Walks you can reach from Harlech by train

Criccieth Station to Porthmadog Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Harlech.

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)

30m direct from Harlech.

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

Tywyn Station to Barmouth Station (Merionethshire)

30m direct from Harlech.

wonderful views; Stunning views on a good day. A scenic, reasonably direct hill walk over the hills following the Wales Coast Path, with wonderful views, several fairly steep climbs and mostly sheep fields and country/forest lanes. Can get muddy when wet; stiles and ladder stiles make it walkers-only. Follows the Wales Coast Path for most of the way, cutting off the detour into Fairbourne. Passes long-abandoned buildings and disused slate quarries.

Tough: 22km, steep ascents.

Several steep climbs; some stiles and ladder stiles; can be muddy in wet weather. The A493 approach into Barmouth has no pavement and the road to the railway bridge can be busy; Barmouth Bridge has a toll. Waymarking is inconsistent, so carry a GPS or paper map. Follow Wales Coast Path signs over the GPX track at three detours.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Pwllheli Station to Criccieth Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Harlech.

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

Tywyn Station to Machynlleth Station (Merionethshire)

1h direct from Harlech.

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