Castell y Gwynt, Glyder Fach

Winter Walking in Snowdonia

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Walking in the mountains in Winter is exhilirating. Although the snow, has been replaced by rain (and plenty of it at the moment), the freshness of the air and the spectacular views, just make a day walking in the mountains worth it.

Mountaineering Joe offers walks along the Isle of Anglesey coastal path and in the hills, valleys and mountains of the Snowdonia National Park.

Whether you require a day, a mid-week or week-end walking break see our Walking and Private Guiding pages for details or contact us to make a general enquiry.

Check out the calendar and course/activity listing.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

Winter Skills - Cwm Lloer Carneddau

Winter Walking and Winter Skills

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Winter Skills in Cwm Lloer, the Carneddau, Snowdonia.

Paddy enjoying his first winter session in the mountains. In the photograph he is learning to use a mountaineering axe on a short but steep section of ground (Winter grade 1/2).

During this session we used 2 types of axes so that you can experience the advantages and disadvantages of each axe.

A walking axe: This axe is between 60-75cm in length. It is useful as a walking aid, to arrest in the event of a fall and used to cut steps if required.

A mountaineering axe: This axe is between 50-65cms in length. Used for walking and climbing, ideal for cutting steps, to arrest in the event of a fall and used with a rope as a belay anchor.

For further details see Winter Skills. For examples of walks have a look at our Walking pages.

Check out the calendar and course/activity listing. We will add Winter Walking and Winter Skills courses as conditions arise. Contact us if you wish to be added to our short notice list.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements. So, if you don’t find a course on our website that suits you, please contact us to make a booking enquiry.

Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia, North Wales

Winter Walking and Winter Skills in Snowdonia, North Wales

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Good conditions to practise Winter walking skills and a great day out walking on the glorious snow covered Carneddau.

For further details see Winter Skills. For examples of walks have a look at our Walking pages.

Check out the calendar and course/activity listing. We will add Winter Walking and Winter Skills courses as conditions arise. Contact us if you wish to be added to our short notice list.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements. So, if you don’t find a course on our website that suits you, please contact us to make a booking enquiry.

Winter Walking and Winter Skills in Snowdonia – spaces available

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Come and enjoy the Winter conditions in Snowdonia. Learn Winter skills, improve your existing skills or enjoy a fabulous day out walking in Winter conditions whilst they last.

Enjoy a day walking in stunning Winter conditions.

  • Activity:Winter Walking (20th Jan OR 25th Jan)Focuses on walking in Winter conditions with instruction on using a walking axe, crampons etc.
  • Duration: 1 day – guiding/instruction only
  • Cost: £50 per person
  • Location: Snowdonia, North Wales.
  • Group size: up to 4 clients with 1 instructor

Our 2 day introduction to Winter Skills course will provide you with the skills to explore and enjoy the mountains in Winter. The course is aimed at summer hill and mountain walkers, who wish to develop their skills and confidence in Winter conditions.

  • Course Title: M1. Intro to Winter Skills (Monday/Tuesday 21/22 Jan OR Wednesday/ Thursday 23/24 Jan)
  • Duration: 2 days – instruction only
  • Cost: £160 per person
  • Location: Snowdonia, North Wales.
  • Group size: up to 4 clients with 1 instructor

Or a weekend walking in Snowdonia

  • Course Title: W3. Snowdonia Walks (week-end) 26/27 Jan
  • Duration: 2 days – guide basis only
  • Cost: £90.00 per person
  • Location: Snowdonia, North Wales.
  • Group Size: Up to 4 clients

If Winter conditions exist then instruction will be provided on using a walking axe and crampons etc.

For further details see the Winter Skills. For examples of walks have a look at our Walking pages.

Check out the calendar and course/activity listing. We will add Winter Walking and Winter Skills courses as conditions arise. Contact us if you wish to be added to our short notice list.

To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.

We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements. So, if you don’t find a course on our website that suits you, please contact us to make a booking enquiry.

Secluded cove at Porth yr Ogof

Anglesey Coastal Path: Cemaes to Church Bay

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Today’s 17km walk from Cemaes to Church Bay explored some of the most remote coastline on the island, particularly from Carmel Head down to Church Bay. Although this section of the coastal path does include Wylfa Power Station, this is soon surpassed by the isolation of the beautiful rocky coastline.

Starting at the pretty village of Cemaes, we are soon on the coastal path, around Cemaes Bay, hugging the coastline to Wylfa Head. Heading towards the Power Station, a track, woodland trail and path will lead you to the Wylfa visitors centre. Opposite here the sign will guide you down a track and onto fields, descending to a pretty Cove and stone footbridge over the stream.

At Cemlyn Bay, we crossed the shingle ridge and continued over farmland, keeping to coastline. Regarding the shingle ridge: You can cross the shingle ride, tide permitting, as access at the far end will be restricted or cut off at high tide. Take the alternative route out of the car park at high tide).

Note: A section of the coastal path is closed at the National Trust land as you head towads Ynys y Fydlyn, where the forest area starts. (Do not attempt to cross this land, unless you wish to be mistaken as a pheasant or other wild fowl by the shooting fraternity!) It is a permissive path. You will need to detour by following the wall, through farm fields until you pick up a track (right of way) to a farm. From here walk along the road to Hen-dy from where you can recommence the walk.

Keeping to the coastline we enjoyed spectacular views all the way to the village of Church Bay (Porth Swtan).

Mountaineering Joe offers walks along the Isle of Anglesey coastal path and in the hills, valleys and mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. See our Walking and Private Guiding pages for details or contact us to make a general enquiry.

Afon Alaw Estuary

Anglesey Coastal Path: Holyhead to Llanfachraeth

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The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path begins and ends at Saint Cybi’s Church in Holyhead. This section is traditionally the end of the Anglesey coastal path, although it really does not matter which way you walk the coastal path and in what order you choose to walk the various sections. Each walk offers something unique. The seasons provide a new perspective on each walk.

Today is a short, leisurely walk from the town and port of Holyhead to Llanfachraeth.

We leave the church and cross the Celtic Gateway footbridge to the railway station, cross over the port area and follow a footpath, then track up onto the headland for some fine views out to sea. We continue to walk through Penrhos Coastal Park, a mix of coastal views and woodland trails until we reach the Stanley Embankment. Cross over the embankment and as it is low tide we follow the coast along the pebbled shore.

A pretty cove at Gored beach is left behind as we venture onto a track and across farm fields. Following a partially enclosed pathway (sections have been fenced in recently and work is ongoing) between the bottom edge of farm fields and the marshes of the Afon Alaw estuary, will take us all the way to the bridge at Llanfachraeth. This section is very boggy and muddy. You are rewarded with beautiful views across the marshes and estuary.

We cross over the new and attractive bridge to Llanfachraeth.

Mountaineering Joe offers walks along the Isle of Anglesey coastal path and in the hills, valleys and mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. See our Walking and Private Guiding pages for details or contact us to make a general enquiry.

Dunes at Aberffraw

Anglesey Coastal Path: Aberffraw to Llyn Rhos-ddu

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An enjoyable and easy 21km walk from Aberffraw, through Malltraeth, Newborough Forest and Ynys Llanddwyn (at mid to low tide) to Llyn Rhos-ddu.

A cold, frosty start to the day, but clear and bright. As the tide was out, we followed the estuary to the beach at Traeth Mawr. Walking along the beach we turned off to take the path through the sand dunes (very boggy in places at the moment).

The walk takes us along a lane and moves inland across farmers fields to the village of Hermon. A country lane and a narrow enclosed footpath (boggy) takes us to the village of Malltraeth.

From Malltraeth the walk along the ‘Cob’ (sea-wall), that crosses the estuary of the Afon Cefni, provides a wonderful opportunity to watch wading and migrating wild fowl. At Newborough Forest we make our way along partially boarded walkways and trails.

As the tide was out, we popped out onto the beautiful sandy beach and headed for Ynys Llanddwyn. We now have majestic views over to the Snowdonia Mountain range – and what a backdrop it makes! Continuing along Llanddwyn Bay, we follow the edge of the forest to Llyn Rhos-ddu.

Mountaineering Joe offers walks along the Isle of Anglesey coastal path and in the hills, valleys and mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. See our Walking and Private Guiding pages for details or contact us to make a general enquiry.

Traeth Cymyran

Anglesey Coastal Path: Rhosneigr to Four Mile Bridge

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As we left Rhosneigr our half day walk today (11km) was accompanied by the roaring sounds of fighter jets training at RAF Valley. Despite the noice we enjoyed the spectacle. As the tide was out we started along the beautiful expanses of sandy beaches at Rhosneigr, along Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Cymyran. Note: There is a tidal river at Rhosneigr called the Afon Crigyll. You may be able to paddle across. However, if the tide is in take the path out of the town, along a lane down to the footbridge. From here you can take a path into the sand dunes alongside RAF Valley.

Leaving the beach we walk along dunes, (the maram grass looks beautiful, covered in frost, sparkling in the morning sunlight), hedges and fields and past landing lights for the airfield. Several ladders and styles are negotiated as we cross a number of fields. You will be rewarded with a lovely view of the marshes as you approach Four Mile Bridge. Be warned – this area is very boggy at the moment.

Mountaineering Joe offers Winter walks along the Isle of Anglesey coastal path and in the hills, valleys and mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. See our Walking and Private Guiding pages for details or contact us to make a general enquiry.

Crossing the Afon Braint: The stepping stones

Anglesey Coastal Path: Moel y Don to Llyn Rhos-ddu

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A cold and blustery 12km walk on the coastal path today. Great views across the Menai Strait to the Snowdonia mountains and the town of Y Felinheli. In times gone by, a ferry used to provide a regular crossing at Moel-y-don on Anglesey to Y Felinheli on the mainland, transporting quarrymen who worked in the slate mines at Dinorwig and people heading for the markets in Caernarfon. At low tide you see the expanses of sand at Traeth Gwylit and views of Caernarfon and its majestic castle.

This route is mainly flat across farmland, tracks, lanes and along the stony, shingle coastline. Your thrill for the day will be crossing the slippy stepping stones over the Afon Braint. The later part of the route that follows the Afon Braint, to the stepping stones is very boggy – well, we have had plenty of rain!

Another enjoyable day on the coastal path.

Note: At present there is no right of way on the coastal path from Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll, on the menai strait to Moel y Don. It is a walk along a busy road (A4080) and a walk down a single track road to Moel-y-don.

Mountaineering Joe offers Winter walks along the Isle of Anglesey coastal path and in the hills, valleys and mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. See our Walking and Private Guiding pages for details or contact us to make a general enquiry.

Porth Penmon Isle of Anglesey

Anglesey Coastal Path: Red Wharf Bay to Beaumaris

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Another glorious day walking the Isle of Anglesey Coastal path today, even if it was overcast for most of the day.   The 22km provides varied landscape and amazing views.  From the sandy Red Wharf Bay, expanses of marsh, farm tracks, coastal paths and isolated coves. The highest point is at Bwrdd Arthur. On our way to Beaumaris we visit Penmon point, the lighthouse (lovely views across to Puffin Island) and further down the track Penmon Priory ruins, the pretty church at Penmon, the Dovecote and Saint Seiriol’s well.

From Trwyn y Penrhyn we were able to keep to the stony shoreline until the coastal path joined the road at Fryars road. Note: Do not attempt to walk along the shore at this point unless you know the tide times. General guidance is that you should not walk along the shore one hour either side of high tide.

A short walk remains to reach a high point that provides a view down to the pretty town and castle of Beaumaris and across the Menai Strait to the mountains.

Mountaineering Joe offers Winter walks along the Isle of Anglesey coastal path and in the hills, valleys and mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. See our Walking and Private Guiding pages for details or contact us to make a general enquiry.