Explore... Snowdonia

Snowdonia – known in its native Welsh as Eryri, which is often translated to “place of the eagles” – is a beautiful part of the United Kingdom. Covering 823 square miles of idyllic Welsh countryside, mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and beaches, Snowdonia is paradise for any hiker, climber, fisher, swimmer, sailor, surfer, sunbather, potholer, zip-liner… the list goes on.

The area is a National Park, one of just three in Wales; the other two are the Pembrokeshire Coast, the only one to have been designated National Park status based purely on a spectacular coastline; and the Brecon Beacons, known for its mountains, caves and waterfalls. Snowdonia National Park is like the best of both, though this does not mean its lacking in its own character and sense of place. 

The National Park attracts in excess of 6 million visitors each year, and it’s not difficult to see why. It has some of the finest mountains in the country, with Mount Tryfan having been voted the nation’s favourite peak for climbers. This is due to its classically pyramidal peak, which offers some incredible views. Do be aware, however, that reaching the summit of Tryfan is not an easy task: it’s one of the few mountains in the UK that requires the use of hands as well as feet to get to the top.

There is also, of course, Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. Again, this isn’t the simplest of climbs, but the panorama from the top is well worth the effort. Fortunately, there’s more than one way to the top – Snowdon has its own train that will take you directly to the summit, saving you all the hard work!

Aside from the imposing majesty of the mountains, Snowdonia is home to 37 miles of gorgeous coastline. Some of the best beaches include:
- Barmouth, with a long, sandy beach, a beautiful harbour, and traditional seaside attractions:

- Bennar, excellent for surfing and fishing, with a naturists-only area;
- and Tywyn, a family resort with a promenade and a paddling pool, and even a chance of seeing the local dolphins and porpoises!

You’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to Snowdonia’s beaches. And all of the above have received both the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, meaning that you know they will be well-managed, well-kept and beautiful.

What else does Snowdonia have to offer? Well… Zip World offers the world’s fastest and most incredible zip lines. Bounce Below is an underground trampoline theme park. There are more than five historic railways on which to travel. Go Below allows you to abseil and scramble through an abandoned slate mine. The Riding Stables let you explore the National Park on horseback. Tree Top Adventures takes you into the canopy for a high-up assault course.

The list is endless – you’d need weeks to do it all! The best way to start your Welsh discovery is by renting a self-catered cottage, giving you the freedom to set out and explore your own way. Click here to find out how you can do just that.