7 days ago
The 'undiscovered classic' walk through Eryri that's shooting up the UK ratings
An unheralded hike through Eryri National Park has been assessed as one of the UK's best long-distance walks. Moreover, in a credible survey, Llwybr Llechi Eryri (Snowdonia Slate Trail) was found to be the most admired of them all.
Taking anywhere from four to eight days to complete, the trail gives a fascinating glimpse into Wales' slate mining heritage, passing by old quarries, mining cottages and industrial sites. Another North Wales hike to fare well in the study was the Ynys Môn/ Anglesey Coastal Path, ranked seventh.
Llwybr Llechi Eryri is relatively new, launched in 2017. Despite this, the route was placed joint second in a compilation of Britain's top 10 best multi-day hikes. It was bettered only by Scotland's West Highland Way, a glorious lochs and moorland stomp.
According to Google search figures, awareness of the West Highland Way is more than 80 times higher than Eryri's slate circular. However user ratings show the latter is better appreciated. The analysis was commissioned by outdoor specialists Blacks.
In time, the trust that manages Llwybr Llechi Eryri hopes it will become Wales' fourth National Trail, If so, it will be comfortably the shortest one – less than half the length of the 177-mile Offa's Dyke Path.
At 83 miles, it's often seen as more achievable and, being circular, more practical. Staying mostly within a UNESCO World Heritage site helps too, providing a 'haunting journey' through the region's industrial heritage.
Passing through wild and remote Arthurian landscapes, stuffed full of peaks, lakes, waterfalls and steam trains, it's both beautiful and inspiring. Among those who have completed the walk, it's still considered an 'undiscovered classic'.
In a review, one walker said Llwybr Llechi Eryri was a 'fascinating blend of scenery, history and nature', adding: 'There's an awesome beauty about how nature gradually envelopes the ancient industrial scars.'
Anglesey Coastal Path is flatter but, at 130 miles, longer. Being part of the all-Wales coastal route, awareness of this hike is higher, and perhaps with good reason: the terrain is varied and the views often breathtaking, from Holy Island's rugged cliffs to the sights of the Menai Strait and the serenity of Traeth Llanddwyn.
Among its many admirers is a Manchester woman who, with her partner, keeps being drawn back to the island. On Tripadvisor, she wrote: 'Walked this path many times and could not find a more peaceful and beautiful place.
'We have been to Cornwall many times and this knocks spots off it - much quieter, fewer crowds and just pure natural beauty.'
The West Highland Way takes hikers from Milngavie to Fort William, passing natural landscapes such as Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. The route also features stunning mountain views, most notably of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.
In joint second spot was the Monarch's Way, an historic trail that follows the escape route King Charles II took after the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
Covering more than 600 miles, taking up to 60 days to complete, it's England's longest inland waymarked trail and is usually broken up into stages. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Calum Jones, author and hiking enthusiast at Blacks, said preparation is crucial when taking on longer hikes. Good hiking boots are essential, he said, adding: 'Walking poles can provide extra stability and reduce the strain on your joints, which is especially important for any steeper ascents or descents.'
