A warm welcome
As well as encouraging our own members to walk whenever they can, we extend a special invitation to members of other Ramblers' groups visiting the area to join us on our walks. Non-members are also welcome to come along on two or three walks with us before deciding to join the Ramblers.
Where and when
We take advantage of the wonderful countryside in Mid and North Wales by holding walks nearly every week, summer and winter, in Meirionnydd itself or the surrounding areas. Our walks vary from short easy walks to strenuous hikes up into the mountains. We often visit places of local interest such as old gold mines and quarries, waterfalls or ancient remains. You can find information about our forthcoming walks and contact details for the leaders on the walks programme page. And look on the Gallery page for photos from some of our recent walks.
Walk gradings
Our walks are graded to help you decide which will be suitable for you. You can find a general guide to walk grading on the main Ramblers website. Our most strenuous walks are graded A and require above average fitness levels. There will be significant, usually steep, ascents and descents and often some rough or pathless terrain. Our easiest walks are graded C or D. Even for these, you will need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to walk on rough country paths and climb over stiles.
Suitable clothing is essential for all our walks. You will need walking boots and should have warm waterproof clothing with you at all times of year.
New to walking with us?
If you decide to walk with us for the first time, we suggest that you start by choosing a walk that is well within your ability, especially if you are new to the area; even our lower graded walks invariably include some ups and downs! Please do feel free to ring the walk leader for more information about a specific walk. Please also be prepared for changeable weather and ensure you will be warm and dry if the conditions deteriorate. Bring adequate water to drink and, for most walks, a snack or lunch.
Most of our walks take place in areas where sheep and cattle are farmed and are, regrettably, not suitable for dogs. While we may offer occasional walks that welcome dogs, the decision as to whether dogs are permitted on a particular walk rests entirely with the walk leader. Any member wishing to take their dog on a walk must discuss the matter with the leader in advance and the leader’s decision is final. On any walk where dogs are permitted, the owner is responsible for the welfare and behavior of their dog. The dog must be kept on a short lead at all times and dog mess must be picked up and carried. Registered assistance dogs are normally permitted but again members should phone the leader to discuss any difficulties which might arise.
Getting to the start of walks.
Our walks start in many different places and you may have to travel some distance to get to them. We encourage walkers to car share or use public transport when possible. For car sharing, contact the walk leader who can put you in touch with other people from your area. For public transport you may find the following links to bus and train timetables useful. These cover Meirionnydd and nearby areas. Note that these links take you to external websites - if you encounter problems using them or find they are out of date, please contact the Webmaster.
- Gwynedd buses including Snowdon Sherpa bus
- Conwy buses and trains
- Cambrian Coast Railway
- Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways
- Traveline Cymru journey planner.
- Fflecsi bus. These pre-bookable minibuses have replaced many of the less-used service buses in rural Wales, including those on the Llŷn Peninsular. The extra flexibility that this provides means that more locations are served than under the old system.
Could you lead a walk?
We rely on volunteers from the group to lead our walks and without them we wouldn't have a walks programme at all. We are always looking for new leaders, to add to the number and variety of walks we can offer. Walks can be of any length and grade and people often start off by leading the group on one of their favorite walks in their own local area. We have plenty of guidance for new walk leaders and our more experienced leaders are always willing to check out your routes with you and help you to lead them until you have the confidence to "go it alone". From time to time we offer walk leader training courses too. So if you are interested, please contact our programme secretary or talk to one of us while out with the group.
Other walking options
If you prefer walking on your own or with friends, there are many useful walking guides available covering all types and levels of walk. There is also a collection of Ramblers Routes on the main Ramblers website, though you will need to be a Ramblers member and register on the site to access the full details for some of the routes. Of course, as a Ramblers member you can walk with any Ramblers group in Britain – there’s a walks finder on the main website, and details for each local group too. You can find out more about all these options via the main Ramblers website.