint issues.
Best for: Adventurous owners and agile dogs used to rocky terrain.
4. Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr)
Distance: 4 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Well-maintained paths and woodland tracks
This beautiful waterfall walk near Abergwyngregyn is a favourite among dog walkers. The wide paths make it accessible for families and older dogs, and the waterfall itself is a spectacular reward. Keep dogs on a lead near grazing areas.
Best for: Families, older dogs, and relaxed weekend walks.
5. Beddgelert and the River Glaslyn Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Riverside paths and woodland tracks
This gentle circular route follows the River Glaslyn through the charming village of Beddgelert, with plenty of spots for your dog to paddle. It’s also steeped in local legend – stop by Gelert’s Grave, said to mark the resting place of Prince Llewelyn’s loyal hound.
Best for: A short, easy walk with historical charm.
6. Llyn Dinas Circular
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Lakeside paths, some uneven ground
Close to Beddgelert, this peaceful walk circles Llyn Dinas, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding hills. It’s ideal for a relaxed morning or evening stroll, with spots for dogs to cool off in the shallows.
Best for: Tranquil lakeside walks and calm, well-behaved dogs.
7. Cader Idris via the Minffordd Path
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Terrain: Steep climbs, rocky and exposed sections
One of Snowdonia’s great peaks, Cader Idris rivals Snowdon in beauty. The Minffordd Path offers a demanding but rewarding climb to the summit. Only suitable for fit dogs used to mountain terrain. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as streams can be scarce higher up.
Best for: Fit, experienced hikers / dogs seeking a quieter mountain route.
8. Dolwyddelan Castle and Moel Siabod Viewpoint
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Forest tracks, open hillside
This scenic loop starts near Dolwyddelan Castle and offers great views towards Moel Siabod and the surrounding valleys. It’s quieter than many of the park’s better-known routes and a good mix of woodland and open country for your dog to explore.
Best for: Peaceful walks away from the crowds with great views.
9. Coed y Brenin Forest Park Trails
Distance: Various routes from 1.5 to 8 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Forest paths, riverside trails
A paradise for dog walkers, Coed y Brenin offers multiple waymarked trails through dense forest, alongside rivers and waterfalls. Dogs can roam freely on most paths, and there’s even a dog-friendly café at the visitor centre.
Best for: Flexible walks and social dogs who love exploring forest trails.
10. Llyn Ogwen to Tryfan Viewpoint
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Lakeside paths, rocky ground
This walk around Llyn Ogwen is a perfect way to experience Snowdonia’s rugged landscape without a full mountain climb. The route offers fantastic views of Tryfan’s jagged peaks, and the lakeside trail is great for dogs who enjoy a mix of terrain and open space.
Best for: Moderate walks with dramatic mountain scenery.
Tips for Hiking in Snowdonia with Your Dog
- Keep your dog on a lead near livestock or steep terrain.
- Carry enough water and snacks for both of you.
- Make sure you’re carrying essential hiking gear for your dog.
- Check the weather forecast – conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
- Bring a towel for drying off after muddy or wet trails.
- Always follow the Countryside Code and respect local wildlife.
Map of Dog Friendly Snowdonia Walks
Now you know the top 10 dog walks and hikes in Snowdonia National Park, you will of course want to know where to find them! Our handy map below can direct you to each of these wonderful walks and hikes. Simply choose the one you want and get directions to the nearest car park.
A moderate lakeside trail beneath the jagged peaks of Tryfan. Enjoy stunning mountain views without the commitment of a full climb — great for energetic dogs who enjoy varied terrain.
Highlights: Tryfan views, lakeside paths, Ogwen Valley scenery.
Dog tips: Keep leads near rocky sections; water available along the lake.
Distance (Miles): 3
Difficulty: Moderate
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
A dog-friendly forest with multiple waymarked trails of varying lengths. Expect rivers, bridges and waterfalls through dense woodland — a favourite for active dogs.
Highlights: Waterfalls, forest trails, visitor centre café.
Dog tips: Great for off-lead exploring; rinse-off points at the centre.
Distance (Miles): 4
Difficulty: Easy
Off Lead Possibility: Lots
Parking: Yes
A quieter route through forest and open hillside, starting near the striking Dolwyddelan Castle. A mix of wooded paths and open views makes this a brilliant half-day adventure.
Highlights: Castle ruins, valley views, peaceful woodland.
Dog tips: Ideal for dogs that enjoy varied terrain and fewer crowds.
Distance (Miles): 4
Difficulty: Moderate
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
A steep and rewarding mountain hike to one of Wales’s most beautiful summits. The Minffordd Path climbs past waterfalls and into dramatic upland scenery. Tough, but truly worth it for the views.
Highlights: Craig Cwm Amarch ridge, Llyn Cau, summit panoramas.
Dog tips: Bring water and snacks; suitable only for fit, experienced dogs.
Distance (Miles): 6
Difficulty: Hard
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
A calm and scenic lakeside walk near Beddgelert, surrounded by forest and mountain views. It’s perfect for quiet mornings or evenings, with several safe points for dogs to paddle.
Highlights: Lakeside reflections, peaceful setting, easy terrain.
Dog tips: Great off-peak walk; good for calm and obedient dogs.
Distance (Miles): 2.5
Difficulty: Easy
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
A peaceful riverside loop through the charming village of Beddgelert. Follow the River Glaslyn through woodland and open meadows, with plenty of shallow spots for dogs to cool down.
Highlights: Gelert’s Grave, village views, riverside paths.
Dog tips: Plenty of water access; short leads near the village.
Distance (Miles): 2.5
Difficulty: Easy
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
An easy and popular walk through woodland and open fields leading to one of Wales’s most impressive waterfalls. The wide path and gentle gradient make it perfect for families and older dogs.
Highlights: Aber Falls waterfall, woodland paths, mountain views.
Dog tips: Ideal for older or less active dogs; leads near livestock.
Distance (Miles): 4
Difficulty: Easy
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
This dramatic extension of the Llyn Idwal route climbs through the rugged cleft known as Devil’s Kitchen (Twll Du). The ascent is steep and rocky but rewards you with breathtaking views over the Ogwen Valley.
Highlights: Devil’s Kitchen cliffs, Llyn Idwal, panoramic valley views.
Dog tips: Best for agile dogs; not suitable for small or nervous breeds.
Distance (Miles): 5
Difficulty: Moderate
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
A short and spectacular walk around the glacial lake of Llyn Idwal, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls. It’s a perfect introduction to Snowdonia with well-made paths and incredible scenery.
Highlights: Llyn Idwal lake, mountain amphitheatre views, Ogwen Valley scenery.
Dog tips: Great for cooling off in the lake; leads needed near livestock.
Distance (Miles): 3
Difficulty: Easy
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
The tallest peak in Wales and a bucket-list adventure for fit dogs and experienced hikers. The Llanberis Path offers the most gradual climb, with stunning views across the national park and several streams for cooling off. Keep dogs on a lead near steep drops and livestock.
Highlights: Panoramic views, summit café (seasonal), multiple route options.
Dog tips: Bring water and snacks; weather can change rapidly.
Distance (Miles): 9
Difficulty: Hard
Off Lead Possibility: Some
Parking: Yes
Explore more dog friendly locations, including hikes, campsites and road trips on our Wildpack Map, our curated and ever growing map of locations to explore with your dog.
What’s Nearby?
If you’re extending your trip or planning multiple days in the area, Snowdonia sits within easy reach of some excellent dog friendly adventures across North Wales and beyond:
- Dog friendly walks in North Wales – Coastal paths, forest trails and quieter mountain routes that pair perfectly with a Snowdonia base.
- Dog friendly beaches in the Llyn Peninsula – Ideal for recovery days, sea air and space to let dogs roam after tougher hikes.
- Dog friendly campsites in Snowdonia – Make the most of your trip and book a dog friendly campsite in the heart of Snowdonia.
- Snowdonia and Llyn Peninsula Road Trip – Undertake a scenic road trip with your pup and explore the national park and beaches of the Llyn Peninsula.
- Dog friendly walks in the Brecon Beacons – Head South for even more dog friendly walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
- Dog friendly beaches in Anglesey – Wilder and less crowded than Snowdonia, with coastal paths and rural walks.
- Dog friendly walks in Anglesey – Explore stunning trails both inland and on the coast on the Isle of Anglesey.
- Dog friendly walks in the Clwydian Range – Rolling hills and ridge walks that offer big views without high mountain terrain.
These nearby guides make it easy to build a longer, more varied dog friendly trip across North Wales without repeating the same landscapes day after day.
Final Thoughts
Snowdonia offers some of the most rewarding and diverse dog friendly walks in the UK. From peaceful lakeside trails to towering mountain climbs, every adventure promises stunning scenery and unforgettable memories.