Best walks near Bangor by train

Llanfairfechan Station to Penmaenmawr Station (Caernarfonshire)

8m direct from Bangor.

an utterly gorgeous route; the views of the coast at either end were excellent. An inland alternative to the coastal route that climbs steadily to around 340m and back down, with no difficult scrambles. The middle third crosses moorland on clear and signposted paths and is fairly level. Excellent coastal views at either end. One very short boggy section soon after the descent begins. Semi-wild ponies graze on the moorland, and there is birdlife including buzzards.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

There are several junctions across the moorland that need careful navigation.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Penmaenmawr Station to Conwy Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Bangor.

the scenery is magnificent. A peaceful route mostly away from traffic that climbs three-quarters of the way up Conwy Mountain on a stony track, with uneven and muddy paths and magnificent views. There is a fair amount of walking on roads without pavements, mostly quiet or in 30mph zones and the ascent and descent are not too steep. Overlaps slightly with the Wales Coast Path High-Level Route. Regular daily trains and buses link Conwy and Penmaenmawr. The Sychnant Pass is a highlight.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

Some roads have no pavement; mostly quiet but stay alert. The bridge over the railway near Conwy is narrow with no pavement, so wait for a gap in the traffic. Higher paths through the heather can be narrow and uncomfortable. Can be muddy.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Llandudno Junction Station to Llandudno Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Bangor.

Peace, beauty, nature and fabulous views west towards Anglesey; Great views over north Wales and Eryri/Snowdonia. A coastal walk with fabulous views west towards Anglesey and Eryri/Snowdonia, following the Welsh Coast Path around the Conwy estuary and along the promenade and beach. Mostly good surfaced and stile-free paths, but one short section through dunes below the golf course is deep and shifting sand that impedes progress. Follows the Welsh Coast Path along the east edge of the estuary.

Easy: 6km, gentle ascents.

A short dune section below the golf course is deep, shifting sand, slow going. Two large (but not threatening) loose dogs were seen here.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Conwy Station to Llandudno Junction Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Bangor.

superb views over the Afon (River) Conwy; the views of the estuary and the castle were lovely. A short, easy and accessible route, well-paved throughout with superb views over the Afon Conwy estuary and passing historic buildings on the walk down through Conwy and across the bridge. There is one flight of steps near the A55 which can be avoided via a slope or the roundabout. Includes some concrete underpasses near Llandudno Junction. Rail services at Conwy can be sparse, so check the timetable. A pedestrian suspension bridge offers an alternative crossing.

Easy: 1km, moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Betws-y-Coed Station to Llanrwst Station (Caernarfonshire)

45m from Bangor, with one change.

A forest walk on mostly wide, well-trodden paths, easy to follow. Some steep slopes at the Betws-y-Coed end and the last woodland path can be very wet and slippery. A few benches along the way. Passes Llyn Parc.

Tough: steep ascents. 6km.

The final woodland path can be very slippery when wet; an alternative is to stay on the track and turn right by the church.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Llanfairfechan Station to Llanrwst Station (Caernarfonshire)

8m direct from Bangor.

Tough: 23km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Penmaenmawr Station to Llanrwst Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Bangor.

Tough: 22km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Conwy Station to Llanrwst Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Bangor.

Tough: 25km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Llandudno Junction Station to Colwyn Bay Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Bangor.

lots of coastal views and some variations in terrain through woods; great views of misty hills and the Conwy river meeting the sea. An uncomplicated inland walk with two relatively steep climbs and descents, through quiet roads, sheep-grazed fields with stiles and woodland paths. The woodland sections avoid stretches of road and are much more pleasant than the road alternatives.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

The section passing the Welsh Mountain Zoo runs along roads without pavements, with poor visibility and no verge, busy at rush hour; the woodland path through Pwllycrochan Woods avoids the worst of this.

Lunch stops: the Mountain View Hotel, or the Pen y Bryn.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Llandudno Station to Colwyn Bay Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Bangor.

A fairly direct route over fields, farm tracks and through woods, with some little-used and hard-to-follow paths, narrow sections with steps and tree roots, a final stretch along the beach promenade. Despite the coast and much of it feels inland.

Tough: steep ascents. 9km.

One slightly awkward crossing of a busy road (detour uphill to a pelican crossing if needed). A steep descent on a narrow path with steps and head-high thorns.

Lunch stop: the Queens Head.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Rhyl Station to Prestatyn Station (Flintshire)

30m direct from Bangor.

good views in all directions. A flat, easy seafront walk along a concrete promenade, nearly all tarmac or sand, with sea and coastal views. Many access points and benches and beach access along the way. The Prestatyn end is the start of the Offa's Dyke footpath. Both stations have disabled access.

Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.

Watch for cyclists and dogs along the shared promenade. Note: flood-defence works have closed sections of the coast path between Rhyl and Prestatyn.

Lunch: Easy access to coffee and toilets along the promenade.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Flint Station to Shotton Station (Flintshire)

1h direct from Bangor.

A good, direct route mostly on the Wales Coast Path, with a lovely, bleak and remote saltmarsh section overlooking the Dee Estuary at the Flint end - which can get muddy and may flood at very high tides, with bridges and duckboards over the wettest parts. About 40-50% is unavoidable pavement walking on main roads through the middle and with wide pavements and well-chosen crossings; the exit at Shotton uses a high stepped railway bridge. Mostly follows the Wales Coast Path. The Dee Estuary saltmarsh is rich in birdlife - curlew, oystercatchers, great egrets seen. Flint Castle and lifeboat station near the Flint end.

9km.

The saltmarsh path east of Flint may flood at very high tides, with bridges/duckboards over the wettest parts that may be hard to reach without treading in mud. A high railway bridge with steps on both sides at Shotton. Watch for dog mess on the railside path.

Lunch: A couple of quirky-themed cafes about 2km in; pubs and takeaways near Shotton station and in Flint.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route