The 17 best pub walks in Wales that will take your breath away
Wales is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from its amazing coastal paths to magnificent mountain trails, there's plenty of walks which showcase the very best of this country's natural beauty. But sometimes, exploring such places can be thirsty work.
Luckily there are Welsh walks that conveniently feature pit stops for refreshments along the way. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of some of the best pub walks in Wales. Some might be well known to you, and others might be hidden gems, but all these have great pubs where you can have a bite to eat after your trek. For the latest restaurant reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here.
Our guide includes the starting point and the pub destination, the distance between them in miles, and their addresses. We've also provided a brief description of each walk and what you can expect on your journey.
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1. Black Mountains to The Bear or The Dragon Inn, Powys
Length: Up to 12 miles
Address: High St, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1BW
Nestled in the Black Mountains, Crickhowell is a charming upmarket town. It offers an array of walks, from leisurely strolls along the River Usk and Monmouthshire & Brecon canal to challenging hikes up Crug Hywel and on to Pen Cerrig-calch, the mountain that forms the stunning backdrop to the Green Man festival. The town itself boasts numerous pubs, including the quintessential coaching inn, The Bear, and the dog-friendly pub-hotel, The Dragon Inn.
2. Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach to the Pen-y-Gwyryd Hotel, Gwynedd
Length: 5 miles
Address: Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, Nant Gwynant, Gwynedd LL55 4NT
The Gwynedd hotel was once a sacred spot for many British mountaineers, when the surrounding area served as a training base for Everest expeditions. Nestled amongst the towering peaks of Eryri, the hotel is close to various walks suitable for walkers of all skill levels. For those looking for adventure, you can climb the jagged peaks of Glyder Fawr (3,284ft) and Glyder Fach (3,261ft).
3. Traeth Morfa Nefyn to Ty Coch Inn, Gwynedd
Length: 0.7 miles
Address: Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Morfa Nefyn, Pwllheli LL53 6DB
By now, we have all heard of Porthdinllaen - the quaint, little village tucked away at the far end of Pen Llyn in north Wales and is renowned for its pub, the Ty Coch Inn. The establishment, which has arguably put the village on the map in recent years, earned its spot among the top 10 beach pubs in the world in 2023 - the only UK bar to make it on to this prestigious list. To get here, you can park your car at the National Trust's Morfa Nefyn car park.
You can then walk along Traeth Morfa Nefyn, pass the Bwlch-y-Brydun which is a cluster of three buildings, walk along the thin ribbon of land as it arches into Traeth Porthdinllaen, pass the old ship buildings which welcome you onto the next beach. Here's where you'll find Ty Coch Inn. The pub is a perfect place to grab a pint and something to eat. If you're lucky enough you'll find a table inside or the picnic benches right outside its doors, but they can often be busy. If this is the case, there's plenty of space to sit on the beach and watch the day go by, so bring a picnic blanket just in case.
4. Rhossili Bay to The Worms Head Hotel, Swansea
Length: 0.7 miles
Address: Wormshead Hotel, Rhossili, Gower SA3 1PP
For this journey, start off at the National Trust car park in Rhossili Bay, turn right out of the car park and onto the road. The next stop is St Mary's Church - just beside it, you'll find a trail that veers away from the road. This trail, running parallel to the beach, offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding countryside.
Continue along the trail for a few miles until you reach a caravan park where the trail reconnects with the road. Follow the road down to the beach, then turn left (south) once you hit the sand. Retrace your steps back to Rhossili village. The walk should take roughly three hours and spans 4.3 miles. Once you're back in the village, reward yourself with a pint at The Worms Head Hotel and soak up the breathtaking views.
5. Garth Mountain to Gwaelod y Garth Inn, Cardiff
Length: 1.7 miles
Address: Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn, Main Rd, Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff CF15 9HH
The Garth Mountain walk, a roughly 6 km trail, leads you to the summit of the 1007 feet high Garth Mountain. For those seeking a longer stroll, the journey can be started from either Castell Coch or Pentyrch. Despite being more of a hill than a mountain, it's the location where Hugh Grant's 1995 film, The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain was shot. You have the option to follow the tranquil trails to the peak, or choose a loop walk around the ridgeway. For a shorter route, consider starting from the Gwaelod-y-Garth Inn, where you can unwind with a drink after your walk.
6. Laugharne Castle to Brown’s Hotel, Carmarthenshire
Length: 2 miles
Address: Brown's Hotel, King St, Laugharne, Carmarthen SA33 4RY
Also known as "The Dylan Thomas" walk, you can start your journey from the car park near Laugharne Castle, this two-mile walk meanders up to St John's Hill, offering views of the castle and the boathouse. To assist you on your journey, there are information boards scattered along the route that provide more insight into the poem and Dylan Thomas' life. After your walk, treat yourself to a refreshing drink and some mouth-watering dishes at Dexter's at Brown's Hotel. They pride themselves on their farm-to-fork ethos and work closely with local producers and butchers to serve up some truly exceptional steaks.
7. Llanbedrog to Glyn y Weddw Arms, Gwynedd
Length: 0.4 miles
Address: Glyn y Weddw Arms, Abersoch Road, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli LL53 7TH
Park your car opposite the art gallery - Plas Glyn y Weddw, before passing the gallery and the woodland area, before heading up Mynydd Tir-y-Cwmwd. This headland will reward you with breathtaking views of Pen Llyn and Cardigan Bay. Before you head back, make sure you snap a photo with the famous Tin Man sculpture right at the top. When you head back, you can either head to the beautiful Traeth Llanbedrog or grab a bite to eat at Glyn y Weddw Arms. Their Sunday carvery is a favourite amongst many.
8. Porth Meudwy to Gwesty Ty Newydd or Ship Inn, Gwynedd
Length: 1.7 mile
Address: Aberdaron, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 8BE
Take a scenic coastal walk from Aberdaron to Porth Meudwy, a quaint fishing cove at the edge of the Llyn Peninsula that once served as the departure point for pilgrims heading to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). On your way back, consider dining at either Gwesty Ty Newydd, offering stunning views over Traeth Aberdaron, or the Ship Inn, nestled in the heart of this picturesque village. Both eateries are beloved by visitors and locals alike.
9. Traeth Lligwy to Kinmel Arms, Anglesey
Length: 1.4 miles
Address: Kinmel Arms, Moelfre LL72 8HH
On the north-east coast of Anglesey, you can take a beautiful coastal walk from Traeth Lligwy to Moelfre. There and back, it is a 3.8-mile walk and could roughly take you just under two hours. This is a fairly easy walk to do with the whole family, but from past experience, if it has been raining a lot, it would be worth taking sturdy shoes that are appropriate for muddy conditions.
Traeth Lligwy, which is a vast beach, has a wild and open feel to it. It's the perfect place for water sports enthusiasts, namely windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing. Walk along the coastal path, steeped in rich maritime history and breathtaking views, you'll find yourself in the picture postcard village of Moelfre. While here, head over to the Kinmel Arms pub.
10. Abereiddy to Sloop Inn, Pembrokeshire
Length: 2.3 miles
Address: Sloop Inn, Porthgain, Haverfordwest SA62 5BN
There are so many wonderful coastal pub walks in this beautiful county, but this is arguably the best. Start your journey in Abereiddy, past the seldom visited beach Traeth Llyfn, Blue Lagoon and arrived at the tiny harbour of Porthgain. You can enjoy a local beer and scrumptious food at the Sloop Inn, or if you fancy something a bit more seaside-appropriate, you can enjoy some gourmet fish and chips at the nearby The Shed.
11. Lady Bagot's Drive to Drovers Arms, Denbighshire
Length: 1.2 miles
Address: Drovers Arms, Rhewl, Ruthin LL15 2UD Wales
Near Ruthin in Denbighshire, Lady Bagot's Drive is a very popular area for birding, hiking and running. Even better, this trail is open throughout the year and is beautiful to visit in every season. Dogs are also welcomed here, but must be on a lead. At the end of the walk, you can head over to the Drovers Arms.
12. Morfa Borth to The Glengower, Ceredigion
Length: 6.2 miles
Address: The Glengower, 3 Victoria Terrace, Aberystwyth SY23 2DH
From Borth to Aberystwyth, you can walk along the beautiful Ceredigion coastline overlooking Cardigan Bay, and at the end, you can stop at the fantastic Glengower, which is located on Aberystwyth's promenade. This pub is the perfect place to watch the sunset during the warmer months. If your legs are understandably aching after the 6.2 miles, then rest assured, as you can get a train back to Borth (or vice versa).
13. Dinefwr Park to Cawdor Arms Hotel, Carmarthenshire
Length: 1.1 miles
Address: Cawdor Arms Hotel, 72 Rhosmaen St, Llandeilo SA19 6EN
This walk encompasses some of the estate's prime wildlife-spotting locations, along with the remnants of the 12th-century Dinefwr Castle and a mansion from the 17th century. The journey begins at the car park at Dinefwr Park and circles around the man-made mill pond, through the Tywi Valley and past Llandyfeisant Church. After your walk, head to Llandeilo for a meal and drinks at the historic Cawdor Hotel, renowned for its fresh seasonal produce. Their menu items, sourced from local farmers and suppliers, are not only delicious but also beautifully presented.
14. Fishguard to Dyffryn Arms, Pembrokeshire
Length: 5.1 miles
Address: Dyffryn Arms, Pontfaen Rd, Fishguard SA65 9SE
The beautiful Gwaun Valley - which is where the Welsh name Fishguard originates (Abergwaun), starts at the river nestled in the middle of this Pembrokeshire coastal town. The valley is accessible both by road and on foot, and offers a stretched canvas of breathtaking rural beauty within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for nearly 10 miles.
The valley is also marked by an abundance of beech, hazel, ash, and oak, the valley presents a perfect rural idyll. For those seeking a brief encounter with nature, you can start by parking at Lower Town, Fishguard, and taking a stroll up through the serene wooded valley. After a refreshing walk, stop by the Dyffryn Arms, affectionately referred to as "Bessie's Pub" to all those who know it. This is the perfect place to unwind.
15. Strata Florida Abbey to Y Talbot, Ceredigion
Length: 6.7 miles
Address: Y Talbot, The Square, Tregaron SY25 6JL
Strata Florida Abbey, a historical site where spirituality meets history, is the final resting place of generations of Welsh princes. This unique circular walk, starting and ending at Coed Dolgoed car park nestled between Pontrhydfendigaid and Strata Florida, takes you through farmlands, ancient forests and spiritual sites. After your hike, why not pop into the historic Y Talbot in nearby Tregaron for dinner and drinks at their 2 AA Rosette restaurant? This 400 year old inn, complete with slate floors, inglenooks and Welsh cask ales, is part of the boutique Welsh Rarebits Collection.
16. Sgwd yr Eira Waterfall to Angel Inn, Neath Port Talbot
Length: 6.1 miles
Address: Angel Inn, Pontneathvaughan Rd, Glynneath, Neath SA11 5NR
The Vale of Neath, nestled on the southern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, boasts an unrivalled richness and diversity of waterfalls within a compact area, unmatched anywhere else in Wales. The deep river gorges of Mellte, Hepste and Nedd Fechan, stretching between the villages of Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte, offer fantastic walking opportunities, albeit with some steep and potentially slippery sections. After exploring the area, walkers often flock to The Angel Inn at Pontneddfechan, renowned for its quality food and beverages.
17. Nash Point Lighthouse to The Plough and Harrow pub, Vale of Glamorgan
Length: 2.1 miles
Address: The Plough and Harrow pub, Monknash, Cowbridge CF71 7QQ
Begin your journey at the Plough and Harrow pub in Monknash, which will also be your final stop for a well-deserved drink. The route takes you through a nature reserve and woodland, following a stream until you reach the beach. From there, follow the Wales Coast Path towards the lighthouse. Your path will also lead you through Marcross and past the Holy Trinity Church, known for its historic leper's window. You'll reach the Horseshoe Inn at the main road junction before returning to the Plough and Harrow.