Best walks to or from Porthmadog

Criccieth Station to Porthmadog Station

some spectacular views. An interesting, varied route mostly following the well-signed Wales Coast Path, fairly level with a few short climbs. It crosses coastal heathland, the long sandy Black Rock Sands (with likely shallow stream crossings), secluded bays and a fairly steep rocky outcrop, then weaves around higher ground; some paths can be muddy and puddly when wet. Soft sand and rock outcrops and steps. Follows the Wales Coast Path. Passes the quaint harbour of Borth-y-Gest and Black Rock Sands. Plenty of cafes and toilets en route and at the finish; good transport links.

11km.

A fairly steep rocky outcrop at the eastern end of Black Rock Sands, where the signed coast path differs from the OS map amid criss-crossing minor and animal tracks - care with navigation. Likely shallow stream crossings on the sands. Soft sand and flights of steps.

Lunch: Cafes and toilets both en route and at the finish.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Porthmadog Station to Harlech Station

Lovely section of coast path. A clearly signed coastal route following the Wales Coast Path the whole way, involving stiles and a lot of unmade dirt paths. Some parts follow roads and generally on safe pavements; the final stretch into Harlech is flat. A high tide can inundate the section at Glastraeth. Follows the well-signposted Wales Coast Path the whole way. Good facilities and public transport (bus and train) at both Porthmadog and Harlech.

18km.

Very high tides can flood the section at Glastraeth in places. Depending on whether you follow the cycle path or footpath across the Cob, there may be an awkward road crossing at the end (the cycle path avoids this). Stiles and unmade paths.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Porthmadog Station to Blaenau Ffestiniog Station

good views. A mostly pleasant route that closely follows the narrow-gauge railway, with slopes that are never too steep and a surface fine for an average walker. It passes a reservoir, lake and forest paths, includes a couple of kilometres on a quiet paved road with a narrow verge and finishes along the Porthmadog seafront. Closely follows the Ffestiniog narrow-gauge railway. Short detour to Coedydd Maentwrog nature reserve.

20km.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route