Cwm Pennant Circular Walk, Snowdonia

Yes, Cwm Pennant Circular Walk is a dog friendly route, rated 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly scale. It's a genuine mountain circuit through one of Eryri's quietest and most beautiful valleys, taking in the Nantlle Ridge and Moel Hebog massif — a wonderful adventure for dogs and owners who are happy on serious hill terrain.

Most of the route crosses access land where dogs can roam off lead, which makes for a wonderfully free-ranging mountain day. That said, sheep graze the lower slopes and ground-nesting birds use the upper hill, so dogs must be kept on the lead between 1 March and 31 July — a seasonal restriction worth planning around if you're visiting in spring or early summer.

This is proper mountain ground — expect rough open hill, rocky scrambling sections on the ridge, and old industrial paths on the descent, all exposed to weather and requiring solid navigation skills in cloud. There are no facilities whatsoever in the cwm, so carry enough food and water for both you and your dog. Parking is limited to around five free roadside spaces at the valley head and fills early, so an early start is advisable. If you're after a post-walk meal, the dog friendly Cross Foxes pub at Tremadog is your nearest option.