Routes up Snowdon
The Llanberis Path
This is the most popular of the tourist routes up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), and at five miles, is also the longest. In summer conditions, it is one of the easiest paths; but in winter, the upper reaches of the path can be very treacherous. Before the main road was built from the coast to Llanberis, climbers used to have to walk all the way from Caernarfon before they even started on the climb up Snowdon itself. George Borrow and his daughter, in 1854, travelled by pony and trap from Bangor to Caernarfon, walked from there to the summit, and returned to Bangor, all in one day!
The Snowdon Ranger Path
This path, one of the easiest up the mountain, is named after John Morton, the self-styled “Snowdon Ranger”, who used to live in what is now the Youth Hostel at the beginning of the path. He used to act as escort to “gentlemen who put themselves under his guidance in order to ascend Snowdon and see the country”. It is perhaps the earliest route up Snowdon, and is probably similar to that taken by the men from the Britannia Copper Mine in Cwm Dyli, who manhandled the ore up to Bwlch Glas and then dragged it by sled to the shores of Llyn Cwellyn.
The Pyg Track
This path, which starts at 1,170 ft. (359m.) is one of the most rugged and challenging routes up Snowdon. In winter, when there is snow and ice on the ground, it is a route best left to the experienced and properly equipped walker.
No one is certain how the Pyg Track came by its name; possibly from Bwlch y Moch (Pigs’ Pass) over which it passes. (It is sometimes spelt Pig Track). “Pyg” in Welsh also means ‘pitch’ and may refer to the dull black pitchy appearance of the path in one location; or it may have been the route used to carry pitch up to the copper mines. A third possibility is that it was named after the Pen y Gwryd Hotel nearby, by the early climbers who stayed there.
The Miners Track
The Miners’ Track to Llyn Glaslyn was built during the last century to serve the Britannia Copper Mines. Abandoned in 1917, it is said that in the mine’s heyday, Arthur Lockwood, who used to be the manager of the Pen y Gwryd Hotel, drove his car along the track all the way to Llyn Glaslyn. The track to the lake is still almost a road, and though eroded in some places, nevertheless provides an exciting and safe mountain walk for people with little experience of mountains. The path beyond Llyn Glaslyn to the summit is considerably steeper and can be a serious undertaking, particularly in winter.
The Rhyd Ddu Path
This is one of the easiest and probably the least used of the main paths up Snowdon.It passes through some beautiful mountain scenery, and sunset views over Moel Hebog and the Nantlle hills can be spectacular.There are two starting points.The nearest to Beddgelert is not far from the Forestry Commission car park at Pont Cae’r Gors.The second starts at the large car park at Rhyd Ddu.
The Watkin Path
The path is named after Sir Edward Watkin, the Victorian railway tycoon, entrepreneur, dreamer and Liberal M.P., who retired to “The Chalet” in Cwm y Llan; and is a monument to his ingenuity and philanthropy. Constructed in stone by his workmen, the route to the summit was originally passable by horse-drawn carriage as far as the quarry. Its opening to the public in 1892 was itself a red-letter day in the history of Welsh Liberalism, as Sir Edward prevailed upon William Gladstone, then 83 years of age and recently elected to his final term of office as Prime Minister, to perform the ceremony. At Gladstone Rock, a huge rock outcrop, a roofed and carpeted platform held the guests, while a crowd in excess of 2,000 admirers, gathered to hear the Grand Old Man speak. Of all the paths up Snowdon, the Watkin is probably the hardest. It involves an ascent of 3,300ft.
Routes up Cadair Idris
Ty Nant Path
The Pony Track from Tŷ Nant is the main footpath up Cadair Idris from the Dolgellau side of the mountain. It is a reasonably safe and easy route, which also offers the most rewarding views.
The Fox’s Path, which also climbs the mountain from the Dolgellau side, crosses an extremely steep and loose scree slope. There have been many accidents here; several of them fatal, and walkers are NOT recommended to use this route.
The Minffordd Path
At about 3 miles, this is probably the shortest footpath up Cadair Idris; although it involves the greatest ascent (2,850ft, 869m).
No one is certain where the name Cadair Idris (Idris’ chair) originates. Some maintain that Idris was a national hero, killed in battle against the Saxons round about 630 A.D. Some insist that he was a giant, and yet others link Idris with the legend of Arthur.
The Llanfihangel Path
This is the easiest of the footpaths up Cadair Idris, but at over five miles, it is the longest. The Pony Track runs from Llanfihangel y Pennant over the hill known as Tyrrau Mawr, and down the other side to Tŷ Nant. It was probably the most direct way for parishioners to get to Dolgellau, their local market town and seat of quarter sessions.
For a hotel in Snowdonia, try the Dolserau Hotel.
This is the most popular of the tourist routes up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), and at five miles, is also the longest. In summer conditions, it is one of the easiest paths; but in winter, the upper reaches of the path can be very treacherous. Before the main road was built from the coast to Llanberis, climbers used to have to walk all the way from Caernarfon before they even started on the climb up Snowdon itself. George Borrow and his daughter, in 1854, travelled by pony and trap from Bangor to Caernarfon, walked from there to the summit, and returned to Bangor, all in one day!
The Snowdon Ranger Path
This path, one of the easiest up the mountain, is named after John Morton, the self-styled “Snowdon Ranger”, who used to live in what is now the Youth Hostel at the beginning of the path. He used to act as escort to “gentlemen who put themselves under his guidance in order to ascend Snowdon and see the country”. It is perhaps the earliest route up Snowdon, and is probably similar to that taken by the men from the Britannia Copper Mine in Cwm Dyli, who manhandled the ore up to Bwlch Glas and then dragged it by sled to the shores of Llyn Cwellyn.
The Pyg Track
This path, which starts at 1,170 ft. (359m.) is one of the most rugged and challenging routes up Snowdon. In winter, when there is snow and ice on the ground, it is a route best left to the experienced and properly equipped walker.
No one is certain how the Pyg Track came by its name; possibly from Bwlch y Moch (Pigs’ Pass) over which it passes. (It is sometimes spelt Pig Track). “Pyg” in Welsh also means ‘pitch’ and may refer to the dull black pitchy appearance of the path in one location; or it may have been the route used to carry pitch up to the copper mines. A third possibility is that it was named after the Pen y Gwryd Hotel nearby, by the early climbers who stayed there.
The Miners Track
The Miners’ Track to Llyn Glaslyn was built during the last century to serve the Britannia Copper Mines. Abandoned in 1917, it is said that in the mine’s heyday, Arthur Lockwood, who used to be the manager of the Pen y Gwryd Hotel, drove his car along the track all the way to Llyn Glaslyn. The track to the lake is still almost a road, and though eroded in some places, nevertheless provides an exciting and safe mountain walk for people with little experience of mountains. The path beyond Llyn Glaslyn to the summit is considerably steeper and can be a serious undertaking, particularly in winter.
The Rhyd Ddu Path
This is one of the easiest and probably the least used of the main paths up Snowdon.It passes through some beautiful mountain scenery, and sunset views over Moel Hebog and the Nantlle hills can be spectacular.There are two starting points.The nearest to Beddgelert is not far from the Forestry Commission car park at Pont Cae’r Gors.The second starts at the large car park at Rhyd Ddu.
The Watkin Path
The path is named after Sir Edward Watkin, the Victorian railway tycoon, entrepreneur, dreamer and Liberal M.P., who retired to “The Chalet” in Cwm y Llan; and is a monument to his ingenuity and philanthropy. Constructed in stone by his workmen, the route to the summit was originally passable by horse-drawn carriage as far as the quarry. Its opening to the public in 1892 was itself a red-letter day in the history of Welsh Liberalism, as Sir Edward prevailed upon William Gladstone, then 83 years of age and recently elected to his final term of office as Prime Minister, to perform the ceremony. At Gladstone Rock, a huge rock outcrop, a roofed and carpeted platform held the guests, while a crowd in excess of 2,000 admirers, gathered to hear the Grand Old Man speak. Of all the paths up Snowdon, the Watkin is probably the hardest. It involves an ascent of 3,300ft.
Routes up Cadair Idris
Ty Nant Path
The Pony Track from Tŷ Nant is the main footpath up Cadair Idris from the Dolgellau side of the mountain. It is a reasonably safe and easy route, which also offers the most rewarding views.
The Fox’s Path, which also climbs the mountain from the Dolgellau side, crosses an extremely steep and loose scree slope. There have been many accidents here; several of them fatal, and walkers are NOT recommended to use this route.
The Minffordd Path
At about 3 miles, this is probably the shortest footpath up Cadair Idris; although it involves the greatest ascent (2,850ft, 869m).
No one is certain where the name Cadair Idris (Idris’ chair) originates. Some maintain that Idris was a national hero, killed in battle against the Saxons round about 630 A.D. Some insist that he was a giant, and yet others link Idris with the legend of Arthur.
The Llanfihangel Path
This is the easiest of the footpaths up Cadair Idris, but at over five miles, it is the longest. The Pony Track runs from Llanfihangel y Pennant over the hill known as Tyrrau Mawr, and down the other side to Tŷ Nant. It was probably the most direct way for parishioners to get to Dolgellau, their local market town and seat of quarter sessions.
For a hotel in Snowdonia, try the Dolserau Hotel.
Monday, 16 June 2008
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Scenic Railways within the Snowdonia National Park
The Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway between Porthmadog harbor and the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog - the world's oldest operational passenger railway. The Welsh Highland Railway joins Caernarvon to Rhyd Ddu, a village on the slopes of Snowdon. Conwy Valley Railway links the north coast to the heart of the park.
The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the World - being founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832. The railway was built as a gravity and horse drawn line to transport slate from the quarries in the mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog. As the slate industry flourished, so did the railway and the town of Porthmadog. Slates from Blaenau Ffestiniog were exported to ports all over the globe - many in ships built in Porthmadog.
The railway was extremely successful and introduced many innovative engineering solutions to cope with the rapid increase in output from the quarries and in the number of passengers it carried. Engineers from around the world came to study the Ffestiniog Railway and, as a result, it has influenced the design and construction of railways in many countries.
However, the slate industry - and then passenger numbers - slowly declined, until finally the railway closed to traffic in 1946. Luckily, pioneering railway enthusiasts were determined that the railway should survive and it was re-opened in 1954.
Over the last fifty years, the Ffestiniog Railway has become a leader in railway preservation and is now one of Wales’ top tourist attractions. Visitors to the railway can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of Snowdonia as they pass through areas inaccessible by road undisturbed by the sights and sounds of modern life.
The Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) - Journey behind the most powerful 2' gauge steam locomotives in the world through the fabulous scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. We offer high-quality carriages with on-train refreshments, the superior comfort of a first class Pullman "Bodysgallen" or you could even experience the scenery with the wind ruffling your hair in our open coaches!
The railway runs from alongside the awe-inspiring Caernarfon Castle, snaking around seemingly impossible bends, up hard gradients and around the foothills of Snowdon to arrive at Rhyd Ddu, about 12 miles from Caernarfon and high up in the Snowdonian mountains.
The railway links to some tremendous walks too, not least the Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu paths up Snowdon or the Nantlle Ridge or Mynydd Mawr walks from Rhyd Ddu. There are excellent real-ale pubs at Waunfawr and Rhyd Ddu, and the Lôn Eifon cycleway runs alongside the railway from Caernarfon to Dinas - we even have special bicycle wagons so you can take a bike on the train too!
But… Rhyd Ddu is only the half-way point of this phenomenal railway project. We have already started work to complete the railway through to Porthmadog via Beddgelert and the famous Aberglaslyn Pass. At Porthmadog, the WHR will connect with the world-famous Ffestiniog Railway, offering onwards travel to Minffordd (for Portmeirion), Tan-y-Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog. In total, a trip from Caernarfon to Blaenau will be a staggering 40 miles – truly a new 'Great Railway Journey'.
The Conwy Valley line, part of the National Rail Network, runs alongside one of the great rivers of Wales, The Conwy and continues along the banks of the turbulent river Lledr after its confluence with the Conwy at Betws y Coed.
From your departure at Llandudno to your arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog a breathtaking range of scenery unfolds before your eyes, from the historic castle at Conwy, through estuary rich in wildilfe, to gentle slopes that give way to majestic crags as the train crosses the Lledr by the dramatic Gethin’s viaduct.
You glimpse fairytale landscapes, the imposing 12th century Dolwyddelan Castle, ancient quarries and tracks, forests and the high peaks of Snowdonia before entering the heart of the mountain to emerge some minutes later in the imposing and historic industrial landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the very centre of Wales’ slate quarrying and mining industry. The Conwy Valley line at 27 miles long offers one of the most beautiful rail experiences in Britain.
The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the World - being founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832. The railway was built as a gravity and horse drawn line to transport slate from the quarries in the mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog. As the slate industry flourished, so did the railway and the town of Porthmadog. Slates from Blaenau Ffestiniog were exported to ports all over the globe - many in ships built in Porthmadog.
The railway was extremely successful and introduced many innovative engineering solutions to cope with the rapid increase in output from the quarries and in the number of passengers it carried. Engineers from around the world came to study the Ffestiniog Railway and, as a result, it has influenced the design and construction of railways in many countries.
However, the slate industry - and then passenger numbers - slowly declined, until finally the railway closed to traffic in 1946. Luckily, pioneering railway enthusiasts were determined that the railway should survive and it was re-opened in 1954.
Over the last fifty years, the Ffestiniog Railway has become a leader in railway preservation and is now one of Wales’ top tourist attractions. Visitors to the railway can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of Snowdonia as they pass through areas inaccessible by road undisturbed by the sights and sounds of modern life.
The Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) - Journey behind the most powerful 2' gauge steam locomotives in the world through the fabulous scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. We offer high-quality carriages with on-train refreshments, the superior comfort of a first class Pullman "Bodysgallen" or you could even experience the scenery with the wind ruffling your hair in our open coaches!
The railway runs from alongside the awe-inspiring Caernarfon Castle, snaking around seemingly impossible bends, up hard gradients and around the foothills of Snowdon to arrive at Rhyd Ddu, about 12 miles from Caernarfon and high up in the Snowdonian mountains.
The railway links to some tremendous walks too, not least the Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu paths up Snowdon or the Nantlle Ridge or Mynydd Mawr walks from Rhyd Ddu. There are excellent real-ale pubs at Waunfawr and Rhyd Ddu, and the Lôn Eifon cycleway runs alongside the railway from Caernarfon to Dinas - we even have special bicycle wagons so you can take a bike on the train too!
But… Rhyd Ddu is only the half-way point of this phenomenal railway project. We have already started work to complete the railway through to Porthmadog via Beddgelert and the famous Aberglaslyn Pass. At Porthmadog, the WHR will connect with the world-famous Ffestiniog Railway, offering onwards travel to Minffordd (for Portmeirion), Tan-y-Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog. In total, a trip from Caernarfon to Blaenau will be a staggering 40 miles – truly a new 'Great Railway Journey'.
The Conwy Valley line, part of the National Rail Network, runs alongside one of the great rivers of Wales, The Conwy and continues along the banks of the turbulent river Lledr after its confluence with the Conwy at Betws y Coed.
From your departure at Llandudno to your arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog a breathtaking range of scenery unfolds before your eyes, from the historic castle at Conwy, through estuary rich in wildilfe, to gentle slopes that give way to majestic crags as the train crosses the Lledr by the dramatic Gethin’s viaduct.
You glimpse fairytale landscapes, the imposing 12th century Dolwyddelan Castle, ancient quarries and tracks, forests and the high peaks of Snowdonia before entering the heart of the mountain to emerge some minutes later in the imposing and historic industrial landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the very centre of Wales’ slate quarrying and mining industry. The Conwy Valley line at 27 miles long offers one of the most beautiful rail experiences in Britain.
Mountain Biking in Coed y Brenin
California, Colorado, Coed-y-Brenin - unlikely as it may seem, wet and windy Wales is now officially ranked alongside the best in the world when it comes to mountain biking. Recently the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) graded mountain biking worldwide, and awarded Wales a B - that's the same as Colorado and California (the only place to get an A was Idaho).The grading takes into account such features as the quality and variety of riding, trail sustainability and accessibility. In fact, a B may well not do Wales justice - since the IMBA results were announced, work has been completed on five mountain-bike centres around the principality that take its riding to new heights, in all senses.
These five areas have plenty to offer: purpose-built, waymarked, single- track roads, beautiful high-country scenery, routes to suit most family groups as well as off-road junkies. The centres also offer apres-ride cafes and bike washes. So as long as you can ignore the climate and you're not lazy enough to want ski-lift access, Wales is about as good as it gets.
Most mountain bikers have heard of North Wales's famed Coed-y- Brenin, which for several years has hummed to the sound of fat tyres hurtling around its magnificent forested trails and has recently seen some impressive new trail developments. Less known, however, are the centres at:
- Betws- y-Coed in Snowdonia (with a superb 27km route through a full-on mountain landscape);
- Nant-yr-Arian (high-level wilderness riding in the Cambrian Mountains above Aberystwyth);
- Afon Argoed near Port Talbot (an impressive single track less than 15 minutes from the M4), and
- Cwm Carn near Newport (17km of challenging single track clinging to steep hillsides).
The Forestry Commission have invested some £400,000 to develop these sites, with one aim: "To make Wales into a world-class mountain-biking destination," according to Dafydd Davis, the commission's forest-sports development adviser and an expert biker himself. He explains that the Forestry Commission, after some persuading, are now 100 per cent behind developing the sport in Wales and are the only major land agency in the world putting so much money into mountain biking.
While no one would claim that Wales can compete with the likes of Colorado or the Alps in terms of climate, its scenery is much underrated. As Dafydd says: "I've ridden in North Wales with professional US trail-builders who described the route I took them on as one of the best they had ever ridden - anywhere."
This is echoed by British champion Rob Warner, who has ridden all over the world: "The Welsh trails are as good, if not better, than the Alps," he says. He also points out that, unlike more elevated mountain ranges elsewhere in the world, it's possible to ride year- round in Wales; the trails never get too wet and are rarely snow- covered. They are also designed to withstand erosion from knobbly bike-tyres, by trail builders who are learning their skills through working with professionals in the USA and Switzerland.
Dolserau Hall
Dolserau Hall is a lovely Victorian Country House Hotel, which dates from 1860 and is set in the heart of the beautiful hills of Southern Snowdonia.
The hotel’s position offers the visitor peace and quiet, even in the high season. From the hotel, we have panoramic views over the surrounding pastures to the hills on either side of the valley. In the distance to the east are the Arran mountains and down the valley in the other direction, we look towards the Mawddach Estuary with Cadair Idris rising on the south side.
Essentially the hotel offers thoughtful personal service in relaxed traditional surroundings. It is a quiet hotel to which guests return, confident that they will find peace and relaxation. We do not normally take children under ten.
Sitting in 5 acres of its own, well established gardens, Dolserau Hall is half a mile from the nearest road and guests are always impressed by the splendid isolation of this grand old house.
To find more about this romantic Snowdonia Hotel then visit their website: http://www.dolserau.co.uk
The hotel’s position offers the visitor peace and quiet, even in the high season. From the hotel, we have panoramic views over the surrounding pastures to the hills on either side of the valley. In the distance to the east are the Arran mountains and down the valley in the other direction, we look towards the Mawddach Estuary with Cadair Idris rising on the south side.
Essentially the hotel offers thoughtful personal service in relaxed traditional surroundings. It is a quiet hotel to which guests return, confident that they will find peace and relaxation. We do not normally take children under ten.
Sitting in 5 acres of its own, well established gardens, Dolserau Hall is half a mile from the nearest road and guests are always impressed by the splendid isolation of this grand old house.
To find more about this romantic Snowdonia Hotel then visit their website: http://www.dolserau.co.uk
Things to do in Snowdonia
Walking Walking has to be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a break in Snowdonia. From the sedate paths to stroll upon in the lower lying regions of Snowdonia to the tougher paths up Snowdon there is something for everyone.
The best place for ideas is the local Tourist Information Centre; they can provide with maps & directions for wherever you want to go along with advice on access/ felling dates in the forestry and lambing season etc. Remember to take along a picnic and a mobile phone, just in case.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking has really taken off in
Snowdonia over the last couple of years. Biking Centres like Coed y Brenin & Gwydr Forest are attracting all levels of skill in this demanding sport as well as hosting competitions of international standing.Our nearest centre at Coed y Brenin also now boasts a new Visitor Centre & café so that those among us not inclined to struggle up a steep hill on a bike can sit in comfort & watch those of you that do.
Horse Riding
Horse Riding is possibly one of the most pleasant ways of seeing Snowdonia. There are several trekking centres in North Wales with miles of traffic-free bridleways giving you safe access through the beautiful countryside. Our nearest trekking centre at Bwlch Gwyn Farm offers rides along the beach at Fairbourne and Mawddach estuary shoreline.
Castles & Historic Houses
Castles & Historic Houses of note are scattered throughout Snowdonia and visiting them is a lovely way to spend a day out.
Cadw is the historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly Government aimed at protecting our national heritage. There are over a dozen castles open to the public as well as numerous sites of historic interest that welcome visitors.
They range from Caernarfon Castle; intended as a Royal residence & seat of government, to Dolwyddelan Castle; the remains of a square stone keep. Details are available online or the nearest Tourist Information Centre.
Railways
Railways are very popular in Snowdonia. They range from the rack & pinion railway that climbs Snowdon itself to the Bala Lake narrow gauge railway that takes you around the lake itself. Talyllyn Railway takes you along the Talyllyn valley from Abergynolwyn to Tywyn on the coast.
The Welsh Highland Railway has recently opened a new stretch of track running from Caernarfon on the coast to Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia. A great day out whatever the weather.
Golf There are 20 golf courses and 2 driving ranges in Snowdonia. It’s not often that golfers are able to enjoy such stunning scenery whilst playing their favourite game.
There are seaside links courses that include Harlech, Caernarfon, Aberdovey & Nefyn or inland courses at Llan Ffestiniog, Dolgellau and Porthmadog. Clubs welcome all abilities but booking in advance is always a good idea.
Snowdonia Guide for Visitors
Named after Snowdon, its highest mountain, and covering an area of 840 sq m (2147 sq km), Snowdonia in Wales is the second largest National Park in the U.K. It lies on the remote Northern coast, amidst breathtaking mountains, glacial valleys and ancient forests.The jagged peaks of Snowdonia are among the most ancient rocks on earth. The local culture is also rather ancient, with music and poetry dating back to the Bronze Age. About 65% of the local population speak Welsh, one of the oldest spoken languages in Europe, as their mother tongue. Snowdonia also has:
- The highest peak in England and Wales
- Swallow Falls, the highest continuous waterfall in Wales
Snowdonia National Park covers 840 sq.miles of northwest Wales, 570 sq.miles protected for conservation or special scientific interest. 20% is legally protected because of its wildlife.
The park also has:
- 90 summits above 2,000 ft. and 15 over 3,000 ft.
- 9 mountain ranges covering 52% of the land
- 1,700 miles of public footpaths, bridlepaths and rights of way
- 75% of its area in private ownership with the rest owned by the Crown, National Trust, MOD, Forestry Commission, other public bodies.
- The highest peaks are Snowdon (3,560 ft.) in the north and Cader Idris (2,929 ft.) in the South.
Towns and Villages in Snowdonia:
Most of Snowdonia's population - about 26,000 - is concentrated along the coast, between Barmouth and Harlech. The rest live in a scattering of small market towns:
- Aberdyfi
- Bala One of the park's larger towns
- Beddgelert Burial place of the legendary Gelert, the faithful hound of Medieval Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Great
- Betws-y-Coed Gateway to Swallow Falls and the Fairy Glen, and one of the prettiest towns of North Wales
- Dolgellau Another of the regions larger towns
- Harlech Site of an impressive castle.
Snowdonia Accommodation:
Looking for the right Snowdonia Hotel to meet your needs can be a tricky game with such a great variety to choose from. All tastes and needs are catered for in Snowdonia from backpackers to luxury romantic hotels. A good start to finding a place to stay is searching on the Internet on sites such as Trip Advisor where you can read unbiased reviews from actual people who have stayed there.
Castles:
Snowdonia is dotted with castles, some only ruins, some magnificent and at least one converted to a B&B!
- Harlech
- Conwy Just outside the park but worth a visit
- Dolwyddelan Castle
- Castell y Bere
- Dolbadarn Castle
- Gwydir Castle A privately owned, fortified Tudor House, the paneled dining room was recently returned from New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's a B&B and open, in season, for day visits as well.
- Penrhyn Castle This National Trust property is a 19th century fantasy worth visiting for the contents, grounds and views
Walking in Snowdonia - Mountain Paths:
There are nine mapped trails up Snowdon and Cader Idris all graded moderate in difficulty. They include:
- Llanberis PathThe most popular tourist path up Snowdon
- Snowdon Ranger Path One of the easiest on Snowdon
- PYG Track Rugged, challenging walk on Snowdon, suggested for experienced, equipped walkers in winter.
- Miners Track A safe mountain walk on Snowden for the less experienced
- Rhyd Ddu Path Easier and less used Snowdon trail
- Watkin Path Victorian path up Snowdon
- Tŷ Nant Path Pony Trail up Cader Idris
- Minffordd PathShort and steep on Cader Idris
- Llanfihangel y Pennant PathEasy but longer on Cader Idris
Walking in Snowdonia - Things You’ll Need:
- Waterproofs
- Comfortable clothes
- Sturdy footwear
- Warm jacket
- Maps
- Compass, if you plan on hiking
- Accommodation reservation
- Credit card
- Phone
Step 1:
Get maps of Wales, Ordnance Survey maps of Snowdonia National Park and guidebooks on Snowdonia National Park. You can get these from any U.K. or Wales tourist outlet or from any Snowdonia National Park information center. Contact by phone or post. Acquaint yourself with the towns and villages in the National Park. It is important to gain an idea of local area and conditions.
Step 2:
Find out how to get to Snowdonia National Park. Public transport buses run regular services from all over U.K. If you’re coming from abroad, the nearest International Airport is Manchester. Or you can arrive in London and make travel arrangements from there.
Step 3:
Choose from the wide variety of accommodations available in Snowdonia National Park. You can stay in hotels, bed and breakfast places, family-run lodges, self-catering cottages, log cabins, farm houses, sea-front apartments, chalets, caravans, camping sites and even castles. Campers can obtain a list of licensed camping sites from the National Park Authority. Wherever you decide to stay, call to make reservations.
Step 4:
Take the famous rack and pinion Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis Station to the top of Mount Snowdon. It’s very popular, so make your reservations a day in advance. Also check out the steam-powered Ffestiniog Railway that goes from Portmadog to Blaenau Ffestinogg and the Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu. You can take another great train ride on the Talyllyn Railway, starting at Tywyn and heading for Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol.
Step 5:
Plan a visit to the historical Welsh castles: Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle and Conwy Castle. King Edward I built all three in the thirteenth century to subdue the Welsh. Conwy town, incidentally, is surrounded by town walls with 22 guard towers.
Step 6:
Visit the many museums in Snowdonia National Park: Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Segontium Roman Museum and Welsh Slate Museum. Go to Electric Mountain and visit the nearby Dinorwig Power Station to see how hydroelectricity works. Visit the Trefiw Woollen Mill to see the Weaving Center.
Step 7:
Go bird-watching in the Aber Valley, Porthmadog, the Migneint moorland, Aberdysynni and Ynys-hir. Try the Hiking Trails along Y Garn, Mynydd Tal-y-Mignedd, Moelwyn Mawr, Pen Llithrig y Wrach, Y Llethr and Cader Idris. There are also many excellent cycling trails.
Step 8:
To get around in Wales, you can rent a car or use the extensive local transportation system. Check Traveline for schedules of intercity buses and trains, station names, and walking maps. Get information about railways from National Rail.
Step 9:
Try some sports activities: surfing, horse riding, golfing, white water rafting and fishing. Make a list of all the equipment you will need for the activities you have planned. Inquire if you can hire it at your destinations or you may need to purchase it before you leave.
Tips & Warnings for your Snowdonia stay:
- You can book accommodation online from Visit Wales website.
- To explore Wales off the beaten path, you can hitch rides on the Post Bus for a small fee. There are 15 bus routes serving some lovely, remote areas.
- Keep in mind that you cannot camp anywhere else in the National Park without prior permission of the landlord or farmer.The National Park Authority cannot give you this permission or give contact details for the landowners.
Walking in Snowdonia other Paths:
One of the best aspects of Snowdonia for walking enthusiasts is that there are paths and trails at all levels for all abilities. The Mawddach Trail, considered to be one of the best trails for cyclists as well as walkers in Britain, is among several Leisurely walks suitable for people with limited mobility. Adventurous Trails are somewhat more challenging but can be tackled by confident walkers with mobility problems and some wheelchair users.
Lastly, Leisure Walks include at least a dozen easier walks for fit and active walkers. Some call for more stamina than others. The walks range from one to about two hours.
Getting Around Snowdonia by Car: Except for a stretch of the M4 in South Wales, Wales is motorway free. There are, nevertheless, good quality "A" roads that zig zag through the park. The A470 runs north-south through Snowdonia, intersected by the A5 (Betws-y-Coed-Bangor), the A494 (Dolgellau-Bala) and the A487 (toward Porthmadog and Caernarvon). Use the A493 and A496 for the beaches.
Driving is easy, and roads are usually quiet but they are not fast and you may be sharing them with cyclists, pedestrians and, occasionally, sheep. During the summer, on bank holidays and weekends, roads around Betwys-y-Coed can be busy.
Getting Around Snowdonia By Train: Check National Rail Enquiries for routes and schedules to these main rail stations within the National Park:
- Barmouth
- Porthmadog
- Betws-y-Coed
- Bangor
- Conwy
Three scenic railway services operate within the park:
- The Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway between Porthmadog harbor and the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog - the world's oldest operational passenger railway.
- The Welsh Highland Railway joins Caernarvon to Rhyd Ddu, a village on the slopes of Snowdon.
- Conwy Valley Railway links the north coast to the heart of the park.
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