ERYRI (Snowdonia) has reinforced its reputation as Wales’ walking capital after new research revealed that half of the country’s 10 most popular rail-accessible walking routes are located in and around Betws-y-Coed.
A new data study from Regatta has ranked Wales’ favourite walking routes that can all be reached by train, highlighting the enduring appeal of the country’s mountain landscapes alongside a growing interest in coastal and urban walks.
Taking the top spot is the Betws-y-Coed Village – Llyn Elsi loop from Betws-y-Coed railway station. The 4.41-mile route has been completed by 811 walkers and holds a 4.7-star rating, making it the nation’s most popular train-accessible walk.
Offering a mix of woodland, lakeside scenery and mountain views, the route provides an accessible introduction to the landscapes that have made Eryri one of Britain’s most-loved outdoor destinations.
The rankings show just how dominant the national park has become. Five of Wales’ top 10 walks are based around Betws-y-Coed, including the Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop, Snowdonia Slate Walk – Llugwy River Footbridge loop, Llyn Elsi loop, and the Llugwy River Footbridge – Snowdonia Slate Trail loop.
While North Wales leads the way, the research also highlights the growing popularity of walking in the south of the country. Cardiff features twice in the top 10, with both the View of Cardiff Marina – Cardiff Barrage loop and the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay – Cardiff Barrage loop showcasing the capital’s waterfront.
Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire’s spectacular coastline also earns a place in the rankings through the Tenby South Beach – St Catherine’s Island and Fort loop, demonstrating the variety of landscapes available to walkers across Wales.
Wales’ top 10 most popular train-accessible walks:
| Rank | Route | Train Station | City/Town | County | Difficulty | Rating | Hikers | Duration | Distance |
| 1 | Betws-y-Coed Village – Llyn Elsi loop from Betws-y-Coed | Betws-y-Coed Train Station | Betws-y-Coed | Conwy | Moderate | 4.7 | 811 | 02:13 | 4.41 |
| 2 | View of Cardiff Marina – Cardiff Barrage loop from Cogan | Cogan Train Station | Cogan | Vale of Glamorgan | Moderate | 4.6 | 524 | 02:48 | 6.77 |
| 3 | Swallow Falls & the Ugly House loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park | Betws-y-Coed Train Station | Betws-y-Coed | Conwy | Moderate | 4.5 | 500 | 03:15 | 7.21 |
| 4 | Moelwyn Mawr from Tan-y-grisiau loop — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri | Snowdonia National Park | Tanygrisiau Train Station | Tanygrisiau | Gwynedd | Moderate | 4.7 | 354 | 03:30 | 6.41 |
| 5 | Snowdonia Slate Walk – Llugwy River Footbridge loop from Betws-y-Coed | Betws-y-Coed Train Station | Betws-y-Coed | Conwy | Easy | 4.8 | 284 | 01:02 | 2.38 |
| 6 | Tenby South Beach – St Catherine’s Island and Fort loop from Penally | Penally Train Station | Penally | Pembrokeshire | Moderate | 4.7 | 273 | 02:49 | 6.84 |
| 7 | Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay – Cardiff Barrage loop from Cardiff Bay | Cardiff Bay Train Station | Cardiff | Cardiff | Moderate | 4.7 | 250 | 02:12 | 5.3 |
| 8 | Llyn Elsi loop from Betws-y-Coed — Snowdonia National Park | Betws-y-Coed Train Station | Betws-y-Coed | Conwy | Moderate | 4.6 | 250 | 02:05 | 4 |
| 9 | Cwm George & Casehill Woods loop from Dinas Powys | Dinas Powys Train Station | Dinas Powys | Vale of Glamorgan | Moderate | 4.5 | 243 | 02:45 | 6.15 |
| 10 | Llugwy River Footbridge – Snowdonia Slate Trail loop from Betws-y-Coed | Betws-y-Coed Train Station | Betws-y-Coed | Conwy | Moderate | 4.6 | 218 | 03:19 | 6.77 |
Tom Blain, spokesperson for Regatta said: “Wales has long been one of the UK’s great walking destinations, and these rankings show just how much variety the country has to offer.
“From the mountains and forests of Eryri to Cardiff’s waterfront and Pembrokeshire’s coastline, there are unforgettable walks for every type of explorer.
“The research also highlights the popularity of Betws-y-Coed as the gateway to Eryri. With five routes appearing in the national top 10, the village continues to attract walkers looking to experience some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery while benefiting from convenient rail connections.”
“It’s particularly encouraging to see that so many of these routes are easy to reach by train. Making the outdoors more accessible is at the heart of what we do, and strong rail connections help more people enjoy Wales’ incredible landscapes without needing to rely on a car.”
To view the full study, please visit Regatta’s The Best Walking Trails in Britain That Are Accessible by Train page.
