Snowdonia The National Park attracts climbers and walkers from all over the world, it is a walker’s paradise with hundreds of paths of varying degrees of difficulty and as many good guide books to help you find your way. The towering mountains, foothills rolling down to the sea, beautiful valleys, lakes and alpine villages create a picture that can be enjoyed all the year round. Bangor is a university town with a 12th century cathedral, museum and the Victorian Gothic castle at Penrhyn. The cog railway to the top of Snowdonia sets off from the lakeside town of Llanberis and there are several well documented footpaths to the summit for the more energetic. Visitors to Betws y Coed enjoy the pubs and restaurants and the excellent shops specialising in Welsh crafts, local produce, climbing gear and outdoor clothes. Detour down the beautiful Conwy Valley following the river to Llanwrst and its arched bridge, then on to Bodnant Gardens and good garden centres. Beddgelert is a picturesque village famous for its association with the romantic legend of a prince and his faithful hound, and now the place to stop for tea or go hunting for antiques. Travel a little further on, through Porthmadog to the Italianate village of Portmeirion, its fantasy pastel buildings fringing a sheltered bay with stunning views across the sea to the mountains and with lovely shops to tempt you.
Head for the Hills with a Snowdon Sherpa
Improved Sherpa bus service provides an alternative to the motor car with scenic journeys into the heart of Snowdonia. A Snowdon Sherpa day ticket can be purchased on the bus for a reasonable GBP 3.00 (GBP 1.50 child). A definite money saver when you look at current fuel prices, as well as helping reduce parking problems and congestion on roads within the Park. For downloadable pdf timetables go to www.gwynedd.gove.uk The S1 service from Llanberis to Pen Y Pass and the S2 service between Betws Y Coed and Pen Y Pass along the Dyffryn Mymbyr are open topped. Great with kids on a sunny day. |
