Snowdonia Overview

Last year (2017) Gina and I had the good fortune to travel to two parts of the UK searching for adventure. This is a recap of our second trip, to Snowdonia, North Wales.

After our trip to Nottingham (post to come) earlier in year, the drag of daily life started taking its’ toll. We hungered for adventure once more. Doing what every millennial does at this point, we jumped on the internet. After some searching we settled on North Wales, specifically a small cabin down the road from Snowdon. Neither of us had even stepped foot onto Welsh soil, so this was perfect!

Now, what should have probably been a 6 hour journey along mostly dull monotonous motorway turned into a 9 hour road-trip as we took the M4 to South Wales, stopped for lunch, and then took the quiet (by South Eastern UK standards) winding A470 North into Snowdonia. Wales is a beautiful country, no need to hurry anywhere.

As aforementioned, we stopped for lunch, this is at the easily located Nantyffin Cider Mill Inn in the Brecon Beacons. The restaurant is wonderfully presented in a traditional manner, with a mix of patterned burgundy carpets, exposed stone walls and rustic wooden furnishings. The locally sourced food was exquisite, really kicking off the trip!

Our cabin, Caban Bach, booked through Hoseasons, is perfectly located between Capel Curig and Betws-y-coed. It is a tiny one bedroom affair with luscious views from the dining table and kitchen windows. The small kitchen is generously equipped, and there is a table out front to enjoy the scenery in the summer months. The cabin’s position will likely mean you shall struggle to receive even 2G on your mobile phone, perfect for switching off. If I were an author or artist, this would be a wonderful place to hideaway. Its’ central location means it is not overly distant from any attractions either. Great all-rounder then! Hoseasons have a great range of options containing loads of detail. Their site is easy to use, and they regularly throw out offers.

Whilst in Wales we climbed Snowdon and visited Chester Zoo; Welsh Mountain Zoo; Conwy Castle; SeaQuarium Rhyl, Sygun Copper Mine, as well as paying visits to Barmouth & Betws-y-Coed.

Snowdon

The highest point in Wales, and one of its’ main attractions. You can take a train up there, or walk alongside the train tracks from Llanberis. Where’s the adventure in that? A bit more challenging was the route I decided on. Starting and ending at the Pen-y-Pass car park we followed the Pyg Track to Snowdon’ssummit, and followed Miner’s Track back to the car. Pyg starts of easy enough, before becoming steadily more challenging the further you climb, at points scrambling is required, and a moment’s pause to figure out the path. The spectacular views of green fields and valleys afforded from this route is awe inspiring. Low cloud carrying downpours, even sleet at one point, did not make following the path any easier! The peak was as busy as one would expect, and I can forgive you for having a sense of superiority over the train riders, whilst simultaneously feeling shame as someone fitter than you casually runs past. It’s a strange feeling.

Miner’s track begins with a much steeper decline towards Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw lakes, do not let this fool you though, once you reach the lake the path becomes a lot flatter, flowing round the lakes, and towards the car park. The lakes have beautifully rich blue colour to them. In reflection, I’m glad I chose to do the route this way, getting the more challenging sections out of the way first! The more rugged feel of my chosen summit approach & descent puts you in a fantasy tale like Lord of the Rings.

Even if you are only reasonably fit, Pyg and Miner’s is a seriously doable walk, one I recommend highly. Remember to take some decent footwear and take your time. Be prepared, even in the height of summer, the mountainous terrain means the weather can change very rapidly.

Chester Zoo

Ok, technically back in England, but only an hour and a half drive from Capel Curig. It is worth a visit, Chester Zoo is one of UK’s largest and third best zoo in the world, according to Tripadvisor. It is an impressive park, and a very good (and long) day out, featuring over 500 species across many different habitats. Taking a boat around the islands is a brilliant way to relax and recharge whilst seeing amazing animals. A personal favourite here are the enchanting Pygmy Marmosets.

 Welsh Mountain Zoo

Smaller and more compact than Chester zoo, Welsh Mountain Zoo is still well worth a visit, especially as part of a longer day around Colwyn Bay and Conwy. It is well laid out, without the need for walking too far to get to any enclosure. Be sure to be at the sealion enclosure for their spectacular display. The Humboldt penguins here are particularly charming, and a joy to watch.

Conwy Castle

This impressive 13^th century castleis stunning. The high towers are breath-taking, not only because of the vista, but the climb up as well! A ruin now, it isn’t hard for one can see the true grandeur and imposing magnificence of the Conwy Castle in its’ glory days. North Wales is renowned for Edward’s castles, and this is probably the best of them.

 SeaQuarium Rhyl

This small aquarium holds a seafront location on the Welsh North coast, and would make a great addition to a longer day out in the small seaside resort of Rhyl. The new display of Moon Jellyfish is rather relaxing and hypnotic. Their collection of seals are also a joy to watch, each of these characterful creatures have their own personality. It’s a pleasure to watch them swim and play.

Sygun Copper Mine

With Wales’ rich mining history, you cannot go to there without venturing down a mine! This copper mine is down the road from Capel Curig and easily reached. Above ground is a token museum, a gold panning area, as well as the starting point for some walks. The remarkable caves have a rather chilly temperature of 9°C, so bring a jacket! As you venture through the long tunnels, you are greeted by somewhat creepy figures who talk you through life in the caves. With eyes firmly closed, this is pretty interesting. After climbing through the damp tunnels you exit onto another stunning vista, looking over to Dinas Emrys. Legend says a red dragon sleeps deep beneath!

Barmouth

Barmouthis another seaside town, on the West coast, along Cardigan Bay. It is a historic town, growing around the shipbuilding industry, later transforming into the seaside resort it is today. The views everywhere are beautiful, but I found the best of them to be from Barmouth Bridge, stretching over the expansive estuary, the views over the town’s harbour and quay are picturesque. I’m sure many of an artist has wet their brushes here.

 Betws-y-Coed

This relatively late bloomer is a tiny village of around 550 residents, that number swells in the summer months, and looking at the place, one can see why. It’s a glistening gem straddling two rushing rivers within a deep valley. It’s position and road links make it a great base for activities. The grey roofed buildings are great to look at, and house everything from homes to corner shops and (many) outdoor activity shops. The restaurants here are some of the best in the area, personally, I enjoyed Hangin’ Pizzeria, built into a portion of the old railway station. They raise funds for a good cause, are anti-palm oil, reasonably priced, offer good local beer, and best of all, their pizzas are awesome! Watching them being made in front of your eyes helps make them taste all that much better!

Overview

Snowdonia is a magical, wonderful piece of the world. Life is slower, the people friendly, the pronunciations difficult. If you are in the UK and looking for a ‘staycation’ that offers a completely different experience, Snowdonia is calling.

**Originally posted on my Tumblr**

**Additional images by Gina Tallett**