Every day is a discovery day in Snowdonia if you are a visitor and maybe even if you are a local! You do not need to be superstitious to feel the magic that winds its way through every part of this beautiful corner of Britain, with centuries of history layered over each other to create somewhere unique and wonderful.
Storm the Gates
King Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks for above average height, left a legacy across north Wales that remains visible more than 800 years after his armies defeated Welsh fighters and placed the country firmly under English rule. So keen was he to show his power and defend his ruling status that he implemented a programme of castle building unlike anywhere else in the world. Three of the most significant of these, Harlech, Caernarfon and Conwy, are within the borders of the Snowdonia National Park and, together with the fortified towns of Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, are part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Caernarfon has unusual octagonal towers, while the multiple layers of walls of Harlech helped it withstand a seven-year siege between 1461 and 1468 - the longest siege in British history. Conwy Castle is in incredible condition considering its age and purpose, while Beaumaris is so large that it required an entire village to move 12 miles away so that there was enough room to build! Other castles in Snowdonia National Park worth visiting include those at Criccieth, Dolbadarn, Penrhyn and Rhuddlan.
These castles may not have been of Welsh creation, but they are as much a part of Welsh history as the mountains and the language, representing the ability of Welsh culture to survive and flourish despite adversity.
Beautiful Barmouth
Barmouth, or to use its Welsh name, Abermaw, is a fantastic place. The seaside resort has long been a popular holiday destination not only for its beautiful beaches but also for the nearby mountains which offer plenty of walking and cycling opportunities. If you see the prefix "Aber" in any place name in Wales, it refers to the location at the mouth of a river. Abermaw, therefore, is by the mouth of the River Maw. Now a pleasant spot for lunch, the Barmouth Harbour was once busy not only with fishing vessels but also with boats exporting wool and slate. The Barmouth Trail is a self-guided walking route introducing visitors to the history of the town and you can collect a map from the Visitor Information Centre at the train station.
Barmouth is beautiful and serene, with a sandy beach and waters popular with surfers and sailors. There is a good variety of independent shops and places to eat and drink, so regardless of your budget and taste, you will find something here to suit you. The two-mile track between Fairbourne and Penrhyn Point that carries a vintage steam train is a favourite with engine buffs, while nature lovers of all ages will appreciate the peace of the Mawddach Estuary and the wide variety of birds and fauna that thrive there. Another popular route is to walk or cycle along the Mawddach Trail which follows an old train line for eight miles to Dolgellau and gives fantastic views of the mountains and the sea.
All About Abersoch
When most people initially think of the Snowdonia National Park they may imagine mountains because the region is home to Wales's highest peak, Snowdon. What they discover on their arrival is that yes, there are breathtaking mountains to rival any alpine scene, but that there are also crystal clear rivers, deep and silent lakes and golden beaches as well. Abersoch is like a taster box of your favourite parts of Snowdonia with world-class beaches of the softest sand, lakes for sailing, rivers for fishing, mountains for climbing and everything in between. It's no wonder that the locals are so friendly - who wouldn't be happy living somewhere this beautiful!
Abersoch has several beaches, including two close to the town with excellent amenities. If you dream of sandy solitude (and can cope with there being no public toilets) then add Porth Neigwl to your itinerary. We are pretty sure someone named this place to keep it to themselves because, although it means Hell's Mouth in Welsh, this beach is close to heaven on Earth. Spend the day there in summer or take a flask of hot chocolate to warm yourself up after a winter walk along the sand. It's perfect all year round.
Ogwen and the Nant Ffrancon Valley
The Ogwen Valley shows another side of Snowdonia, one which is well known to climbers and walkers but not so to many other tourists. Whether you opt to climb the craggy rock face of Cwm Idwal or sit in solitude as you watch the reflections of the mountains in the glacial lakes, you will cherish the memories of your time here.