Epic coastline and wild countryside combine with a profound sense of history and identity to enrich any walking exploration of Wales.  Here's a just of few top picks from the multitude of strolls and hikes on offer.

Beacons Way: It takes eight-days to complete the 95-mile path through the uplands of the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and the similar sounding Black Mountain.  Involving remote and rugged terrain and many peaks accumulating almost 2,600 metres of ascent, it's no surprise the army trains here.  Poor fitness, dodgy map reading and errant compass navigation unerringly resurfaces to bite unwary hikers hard in their fatigued gluteus maximus.  If in doubt join a guided group.

Branwen Walk, Harlech: 'Men of Harlech' has raised the spirits of Welshmen for generations. Within the Snowdonia National Park lies the chance to see Edward I's 13th century Mediaeval castle, now recognised by UNESCO, that inspired the words. This circular walk takes in the castle, Harlech town, the dunes and one of the Ceredigion coast's best beaches.

Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk, Laugharne: Created by enthusiast Bob Stevens, this short uphill walk of around two miles was inspired by 'Poem in October' in which Dylan describes a partial ascent St John's Hill on his 30th birthday, 27th October 1944.  Follow in Thomas's footsteps, taking in views over the estuary, his boathouse, the Gower Peninsula, Caldey Island and Tenby, even as far as north Devon.

Glyndŵr's Way: Weaving through the open moorland, forests and working farmland of mid-Wales this 135-mile trail threads from Knighton to Welshpool via Machynlleth, where in 1404 Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales.  From the trail's highest point at Foel Fadian, views on a clear day stretch beyond the Dulas valley to the Irish Sea.

Great Orme Nature Trail: To walk is not merely to progress, but to appreciate one's surroundings.  Off Llandudno Great Orme's limestone headland provides diverse habitats for flora and fauna, ranging from heathland to sea cliffs, grassland and woodland.  Unusual species have their niche here, including slow worms, distinctly uncommon common lizards and the endemic silver-studded blue butterfly.  Two circular routes take two to three hours each.

Llangollen History Trail: An offshoot from Offa's Dyke long distance trail, this six-mile circular path explores the hills and valleys around the River Dee.  The endeavours of 19th century engineer Thomas Telford are particularly apparent, including the Horseshoe Falls weir built to furnish water for his Shropshire Union Canal.  Earlier history too is explored, including the ruins of 13th century Valle Crucis Abbey, once the second richest abbey in Wales.

Offa's Dyke Trail: In the 8th century King Offa decided once and for all to demark the Kingdom of Mercia from its troublesome neighbours in Wales.  Much of today's walk follow's Offa's Dyke from Prestatyn in the north, 177-miles to Chepstow in the south, criss-crossing the English/Welsh border and passing through Brecon Beacons National Park along the stunning Hatterrall Ridge.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path: Putting aside their banana pancakes for once, the folks at Lonely Planet described this route as 'one of the best long distance trails in the world.'  One of Britain's 15 National Trails, the path runs 186-miles from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, revealing not just Wales's best coastal scenery but some of the best in the UK.

Seaside Strolls - Cambrian Coast: Walking with small children can be a challeng not only to preserve impetus but also to maintain a will to live.  However, inspired folks at Cambrian Railways have turned three beach strolls into car-free mini adventures, interweaving in each ice-cream, chips and a seaside train journey.  The three hop-on-hop-off routes require one to four hours' walking and cover - Aberdyfi to Tywyn, Llanaber to Talybont and Abererch to Pwllheli.

St David's Head Coastal Walk: North west of Wales's smallest city, a short walk around this most spectacular of Pembrokshire headlands takes one and a quarter hours.  Views from St David's Head sweep across Whitesands beach, the Treginnis Peninsula, the sea and Ramsey Island RSPB reserve beyond.  For scramblers the summit of Cairn Llidi promises loftier views, whilst en route the Neolithic burial chamber of Coetan Arthur and Iron Age fort are both noteworthy.

This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com