National Parks of Wales

1. Snowdonia National Park (Eryri)

   • Location: North Wales – spans Gwynedd and parts of Conwy, Denbighshire, and Anglesey (coastal fringe).

   • Description: Famous for mountain landscapes, including Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. Offers dramatic valleys, rivers, lakes, and coastal scenery. Ideal for hiking, climbing, and photography.

2. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

   • Location: Southwest Wales – Pembrokeshire coastline.

   • Description: Britain’s only coastal national park. Known for rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, estuaries, and seaside towns. Great for wildlife, birdwatching, and coastal walks.

3. Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog)

   • Location: South-central Wales – spans Powys, Carmarthenshire, Monmouthshire, and Blaenau Gwent.

   • Description: Rolling hills, waterfalls, caves, and historic castles. Includes the Black Mountains and Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain. Popular for hiking, stargazing, and caving.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

1. Gower Peninsula AONB

   • Location: South Wales – Swansea and western coastal area.

   • Description: First area in the UK designated AONB (1956). Sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, and scenic coastal paths.

2. Anglesey AONB

   • Location: Island of Anglesey, North Wales.

   • Description: Coastal cliffs, dunes, estuaries, and historic villages. Diverse birdlife and marine habitats.

3. Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB

   • Location: North-east Wales – Denbighshire and Flintshire.

   • Description: Rolling hills, heather moorlands, and deep river valleys. Popular for walking and hilltop photography.

4. Llŷn Peninsula AONB

   • Location: North-west Wales – Gwynedd.

   • Description: Remote peninsula with coastal cliffs, sandy bays, and traditional Welsh villages. Rich cultural and historical heritage.

5. Mynyddoedd Cambrian Mountains (partially designated as AONB in places)

   • Location: Central Wales – spans Ceredigion, Powys, and Carmarthenshire.

   • Description: Upland moorlands, valleys, and rivers. Known as the “Green Heart of Wales” for its natural wilderness.

6. Wye Valley AONB

   • Location: Borders of Wales and England – Monmouthshire.

   • Description: River Wye gorge, ancient woodlands, limestone cliffs, and historic sites. Popular for canoeing, walking, and photography.

7. Trefeglwys & Dyfi Valley (part of Dyfi Biosphere Reserve)

   • Location: Mid-Wales – Ceredigion and Powys.

   • Description: River valleys, wetlands, and upland moorlands. Protected for wildlife habitats and biodiversity.

Other Notable Protected Areas in Wales

1. Dyfi National Nature Reserve

   • Location: Mid-Wales – Ceredigion near the estuary.

   • Description: Wetlands, reed beds, and salt marshes. Important for birdlife and aquatic species.

2. Carmarthen Bay & Estuaries SAC/SPA

   • Location: South-west Wales – Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire coast.

   • Description: Estuarine habitats, tidal flats, and sand dunes. Protected for wading birds and marine species.

3. Conwy Valley & Carneddau Special Area

   • Location: North Wales – Gwynedd and Conwy.

   • Description: Alpine habitats, upland grasslands, and rare flora/fauna. Popular for hiking and scenic photography.

4. Severn Estuary Ramsar Site

   • Location: South-east Wales – Monmouthshire and Newport coast.

   • Description: Internationally important wetland, tidal flats, and mudflats. Supports migratory birds.

✅ Summary:

• National Parks: Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast.

• AONBs: Gower, Anglesey, Clwydian Range & Dee Valley, Llŷn Peninsula, Wye Valley.

• Other Protected Areas: Dyfi NNR, Carmarthen Bay & Estuaries, Conwy Valley & Carneddau, Severn Estuary Ramsar Site.

These areas represent Wales’ most dramatic landscapes, combining mountains, valleys, rivers, wetlands, and coastlines — perfect for nature, hiking, and photography.