Walks you can reach from Barmouth by train

Porthmadog Station to Harlech Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Barmouth.

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

Tywyn Station to Machynlleth Station (Merionethshire)

30m direct from Barmouth.

many good views. A reasonably direct hill walk, mostly on the Wales Coast Path though not very coastal, on good paths and tracks and lanes with several steep climbs and panoramic views. A rough track between farms can be a quagmire; some sections muddy and used by trail bikers. Mostly follows the Wales Coast Path. Passes close to Aberdovey, which can shorten the route by about 3 miles. The route can be split at Aberdovey.

Tough: 24km, steep ascents.

Several steep climbs; a rough track between Cefn-cynhafal and Bwlch farms can be deep mud. Short sections on the A493 have no pavement; take care. A navigation aid or paper map is useful.

Lunch: A pub at Pennal, roughly midway (no shops there).

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Criccieth Station to Porthmadog Station (Caernarfonshire)

45m direct from Barmouth.

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 Blaenau Ffestiniog Station (Caernarfonshire)

45m direct from Barmouth.

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

Pwllheli Station to Criccieth Station (Caernarfonshire)

1h direct from Barmouth.

A coast-path walk with clear paths throughout: easy beach walking to Penychain, a roadside path to Llanystumdwy and clear trails around farmland and over boardwalks to Criccieth. Good facilities at both the start and finish.

18km.

Watch for spring/extreme high tides on the beach section between Pwllheli and Penychain.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Aberystwyth Station to Machynlleth Station (Cardiganshire)

1h direct from Barmouth.

Absolutely glorious route, beautiful, all kinds of terrain and natural beauty. A long, strenuous and glorious route following the Wales Coast Path the whole way, taking in coast, estuary, hills, lush wooded valleys, salt marshes and an ancient raised bog. Very steep and undulating with lots of up and down, stiles and steps and including paths hewn out of the rock and a final climb up Constitution Hill; recommended to split over more than one day. Follows the Wales Coast Path the whole way, well signposted. Crosses an ancient peat bog that helped earn the area UNESCO Biosphere status; wildlife includes butterflies and otters. Can be split over several days using the train at Borth and Dyfi Junction.

Tough: 32km, steep ascents.

This is a strenuous walk with a lot of steep hills at either end, with stiles and steps.

Lunch: Pubs and cafes at Borth, plus an ice cream at Clarach Bay.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route