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Welcome to Snowdonia Tourism Information!

including Conwy, Bangor, Caernarfon, Llanberis, Betws y Coed, Capel Curig, Llanwrst and Porthmadog

Snowdonia Visitor

Croeso....

Snowdonia is known the world over for its spectacular scenery. Sir Edmund Hillary trained on Snowdon before attempting Everest and the area's craggy landscape has inspired artists, botanists, poets, geologists and engineers such as Thomas Telford who built a coach road between the peaks.

Mountaineering, hill-walking, kayaking in mountain lakes, going deep underground, riding on narrow gauge railways or just admiring the views and getting close to nature, you'll find lots of things to entrance you. Evenings can be spent in Victorian hotels or traditional whitewashed pubs working your way through the menu or perhaps having a sing a long.

The Snowdonia Visitor is here to help and put you in the way of all the things there are to see and do. It's time to start exploring this exciting area of Wales. Let us know if there's something we should include - and please come back and see us again.

TOWNS OF SNOWDONIA

Snowdonia is Wales’ most dramatic area with Snowdon the highest summit south of Scotland. Its Welsh name, Eryri, is either derived from eryr - land of eagles, or perhaps more appropriately now the eagles have gone, eira - land of snow.

The Welsh for the highest point ‘Yr Wyddfa’ - the burial place - indicates that people have been climbing the peak for millennia. Going even further back, geologists have found 500 million year old fossil shells here from when Snowdon was on the sea bed.

The remoteness provided a hiding place for the last true prince of Wales, Llewelyn ap Gruffydd in 1277 during his final battle with Edward I and it is from here Owain Glyndwr carried on his valiant struggle against the English in the early 15th century.

The Snowdonia National Park stretches from Conwy in the north to Aberdyfi in the south, taking in not only mountain peaks and thirteenth century fortresses but also ancient wooded valleys and rushing rivers.

Caernarfon, Bangor and Conwy sit at the gateway to the area. The market town of Caernarfon is a place of historic interest from Edward I's imposing castle towering over the town to the narrow streets and picturesque harbour with its gallery and theatre. The cathedral and university town of Bangor is a busy shopping centre connected to Anglesey by Telford's famous suspension bridge and with its quaint Victorian pier bought by the council for a penny.

Conwy is one of the most complete walled towns in Europe and with its castle sitting almost atop the town what could be more picturesque. Galleries, interesting shops and good places to eat abound. Or take a look around Plas Mawr, the beautifully restored Elizabethan town house.

Head for the hills and there are plenty of interesting small towns to explore. LLanberis lies beside Lake Padarn and with the nearby village of Capel Curig are centres for the outdoor enthusiast, both villages have climbing shops galore. Llanberis is also the starting point for the Snowdon mountain railway. For those who prefer the easy way up mountains, it has been carrying passengers since 1896.

Llanberis is home the Welsh Slate Museum or you can venture underground to see the hydroelectric power station, Electric Mountain. Capel Curig's chief claim to fame is the National Mountaineering Centre, Plas yr Brennin, running courses in all sorts of outdoor activities.

Down in another valley is Betws y Coed a bustling pretty village by the river Conwy with lots of good quality tourist shops, cafes and pubs. Attractions include the Conwy Valley Railway Museum and the nearby Motor Museum. Along the river are gorges and waterfalls the most famous of which are the Conwy Falls and Swallow Falls.

Llanrwst lies alongside the river too with a lovely 17th century bridge. The ivy clad picturesque 15th century tea room on the river bank looks more like a picture postcard than its long lost role as a courthouse. Round Ancaster Square are shops pubs and place to eat.

Beddgelert tucked away in the Aberglaslyn Pass boasts locally made ice cream river walks to see the grave of the faithful dog Gelert and quaint cottages of which several can serve you everything from sandwiches to souvenirs.

The quarry town of Blaenau Ffestiniog gets its character from the slate quarries that surround it. Now a visitor attraction Llechwedd Slate Caverns are well worth the trip underground to see how the miners worked. Or take a trip on the Ffestiniog narrow gauge railway from the town down through spectacular scenery to the harbour at Porthmadog

WEATHER

For up to date information on the weather and conditions in the mountains, contact the following:

Met office Weatherline: 0870 900 0100
Snowdonia Weather

SAFETY

Even in summer the mountains and their environs can be treacherous. Most mishaps occur to those who are inexperienced and/or ill-equipped so treat the mountains with respect take advice or try to ensure there is an experienced hill walker in the party. Tell someone your route and your expected return time. And don't forget to phone them on your return.

Mobile phones often have no coverage in the mountains so it would be advisable to carry a whistle. You will need a good map the correct boots suitable clothing and don't forget to check the weather. Reports are often on the doors and notice boards of outdoor shops and tourist offices.