Best walks near Rhyl by train

Llanfairfechan Station to Penmaenmawr Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Rhyl.

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

Llandudno Junction Station to Llandudno Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Rhyl.

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 Rhyl.

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

Penmaenmawr Station to Conwy Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Rhyl.

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

Bangor Station to Llanfairfechan Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Rhyl.

the views are spectacular. A walk of two contrasting halves: a steep, sometimes stony climb up and over Bangor Mountain on lanes and footpaths through the town, then a long, generally well-maintained coastal section on the Wales Coast Path with stretches of pebbles and sand and sea-eroded path. Involves steep sections and quite a lot of rough ground. Second half follows the Wales Coast Path. Views to Anglesey, Puffin Island, the Great Orme and Penmaenmawr; hides indicate plentiful wildlife. No facilities on the coastal section.

Tough: steep ascents. 14km.

Steep climbs and a fair amount of rough ground. Cross the A5 with care. Coastal path crosses a shingle beach and eroded sections; not advisable during very high spring tides with strong onshore winds.

Lunch: The Slate pub just off route near Llandegai is the last chance for refreshments before Llanfairfechan; no facilities along the coastal section.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Helsby Station to Frodsham Station (Cheshire)

45m direct from Rhyl.

A rural mix of quiet roads, field tracks, meadows and a path through Castle Park and with an uphill climb out of Helsby and a lengthy mostly-unpaved road walk. A track along a brook (tarmac with soil and mud in places) leads to the main road; narrow hedged footpaths between meadows. Steps and stiles.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

Field-path gates and kissing gates make it a foot-only route. One section of road walking, though well used with good sight lines.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ellesmere Port Station to Helsby Station (Cheshire)

45m direct from Rhyl.

A foot-only route, first along a well-paved towpath on the Shropshire Union Canal as far as Stoak, then a lengthy section of country walking across the marshes with sheep and cows, before an unpaved stretch and a track out across Frodsham Marsh. A good open rural route and only somewhat marred by heavy industry at the edge. Begins on the Shropshire Union Canal towpath; crosses Frodsham Marsh.

16km. Gentle ascents.

A stretch alongside a busy road from Thornton-le-Moors. A foot-only route due to the marsh terrain.

Plenty of good pubs in Frodsham.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Neston Station to Ellesmere Port Station (Cheshire)

45m from Rhyl, with one change.

A route of two halves: suburban pavements and housing estates out of Ellesmere Port, then the lovely off-road Wirral Way (a former railway multi-user track) and including a wooded section cut through red sandstone bedrock. Some of the Wirral Way can be wet and muddy underfoot. Slopes of up to 16 degrees on the brook crossing.

13km. Gentle ascents.

Badgers Rake Lane has no pavement and a tricky dog's-leg bend. The busy A550 crossing has traffic lights.

Cafe and toilets at the restored Hadlow Road Station on the Wirral Way; shopping areas at both station ends.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

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

45m from Rhyl, 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

Ellesmere Port Station to Frodsham Station (Cheshire)

1h from Rhyl, with one change.

A foot-only rural route: a well-paved towpath along the Shropshire Union Canal as far as Stoak, then a lengthy section of open country walking across marshes grazed by sheep and cattle, paved roads through Thornton-le-Moors, a track out across Frodsham Marsh into Frodsham. A good open rural route and only somewhat marred by heavy industry at the edge.

18km. Gentle ascents.

Marsh terrain and livestock make it foot-only.

Frodsham is full of good pubs and historic buildings; shops at both town ends.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Crewe Station to Alsager Station (Cheshire)

1h from Rhyl, with one change.

A direct, varied and enjoyable route mixing pavements, country lanes and footpaths through fields and woodland. The first stretch out of Crewe is along busy roads and dual carriageways with good pavements; the countryside footpaths are well marked with many kissing gates and no stiles and but can be very muddy after rain. At Hall o' the Heath the farmer has redirected the footpath away from the marked right of way. Look out for a 125-year-old waymarker and a vintage petrol pump in the woods.

Easy: 10km, gentle ascents.

Fields near Hall o' the Heath and Crewe Green may contain cows and calves that can be agitated; take care, especially with dogs. At Hall o' the Heath several footpaths converge and an electric-fence gate must be opened, so concentration is needed. Can be muddy.

Lunch: Shops, pubs and takeaways in Crewe, Haslington and Alsager.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Nantwich Station to Crewe Station (Cheshire)

1h from Rhyl, with one change.

A flat, fully surfaced (tarmac) and largely traffic-free route on the signposted Greenway linking the two town centres, a mix of pavement and multi-use paths and with no steps and pedestrian crossings at all busy roads. Passes through the attractive Queen's Park. Uses the designated Greenway and the King Shilling Way, which run parallel to busy roads but are separated by a hedge and verge. Queen's Park can be bypassed if closed.

Easy: 8km, gentle ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route