Snowdonia, Wales, is a beautiful region and a trendy tourist destination for many people. However, it offers something for everybody, whether you’re a history buff or enjoy the beautiful scenery. Here are some tips to help you plan a great trip to the region!
Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle in Snowdonia National Park is a historic Welsh fortress. It is one of the few Princes’ castles in Wales.
Dolwyddelan was a stronghold built by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, one of the most powerful princes in the country. He was also one of the most excellent builders of castles in all of Wales.
Dolwyddelan Castle is built on a rocky outcrop in a scenic valley known as Lledr. The site contains two entrances into the Snowdonia National Park. In 1283, a new bridge was added to the castle.
The keep was originally one tower with two floors. Later, the third floor was added during late 15th-century repairs. After Edward I conquered the castle, the English fortified it.
Initially, the castle was constructed on hand-powered siege engines. However, it was not until the thirteenth century that counter-weight artillery became used.
Llanberis
The village of Llanberis is situated at the foot of the legendary Mount Snowdon. It is a scenic and popular destination for walkers and climbers. There are several things to see and do in the area, including the two narrow-gauge railways.
Visitors to the town will also find a range of outdoor gear shops and stores. This makes Llanberis an ideal place for hikers, runners, and cyclists. In addition to this, the area is a popular spot for scuba diving.
Besides being a traditional center for outdoor activities, the town has many cultural and historical sites. However, one of the fascinating attractions is the Llanberis Pass. Situated at a 360-meter elevation, the pass is a beautiful and rugged landscape.
Llanberis is a good base for exploring Snowdonia, a national park in North Wales. From here, visitors can travel to the summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.
Beddgelert
Beddgelert is a small village in Snowdonia, Wales. The town was once a busy port. It is located on the convergence of the Glaslyn and Colwyn rivers. Today, it is a picturesque town full of attractions, pubs, and shops.
Beddgelert, Wales, is an ideal base to explore the natural beauty of the Snowdonia Mountains. It is within easy reach of the highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon. Many walkers begin their walks from Beddgelert.
Several Hollywood blockbusters have been filmed in Beddgelert. Tomb Raider 2: The Cradle of Life was filmed here for ten days. Angelina Jolie starred in the movie.
Other movies filmed in Beddgelert include Rupert, the Bear. Alfred Bestall’s cottage is still in Beddgelert. He bought the property in 1956. You can visit the old house and see the National Trust exhibition.
Hafod Eryri
Hafod Eryri is one of the newer buildings in Snowdonia. It is a summit building billed as the highest refueling station in the UK and Wales. The building was designed by architect Ray Hole and was financed by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Hafod Eryri was opened to the public in June 2009, accompanied by a small museum. The museum is worth a visit but does not replace the summit’s newest visitor facility.
While the Hafod Eryri has been closed to walkers, there are still some great things to see. A short stepped path leads to the summit of Snowdon. Some of the best views are from the top of the mountain. You can also enjoy the view from the top of Dolbadarn Castle, which Sir Clough Williams-Ellis once owned.
SSSIs
SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) are protected areas designated for their significance to scientific research. They are areas of land or water with special scientific or natural features. These can include geological features, ancient trees, plants, and wildlife habitats.
A national network of SSSIs is designed to protect and promote the conservation of rare species and habitats. Despite its size, Wales has over 1,000 SSSIs, covering almost 4% of its land area.
Snowdonia National Park contains 107 SSSIs. The site is also home to a large number of nationally rare species.
It is also one of Wales’s best-developed sites for Siliceous alpine grasslands. In addition, Snowdonia has the most significant number of siliceous screes in Wales. Screes are lichen-dominated and contain significant populations of rare plants.
