Holiday Hikes And More In Wonderful Wales
The great beachside tourist resorts of North Wales have seen better days. Gone are the summers when holidaymakers from all over the UK flocked to Rhyll and Llandudno. Now, when a family ticket to golden sands and guaranteed sunshine in Majorca is so affordable, the idea of heading up to North Wales for a beach holiday sounds crazy – however, you might want to think about a walk on the wild side and head out to the Welsh Countryside.
The Active Life
North Wales is a mecca for hill walkers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and kayakers. Snowdonia National Park contains some of the highest and most dramatic mountains in the UK, some of the hardest climbs, and some of the fastest and most exciting rivers.
That doesn’t mean beginners are left out. Wherever there are mountains you’ll find guides and instructors of all kinds and North Wales is no exception. It’s home to Plas y Brenin, the National Mountain Centre for Wales, and dozens of other companies who are more than happy to help less experienced visitors enjoy all the adrenaline that Snowdonia has to offer. Head for the villages of Llanberis or Capel Curig and you’ll find all the adventure guides you need.
Those who are less keen to scale vertical rock faces or shoot down fast flowing rivers won’t be disappointed. The drive from Capel Curig to Llanberis, Beddgelert, or Bethesda will show you some of the finest scenery in the British Isles and you don’t even have to get out of the car. Drivers should keep their eyes on the roads though- they’re well kept but steep and winding.
In the summer a narrow gauge train runs from Llanberis to the summit of the highest mountain in England and Wales. This spectacular trip is a must for less able and active visitors and the Snowdon Mountain Railway does have a strong disability access policy. Anyone can reach the top of Snowdon and look across to the mountains of the Carneddau and even the Irish Sea when the weather is clear.
History and Culture
Castles abound. Some, like Dolbadarn, are small and free to explore. Others, like the colossal structures at Conwy and Caernarfon, have an entry fee but they’re great for a rainy day or to keep kids amused. For those who like their remains a little more modern and industrial the slate quarries of Dinorwic and Vivian are fascinating. If you’re willing to walk up to the top levels of Dinorwic you’ll find workers’ huts with old leather boots and aprons still lying where their owners left them decades ago. The strange, alien landscape of Dinorwic is now used extensively by mountain bikers, climbers and even Hollywood film companies.
The National Slate Museum is also in Llanberis. Entry is free and it’s open all year round. Tucked away behind it in Vivian Quarry is one of the most unexpected North Wales attractions- the Scuba diving centre. Qualified divers can experience the sunken portion of the quarry. The clear water offers excellent visibility but it’s on the chilly side!
There is so much more to North Wales- zoos, aquariums, waterfalls, ancient copper mines, manor houses and gardens, and even a 4000 year old yew tree at Llangernyw. Take the time to explore this part of the country and you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of hidden gems.
Jess Spate lives in Wales and wouldn’t trade it for anywhere in the world. She edits Outdoor Equipment Online, a price comparison website for fleece jackets and other outdoor goodies, and also works for Appalachian Outdoors in the USA.