Home to incredible mountains, beautifully rugged landscapes and ancient fossils, Wales has it all when it comes to nature. Ben Griffin, local entrepreneur and nature enthusiast, reveals five natural wonders that will get you grabbing your hiking boots and ready to explore Wales.

Hiking Snowdon

The most famous natural landmark in Wales has got to be Mount Snowdon, the highest point in England and Wales. There are six walking routes up Snowdon and some are tougher than others. The most popular and most simple walking route is the Llanberis path, which follows the Mountain Railway line. To steer clear of the railway, leisurely walkers can also opt to take the Pyg and the Miners’ tracks which have less climbing than the other paths. However, if you’re up for a real challenge, Snowdon will not fail to delight. Try the Rhyd Ddu path that reaches the summit via the Clawdd Coch ridge.

Discover the Gower Peninsula


The Gower Peninsula was the first place in Britain to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and it definitely deserves the title. The peninsula is rich in wildlife and inhabited by many species of bats and birds, as well as the grey squirrel and the red fox. The Welsh writer Wynford Vaughan Thomas called the Gower Peninsula “a secret that people hug to themselves.” As soon as you arrive there, you’ll know exactly what he means.

Gower Peninsula

Hunt Fossils at the Great Orme

The Great Orme in Llandudno, North Wales is a magnificent spot for fossil hunting. This carboniferous limestone headland is the site of ancient coral and large brachiopod fossils.

There are tails snaking around the headland, as well as a tramway which runs all the way from the top to the Victorian seaside town below.

Marvel at Aberffraw Bay

One of the most beautiful beaches in North Wales, Aberffraw Bay boasts white sand beaches and unspoilt coastal scenery. The beach was awarded highly desirable “recommended” label by The Good Beach Guide in 2014 because of its cleanliness and excellent water quality. You will almost certainly have this hidden gem all to yourself.

Witness Pistyll Rhaeadr

Pistyll Rhaeadr is considered the tallest waterfall in Wales, with a drop just short of 75 metres. Only four miles from the village of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, the walking route is very accessible. Once you reach the top of the falls, you can either plunge deeper into the Berwyn Mountains or head back down the cliff to one of cafes in the village.

Have you ever visited one of Wales’ incredible natural wonders? Do you have someplace else to recommend?

About the Author

Ben is an entrepreneur who was born and bred in Conwy, a world heritage site on the North Wales coast. Ben runs Great Escapes Wales and loves exploring the Welsh countryside in his free time.