When cloud and rain settle over the mountains, walking conditions in Snowdonia can be challenging. The good news is that coastal areas just outside the national park often catch drier, brighter weather — and there are some genuinely excellent walks within an hour’s drive of Perthi Holiday Cottages in Beddgelert. These are my three favourites for a wet or unsettled day.
1. Ynys Llanddwyn & Newborough Beach — Isle of Anglesey
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.76 km (3.58 miles)
Approx. duration: 2–2.5 hours
From the cottages: ~1 hour 10 minutes’ drive
The Ynys Llanddwyn & Newborough Beach walk is one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Wales. The loop takes you across wide sandy beach to the atmospheric ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church, dedicated to the Welsh patron saint of lovers, with views back across the water to Yr Eifl and the mountains of Eryri on a clear day.
Look out for Welsh ponies roaming the headland, seals near the shore, and some of the widest horizon skies you’ll find anywhere in North Wales.
“The views across to Yr Eifl from Llanddwyn are stunning — it’s a special place. That said, it gets busy, especially in summer. Go off-peak if you can and you’ll have a completely different experience.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
⚠️ Practical notes: The headland is inaccessible at high tide so check tide times before you go. Roads can be narrow and busy at peak times. Parking is available at Newborough for a small fee.
👉 Full route details: Ynys Llanddwyn & Newborough Beach
2. Great Orme Circular Walk — Llandudno
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 8.96 km (5.57 miles)
Approx. duration: 2.5–3.5 hours
From the cottages: ~1 hour 5 minutes’ drive
The Great Orme Circular Walk is the one I’d pick when you want a proper walk but the mountain tops are wrapped in cloud. The route is mostly surfaced underfoot, which makes it comfortable in all but the worst weather, and the views over the Irish Sea are wide and dramatic throughout.
There’s a huge amount packed into this headland: the 12th-century St Tudno’s Church, Bronze Age settlement remains, a 4,000-year-old copper mine, and a café about halfway round. If the weather turns, you can always catch the Great Orme Tramway back down.
“I’d recommend this one any time of year — it’s genuinely good in all seasons. Last time I was there I spotted peregrine falcons on the cliffs, which was hard to beat.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
👉 Full route details: Great Orme Circular Walk
3. Porthdinllaen & Morfa Nefyn Coastal Path — Llŷn Peninsula
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.46 km (2.77 miles)
Approx. duration: 1–2 hours
From the cottages: ~50 minutes’ drive
The Porthdinllaen & Morfa Nefyn Coastal Path is a lovely easy loop along the Llŷn Peninsula, starting across wide sandy beach before climbing gently around the headland to the fishing village of Porthdinllaen. Keep an eye out for seals near the shore and oystercatchers along the tideline.
The highlight for most people is the Ty Coch Inn, established in 1823 and sitting right on the beach at Porthdinllaen — one of the most beautifully situated pubs in Wales.
“Sitting on the wall outside the Ty Coch with a pint, looking out to sea — it’s a really special spot.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
👉 Full route details: Porthdinllaen & Morfa Nefyn Coastal Path
Practical Tips for Wetter Days
- Coastal areas often have less cloud and better visibility than the mountains — even when Beddgelert is grey, the coast can be clear
- All three routes are well-defined with firm or surfaced paths, so they’re manageable even in light rain with decent waterproofs
- Each walk finishes near a café or pub — a useful fallback if the weather closes in mid-walk
- Check tide times for Llanddwyn before you go — the headland cuts off at high tide
All three are within an easy drive of Perthi Holiday Cottages in Beddgelert, making them a practical option whenever the Eryri mountains aren’t playing ball. If you’re not sure which to choose based on the forecast that day, just ask when you arrive.
About the author: Delyth Pyrs runs Perthi self-catering holiday cottages in Beddgelert, Eryri. Her family has farmed in the area for generations.
