'''Snowdonia National Park''' [http://www.eryri-npa.co.uk/], ''Eryri'' in Welsh, is like a little slice of the Alps tucked above the rolling moors and hills of North Wales.
Understand
Lakes, castles, waterfalls, and steam railways create a surreal experience right out of Lord of the Rings. Local signs are often both English and Welsh and many aspects of traditional Welsh life, including food, clothing, and crafts, are still to be found.
The region is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, white-water kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits. It features '''Snowdon''', the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 feet).
History
Snowdonia National Park was established in 1951 as the third national park in the UK, and the first in Wales. It covers 2,142 km2 (840 square miles, 217'000 hectares) of the Snowdonia region of north-western Wales. It is also an area steeped in history and legend as the natural fortress for the Princes of Gwynedd and for Llewellyn, the last true Prince of Wales
Landscape
Dominated by Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park is to Wales what the Lake District is to England. An area of outstanding natural beauty, this National Park is set in northern Wales and visitors can paddle their feet on a sandy beach in the morning and be sitting atop the highest peak in England and Wales that same day.
Lakes are almost as much of a feature of Snowdonia as the peaks, so much so that several hydro-electric schemes have been built to harness the potential energy stored within them (See Dinorwig Power Station in the Do section). The water sports that feature so prominently in this region are fed from the high rainfall in the park and this in turn feeds into the rivers and lakes. Much of this water is exported to England; Liverpool's water comes from here.
Much of the world's slate comes from this region and the landscape is dotted with the scars of slate pits, some of which are still active today. The casual walker needs only bend down and pick up a handful of shale to see where much of the local industry came from.
Main Mountain Groups
'''Snowdon Group''' - Consisting of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Crib y Ddysgl, Crib Goch and Y Lliwedd.
''' Glyders and Tryfan''' - The two Glyders (Fach and Fawr) and Tryfan are the most spectacular but the group also includes Y Garn and Elidyr Fawr.
'''Carnedds''' - the most northern group including Carnedd Llewellyn, Carnedd Dafydd, Pen yr Olewen, Yr Elen.
'''Moelwyns''' - a lower group near Blaenau Ffestiniog. '''Cnicht''', sometimes described as 'the Welsh Matterhorn' because of its shape (in spite of its lack of height) is often included.
'''Rhinogs''' - spectacular heather growth makes for some hard walking - inland from Harlech.
'''Nantlle Ridge''' and Moel Hebog - to the far west and separating Snowdonia from Lleyn.
'''Cadair Idris''' and the Tarrens - in the southern end of the National Park. South of Dolgellau and inland from Tywyn. Softer and greener than some of the northern ranges.
Flora and fauna
Snowdonia National Park is an ornithologists paradise with buzzards, ospreys, choughs, peregrines, thrushes, blackbirds, robins, wrens, tits, finches, owls, cuckoos, jays.... you get the idea. Perhaps suprisingly, there is only one RSPB [http://www.rspb.org.uk/] reserve actually located within the National Park — at ''Mawddach Woodlands'', on the beautiful Mawddach estuary between Dolgellau and Barmouth.
The Snowdon lily (lloydia serotina), as the names suggests, is only found in Snowdonia National Park, where it is a rare and protected species. Populations are small and currently make up six different locations, each with small numbers. Distant cousins of this species can be found in Europe. This species is undergoing a biodiversity action plan in order to spread awareness of its importance to this region of Wales.
Another species unique to Snowdonia is the '''Gwyniad''' (''Coregonus pennantii''), a freshwater fish of the salmon family. The Gwyniad is native only to Bala Lake and until recently existed nowhere else in the World. A project to introduce it to another nearby lake has recently been undertaken, to mitigate the risk of it's extinction should some tragedy (pollution or similar) befall Bala Lake. The deep waters of the lake are also said to be home to '''Tegi''', Bala's answer to the Loch Ness Monster. Visitors can make up their own minds as to the likelihood of her existence.
The critically endangered Freshwater pearl mussel is another important freshwater species which makes its home in the area.
Mammals including bats, red squirrels, badgers, weasels and polecats may also be glimpsed in this region, while seals, porpoises, dolphins, and even the occasional turtle can be spotted offshore.
Climate
Due to the topology, Snowdonia gets its fair share of rain and then some. Even if it is not raining on the tops, they are often shrouded in mist or cloud. Care should be taken when walking them (see Stay Safe).
Get in
By Rail
Mainline train services in North Wales are run by Arriva Trains Wales [http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/].
The '''North Wales Coast Line''' links Manchester, Crewe and London (in England) with Llandudno Junction (change here for the Conwy Valley Line), Conwy and Bangor.
The '''Conwy Valley Line''' stretches from Llandudno Junction along the Conwy Valley to Betws y Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and connects with trains on both the North Wales Coast line and the Ffestiniog Railway.
The beautiful '''Cambrian Coast Line''' runs from Shrewsbury (in England), across Mid-Wales through Machynlleth, and through the coastal towns of Tywyn and Barmouth, through the south part of Snowdonia, Harlech and Porthmadog, and along the south coast of the Lleyn Peninsula to Pwllheli.
By Bus
'''Traws-Cambria''' [http://www.trawscambria.org.uk/website/?lang=en] cross-Wales services converge at Dolgellau, from Bangor in the north-west, Wrexham in the north-east and Swansea and Cardiff (via Brecon or Aberystwyth) in the south.
By Sea
Regular ferry services operate between Holyhead and Ireland, (Dublin and Dun Laoghaire), and is provided by two carriers. Stenaline[http://www.stenaline.co.uk] and Irish Ferries[http://www.irishferries.ie] both offer multiple daily service between the two ports for passengers and vehicles. Bookings can be made through their respective websites.
By Air
An air service connecting RAF Valley in Anglesey to Cardiff International Airport in South Wales has recently opened charging __50 each way, and the journey takes about an hour. For flights from other destinations Manchester and Liverpool airports, across the border in England are the closest bet, or Birmingham airport for the Cambrian Coast area.
By Car
The main roads into Snowdonia are the A55 which runs along the north coast, connecting with the M56 and M53 near Chester, and the A5, which leaves the M54 at Shrewsbury and heads west to Betws y Coed and then north-west to Bangor
Fees/Permits
There are no fees for entering or leaving Snowdonia National Park.
Get around
By Rail
(See also ''Get In'' above for details of lines into and across North Wales)
The narrow-gauge '''Ffestiniog Railway''' connects the Cambrian Coast line at Porthmadog with the Conwy Valley line at Blaenau Ffestiniog
Another narrow gauge line, the '''Welsh Highland Railway''' connects Porthmadog to Caernarfon via Beddgelert.
By Bus
'''Bws Gwynedd'''[http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/gwy_doc.asp?cat=2498&doc=12493&Language=1] operates a network of services throughout the National Park, covering almost every community. Some more remote areas have only a very sparse service.
By Car
Even trunk roads in the area are generally single-carriageway, the exception being the A55 dual carriageway, which hugs the north coast. Even minor single-track roads are generally well surfaced and suitable for any road-worthy vehicle. As with all rural areas, allow for low average speeds when journey planning, even more so at the height of the tourist season when roads throughout the park can become very busy.
See
Industrial Heritage
'''Llechwedd Slate Mines''' at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Multi-award winning attraction, and one of the most popular in North Wales. Two separate underground tours describing the lives of the 19th Century miners. Plenty to see on the surface too. It's all done very well - this is a great place to spend a half day.
'''Dinorwig Power Station''' at Llanberis [http://www.fhc.co.uk/dinorwig.htm] — Tours of this power station are, despite the somewhat outdated multimedia presentation at the beginning, a must see. A huge cavern was carved out of the mountain and six turbines installed which sit in tunnels between two lakes, one high up, the other at close to sea level. When Britain switches on the kettle during the advert break in Coronation Street, water is released from the upper lake and the most expensive electricity in Britain is generated to cope with demand. Later at night, when demand is low and electricity is cheaper, water is pumped back up to the top lake from the lower one. Wheelchairs are exceptionally well catered for and the cafe is not a bad place to stop in whilst waiting for the tour to begin.
Steam Railways
'''Snowdon Mountain Railway''' [http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk], departs from Llanberis. This spectacular 4 mile, roughly 2.5 hour train journey climbs 3500 feet up Mount Snowdon and is the only rack-and-pinion railway in the UK, dating to 1896. Trains depart first at about 9am. 30 minute stop at summit. Costs __21 roundtrip, discounted if first train of day is taken, or if you go one way. Open mid-March to October, several trains a day, more in summer. (''Note that trains do not currently serve the summit itself, due to the construction of a new station building. They are currently terminating at Clogwyn station. The new summit buiklding was scheduled for completion in summer 2008, but this now looks likely to be put back to summer 2009 at the earliest.'')
'''Bala Lake Railway''' [http://www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk/], Bala
'''Corris Railway''' [http://www.corris.co.uk/], near Machynlleth
'''Ffestiniog Railway''' [http://www.festrail.co.uk/], runs from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog
'''Llanberis Lake Railway''' [http://www.lake-railway.co.uk/], Llanberis
'''Talyllyn Railway''' [http://www.talyllyn.co.uk/], Tywyn. The World's first heritage railway and inspiration for the Ealing comedy film ''The Titfield Thunderbolt''. Features in the popular ''Railway Series'' of childrens books by Rev W Awdry as the "Skarloey Railway".
'''Welsh Highland Railway''' [http://www.festrail.co.uk/]. Due to reopen Easter 2009, connecting Porthmadog, Beddgelert and Caernarfon.
Castles
There are a number of castles in Snowdonia dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. They were constructed at the time of the battles by the Welsh Princes of Gwynedd to resist the rule of King John, and more significantly, King Edward I of England. Most of the castles are in the care of ''Cadw''[http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/], the historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly Government. Most of the English-built castles forming the "Ring of Steel" around North Wales lie outside the National Park, as they were sited on the coast. The Welsh princes tended to stick to the mountain country where they hoped to hold the upper hand.
'''Castell y Bere''' - Last stronghold of the Welsh Princes, and their most impressive fortress. Stunning location in Bro Dysynni.
'''Dolbadarn''' - Welsh built castle situated between ''Llyn Peris'' and ''Llyn Padarn'' lakes, close to the town of Llanberis
'''Dolwyddelan''' - Welsh castle, in the village of the same name on the main A470 road between Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Reputed birthplace of Prince Llywelyn the Great. The Disney film ''Dragonslayer'' was filmed here.
'''Harlech''' - One of Edward I's "ring of steel". Looks menacingly across Tremadog Bay at the Welsh Criccieth Castle.
Do
Hillwalking
Snowdon
The most spectacular way up Snowdon is via the Crib Goch arete — not for the fainthearted, and not unless you know that the weather will hold up. If you descend via the Lliwedd ridge then you have done the ''Snowdon Horseshoe''. Start and finish at ''Pen y Pass'' at the top of the Llanberis Pass on the Llanberis to Capel Curig road. Easier on the heart are the Pyg track and Miners track also starting from Pen y Pass. These are gentle at first before the big climb, and pass by the lakes that sit in the middle of the ''horseshoe''.
Other routes include the ''Llanberis Path'', which follows the train track and is rather boring; the ''Snowdon Ranger Path'' from the train station (Welsh Highland Railway) and youth hostel of the same name; the ''Rhyd Ddu path'' from the village of Rhyd Ddu (also served by WHR trains), and the ''Watkin Path'' from Nantgwynant, which starts at only 60m above sea level and therefore requires the largest gain in altitude, though fortunately there are several waterfalls along the path which are popular for cooling off in on hot days.
Of course you can also get the train to the top, but try to resist standing at the summit looking proud of your "achievement"!
The Glyderau
Looking like a giant fossilised Stegasaurus, '''Tryfan''' is said to be the only mountain in the country that cannot be climbed without using the arms. At the summit are two large standing rocks known as Adam and Eve, and you're supposed to jump between them to get the freedom of the mountain. It's not a physically difficult jump, but you'll need a really good head for heights in order to attempt it.
'''Bristly Ridge''' links Tryfan to '''Glyder Fach''' and '''Glyder Fawr''', the main peaks of this range. Don't miss a great photo opportunity at the famous ''Cantilever'' on Glyder Fach.
Cadair Idris and the Tarrens
This range is to be found at the southern edge of the national park. The largest (892m/2927ft) and best known mountain is Cadair (sometimes spelt Cader) Idris, which is the 2nd most climbed mountain in Wales. The most popular and arguably, best route is the Minffordd Path which starts from the hamlet of the same name, near Talyllyn Lake. The mountain can also be climbed from the village of Llanfihangel y Pennant at the head of the Dysynni valley, and there are also a number of paths from the northern side, accessed from Dolgellau.
Legend has it that there are only 3 potential outcomes if you spend the night on Cadair Idris. Either you will die in the night, you will wake up insane, or you will wake up as a bard (poet). If you want to test this out then there are some excellent wild camping spots on the shores of Llyn (lake) Cau (accessed from Minffordd), or Llyn y Gadair on the Dolgellau side. Check out the article on Leave-no-trace camping before you go.
The lower Tarren range of hills between Tywyn and Abergynolwyn provide excellent walking, without the crowds that can sometimes be found on Cadair Idris. Ordnance Survey Explorer Map sheet OL23 ''Cadair Idris and Bala Lake'' is essential.
Adventure Sports
Outward Bound Aberdyfi. utdoor Activity Centre. berdyfi. 1654 767464. ttp://www.outwardbound.org.uk/. Outward Bound was one of the first Outdoor Pursuits centres in the UK. They also have centres in Capel Curig. 01690 720214. Offers courses in Hillwalking, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Orienteering, Skiing and more. The centre has a pool, climbing walls, ropes course and a dry ski slope.
Kitesurf Wales. berdyfi. 1654 791342. ttp://www.kitesurfwales.co.uk/. Prices range from __25 for a taster session to __250 for a full 3-day course. lywithshem@hotmail.com. Kite-surfing and kite-buggying equipment sales and tuition. Kite-surfing is one of the newest and most exhilarating board sports.
'''AC Adventures''' [http://www.outdooradventures.co.uk/]. 01654 711 389. Based in Tywyn and run by experienced adventurer Ross Ashe-Cregan. Offers tailored activity breaks, activities include climbing, gorge walking, mountain biking, navigation skills training and more.
Rock Climbing Company. 1492 641430. ttp://www.rockclimbingcompany.co.uk/. High quality climbing and scrambling courses in Snowdonia, North Wales with one of the Britain's best female climbers.
'''Mountain Biking'''[http://www.mbwales.com/]. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley Forest, centred around Machynlleth[http://www.dyfimountainbiking.org.uk/], including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin Forest, near Dolgellau, has 6 waymarked trails, and Beddgelert and Betws y Coed also have trails in their surrounding forestry. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant near Tywyn is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up (you'll be carrying in places), but the descent (from 892m at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers.
'''Canolfan Tryweryn - The National Whitewater Centre'''[http://www.ukrafting.co.uk/], Frongoch, Bala. Tel: 01678 521083. White-water rafting and canoeing on the River Tryweryn. The flow of water in the river is governed by a dam controlling the flow of water from Llyn Celyn reservoir, meaning that conditions in the water are predictable - though this does not make the experience any less exhilarating once you are actually on the river!
Eat
The Ty Mawr Guest House and Tea Shop - it's a family run B&B and cafe that serves lovely food with friendly hosts. A must stop if at Rhyd Ddu at all.
Drink
'''The Cwellyn Arms''' [http://www.snowdoninn.co.uk/] in Rhyd Ddu has several cask ales on tap. CAMRA 2000 Award for best pub on display. This pub also owns the campsite mentioned in the camping section below. The owner is welcoming and will give advice on how to tackle Snowdon and other activities. The pub is a jumble of bygone artifacts with real log fire.
Eat
'''The Cwellyn Arms''' [http://www.snowdoninn.co.uk/] in Rhyd Ddu. The food excellent, with several local dishes, worth the high price tag.
Sleep
Lodging
'''Principal towns and villages within and around the National Park'''
All the places listed have a variety of accommodation.
{|
Aberdyfi
Bala
Barmouth
Beddgelert
Betws-y-Coed
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Capel Curig
Dolgellau
Harlech
Llanberis
Porthmadog
Tywyn
'''Snowdon YHA''' [http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/hostelpages/234.html] - Nestling at the foot of Mount Snowdon with the start of the popular Snowdon Ranger path beginning at the rear, this YHA is open all year. It is situated next to the road - ask for a room to the rear if possible.
Camping
Snowdonia has a large number of campsites and finding a pitch is rarely a problem.
'''Cwellyn Arms Campsite''' - Set at the bottom of Snowdon, just North of Rhyd Ddu and owned by the Cwellyn Arms pub in the village, this is set in an exquisite location on the edge of a lake and forest. Dips in the lake are madness, but great fun (v. clear water) and facilities are good. Only downside is that logs for a fire are dear at __3 for a bag that will last you an afternoon. Fires (in fire pits) and dogs allowed. The pub has a good and informative website (see Drink section). The campsite is a good base for the Snowdon Ranger walk and has hot showers and good washing/drying facilities. The slightly eccentric owner makes jokes regarding bears in the woods and crocodiles in the lake however the humour soon flies out the window should you light a fire in the wrong area.
Backcountry
Stay safe
Snowdonia presents no exaggerated danger to personal safety on a social front. Locals are well-used to tourists and appear to tolerate them admirably given the heavy footfall.
The greatest personal threat comes from conditions on the peaks. These can turn at short notice, often from a clear warm day to heavy cold rain, the latter of which Wales has in a plentiful supply. It is therefore strongly advised that warm clothing and waterproofs are packed for the peaks along with a good supply of water and some food high in carbohydrates. Always carry a suitable map. The Ordnance Survey [http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/] 1:25000 scale Explorer series are ideal, covering the whole national park on 3 (double-sided) sheets. Alternatively the 1:50000 scale Landranger series, though these are less detailed due to the smaller scale. Harveys Maps [http://www.harveymaps.co.uk/] also produce excellent quality maps of the main mountain areas, specifically aimed at hillwalkers.
Some 70 people a year are injured seriously on Snowdon alone and around 10 lose their life. Accidents occur mostly on descent where fatigue and speed is greater. Follow the '''Mountain Safety Code''' to reduce your chances of becoming part of these statistics:
'''Before You Go'''
Learn the use of map and compass
Know the weather signs and local forecast
Plan within your capabilities
Know simple first aid and the symptoms of exposure
Know the mountain distress signals
Know the country code
'''When You Go'''
Never go alone
Leave written word of your route and report your return
Take windproofs, woollens and survival bag
Take map and compass, torch and food
Wear climbing boots
Keep alert all day
Avoid disturbance to farming, forestry and field sports
'''If There is Snow On The Hills'''
Always have an ice axe for each person
Carry a climbing rope and know the correct use of rope and ice axe
Learn to recognise dangerous snow slope
Get out
Yes, you should! Snowdonia is no place for staying in and watching the television. If its wet then just go and get wetter at the National Watersports Centre for Wales [http://www.plasmenai.co.uk]. Join the countless hordes climbing Mount Snowdon each day (0.5 million annually!) and use one of several paths to the summit (or catch Britain's only rack and pinion railway to the summit). You've no excuse...