The UK’s best Christmas walk that finishes at a cosy pub serving hearty roasts and cheeseboards
- UK Hidden Gems
- Dec 23, 2025
- 2 min read
A seaside walking route in Wales has been named the UK’s best Christmas walk, thanks to its beautiful mountain views and nearby cosy pubs.
The ranking was created by GO Outdoors using TripAdvisor reviews, average December snowfall figures and festive touches like how close the walks are to welcoming pubs.
Using this information, the outdoor retailer produced a list of the top ten places for a refreshing December walk or a gentle stroll after Christmas lunch.
Barmouth Beach, found on the edge of Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, came out on top. The area is surrounded by natural beauty, with views across Cardigan Bay and the Mawddach Estuary.
During the summer months, the beach has a classic seaside feel, with a land train running along the promenade, donkey rides on the sand and calm waters that are great for paddling.
Winter is just as special though, as the paths are quieter and on colder days you can enjoy views of mountains dusted with snow.
If you fancy more than a gentle walk along the promenade, there is a tougher option nearby that shows off more of the landscape.
The Panorama Walk runs for four miles along the Mawddach Estuary and starts at the beach, leading through woodland and along country lanes.
It is best suited to confident walkers, as it can be steep and tricky, especially in wet or wintry weather.
After your walk, head inland to find somewhere warm and welcoming. The Royal pub is just 500 metres from the beach and is a comforting stop after a cold walk.
Inside, you can relax in leather chairs and enjoy the traditional setting while tucking into pub food, from hearty roasts to a Welsh cheeseboard.
If a hot drink sounds more appealing, Davy Jones Locker is a harbourside cafe serving everything from full breakfasts to fish and chips.
You can sit outside on brighter days or head indoors to enjoy its quirky sea themed decor.
While it only runs at certain times of the year, usually from April to October, it is worth trying to catch the ferry from Barmouth Harbour if you can. Tickets cost just £4 for adults and the short journey offers lovely views across the Afon Mawddach estuary.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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