Snowdonia: Active through the largest national park in Wales
Snowdonia Active through the largest national park in Wales by Julia Großmann-Krieger Hiking, climbing, summit tours? Windsurfing, kayaking, canyoning? Adventurers rave about Snowdonia National Park as a breathtaking playground. We have tried it out
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Snowdonia, the largest national park in Wales. Nestled in the dreamy Gwynant Valley, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find their hearts content.
As you venture into Snowdonia, the picturesque journey begins. Crossing the green border between England and Wales, you'll be greeted by a scene straight out of a fairytale. The morning mist delicately hovers over lush pastures and lichen-covered walls that line the narrow country road. Immerse yourself in the charm of the region as you pass by quaint slate-roofed cottages in the idyllic Bala village.
With its towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes, Snowdonia is a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you're an experienced climber or a novice seeking adventure, there are countless trails and peaks to conquer. Explore the park's majestic landscape, witness breathtaking vistas, and challenge yourself to new heights.
So pack your hiking boots, fuel up at the local petrol station, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Snowdonia. Let the enchanting beauty of this national park captivate your soul and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Moors and lush green pastures characterise this hilly landscape, and more than 100 lakes adorn it. With every incidence of light, it shines in a different colour and ends at dramatic cliffs or lovely bays. The Welsh had sung to me about it in the capital's pubs when I studied in Cardiff for a year and discovered a different part of Wales every weekend. Except for the remote north-west, where the Welsh claimed that fairies float out of waterfalls at dusk and that it harbours everything that makes their small country so great. I had saved that as the highlight - and then didn't make it. Until now. Before the global economic crisis, slate mining flourished here. In the early 1950s, the country's first and largest national park was created, named after Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1085 metres. Sir Edmund Hillary once practised for his ascent of Mount Everest beneath its snowy peak. However, it can rarely be seen under its cloudy chador: Fog, rain showers and wind are constant companions in the wettest landscape in the United Kingdom, even in June.
Bala, a charming town located at the eastern edge of Snowdonia National Park, offers an array of exciting water sports activities for enthusiasts. The town's vibrant atmosphere is punctuated by the breathtaking presence of Llyn Tegid or Bala Lake, the largest natural lake in Wales.
As you walk down the main road, the glistening surface of the lake captures your attention, enticing you to explore its aquatic wonders. In the gentle breeze, kayaks, stand-up surfboards, and sailing boats adorn the shores, inviting adventure seekers to embark on thrilling excursions. Mark Lind, the affable proprietor of the water sports centre, serves as both a gateway to the lake and a wealth of knowledge on this stunning region.
Having dedicated over 15 years to Bala Lake, Mark's expertise and passion shine through as he emphasizes the essence of experiencing Snowdonia. "To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of this majestic national park, you must engage with it actively: be it through invigorating hikes, exhilarating paddling sessions, or thrilling cycling escapades," he asserts warmly.
Mark's own love affair with this remarkable landscape started unexpectedly. "I initially arrived for just a single season, but fate had other plans," he chuckles. "To prolong my stay, I swiftly wedded the boss - a decision I have never regretted," he quips, sharing a glimpse of his adventurous spirit.
As you gear up for your own Snowdonia experience, Mark swiftly fetches a life jacket for you from the wooden substructure. With his guidance, you're ready to embark on an unforgettable journey across the tranquil waters of Bala Lake, where scenic vistas and unparalleled tranquility await.
Exploring the vastness of Snowdonia National Park provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From paddling across the open lake to witnessing the remarkable gwyniad fish, this natural haven offers a truly unique experience. Surviving from the last ice age, the gwyniad can only be found in the local depths of Snowdonia, making it a fascinating sight.
However, it's not just the wildlife that captivates visitors. Snowdonia's picturesque landscapes, including deep green forests and the majestic Berwyns mountain range, create an awe-inspiring cinematic view. As the sun and clouds engage in a playful dance, towering treetops gracefully frame the scenery. Along the western shore, windsurfers glide swiftly, leaving us mesmerized as our paddles immerse into the crystal-clear waters with a soothing gurgle.
Harlech Bay is home to the longest beach in the national park and is part of the Wales
We pull the kayaks ashore in a clearing and savour the sandwiches. Mark starts talking - about winter storms and floods. Then suddenly that conspiratorial look that every Welshman has. I know from experience: here comes a mystical story. "Not far from this clearing, around 1800, a poor girl wandered barefoot through the countryside. She came to Bala from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, almost 45 kilometres away, just to buy a Bible." The legend of Mary Jones not only led to the founding of the British and Foreign Bible Society, but also to the development of the most beautiful hiking trail around Bala Lake. Of the 13 routes, the Mary Jones Walk may be the longest, but it is also the most magnificent. Mighty mountain ridges such as Cadair Idris are lost in the water, the colour of the landscape oscillates between rusty brown and deep green with every incidence of light. Abandoned slate houses and farms line the path, which ends at Mark's water sports centre.
While we let the wind carry us back to the shore, Mark makes canyoning palatable to me: exploring a gorge by sliding and swimming. With coccyx protection. Shortly afterwards, I'm in a lifejacket with a wetsuit, climbing ropes and snap hooks dangling down. The River Prysor has been carving its way through North Wales for centuries. It has formed an evenly sloping course that is perfect for canyoning. We jump into the first deep pool, acclimatise to the temperature and then we swim and slide down the Trawsfynydd Gorge. Floating on our backs like otters, we pass the remains of old stone bridges that tell of a former trade route. The last section of the gorge lies before me like a natural water slide. Mark plunges down jubilantly and I carefully slide off at his signal. It's slippery, I get going quickly and my enthusiastic shouts echo off the walls. The finale presents itself as a 12 metre high waterfall from which we abseil. The water splashes on my helmet and with every pitch I descend, I wish it would just go on beyond the last pool of water.
Experience an exhilarating adventure on the zipline, where adrenaline surges through your veins.
The Royal Goat Hotel, nestled in the charming village of Beddgelert, welcomes guests covered in earthy water droplets, a testament to their exciting journeys. Embracing the spirit of adventure, the hotel's receptionist, Marie, reveals the ultimate thrilling experience in Blaenau Ffestiniog - underground bouncy castles and the longest zip wire in Europe.
In the quaint lounge of the hotel, adorned with antique charm and frequented by stylish ladies sipping tea on creaky sofas, I am enticed by Marie's suggestion and fully embrace my inner adrenaline junkie. My common sense, begrudgingly, takes a backseat as I eagerly gear up for an unforgettable escapade.
Before the adventure, however, I am tasked with the responsibility of finding an accommodation to stay. With Marie’s help, I manage to secure a perfect place for my overnight rest that is just a stone's throw away from the excitement of tomorrow.
Blaenau Ffestiniog, a mining town that lies at the heart of Snowdonia but is excluded from the national park, stands out with its mouse-grey appearance and towering spoil heaps. Despite its exclusion, the Welsh have found innovative ways to bring tourism to the abandoned mining sites. At the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, an extraordinary adventure awaits visitors in the form of multi-storey net trampolines, suspended over 30 meters below the surface and reaching a height of 54 meters above the cave floor - an adrenaline-pumping experience that would make St Paul's Cathedral seem small in comparison.
Connected by thrilling slides and hidden tunnels, visitors can explore the labyrinthine depths of the caverns, surrounded by cool and damp rock walls that add to the atmosphere of adventure. Despite the subterranean environment, there is no sense of unease; instead, the experience ignites a sense of excitement and curiosity within visitors, leaving them hungry for more.
Equipped with the necessary gear and safety equipment, I eagerly join a group within Snowdonia National Park to embark on an exhilarating adventure involving carabiners and zip lines. Through thorough practice on solid ground, we familiarize ourselves with the clicking mechanisms of these tools, preparing ourselves for the real deal.
As we begin our journey, I find myself surrounded by an eclectic group of fellow adventurers. There's Tom, a spirited ten-year-old leading the way, and Betty, his fearless grandma, who defied any initial skepticism and was the first to hook into the challenging Caverns course. With one tunnel leading to a series of trampolines and another guiding us through the catacombs on sturdy steel cables, the thrill is undeniable. Scaling walls at a soaring height of 20 meters, we uncover the captivating world of the tunnel workers' cave system.
After our underground escapade, Betty leans in and whispers to me, her voice filled with excitement, "Now, I'm ready for the ultimate challenge - the long zipline at the top. Will you join me? Tom seems a little exhausted." Eager to continue the adrenaline-fueled journey, we emerge into daylight and are promptly transported to the pinnacle of the 800-hectare site: Zip World Titan. Spanning an impressive 8,000 meters, this zipline holds the prestigious title of being the longest in all of Europe.
Immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia's largest national park, I find myself captivated by the vibrant emerald meadows, glistening sapphire lakes, and the enchanting sight of Blaenau Ffestiniog's weathered slate cottages. Little do I know that soon I will be soaring through this serene landscape, propelled by the adrenaline-inducing speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. As we are transported through the valley in three exhilarating stages along taut steel cables, the echoes of bleating sheep welcome us to this tranquil haven.
Once we touch down in the valley, I am reminded of the tales shared by the spirited Welsh locals in the charming pubs of Cardiff. They couldn't stop singing praises of Portmeirion, the remarkable backdrop that brought to life the iconic BBC series, "The Prisoner." Eager to explore, I recount their stories to Betty as she gracefully emerges from her ceramic hideaway, advising me to visit Portmeirion for a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
The longest pier in Wales can be found in Llandudno, a charming Victorian seaside resort located in the northern part of Snowdonia National Park. This iconic landmark not only offers picturesque views of the surrounding area but also serves as a perfect starting point for embarking on an adventurous hike in the beautiful Welsh countryside.
Heading towards the western edge of Snowdonia, you will discover Portmeirion, a captivating coastal town situated beyond the picturesque town of Porthmadog. As you travel along a delightful avenue, flanked by enchanting forests, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking sight of the evening sun casting its radiant glow over the hilltops, while the shimmering sea beckons in the distance.
A journey through the narrow road leads to a magnificent turquoise gate, which opens up to reveal a stunning village adorned with candy-colored houses and ornate towers boasting round domes. Created by renowned architect Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion exudes a whimsical charm, serving as a vivid testament to his vision of bringing vibrancy and beauty to the world following the aftermath of the First World War.
His spun ostentatious buildings, which have a tradition in Great Britain as "follies", became a crowd-puller, attracting more than 250,000 visitors a year. "He bought the land in his twenties and spent 50 years building his life's work," says John, who sells me an ice cream. "The first thing he did was finish the hotel, where artists like George Bernard Shaw came to relax. He invested what he earned from the hotel in the extension," he explains. The former landing stage for transporting slate in the bay of Tremadog was transformed into a Mediterranean-style village that could also be on the Amalfi Coast, built with building elements that he collected from all over Europe. I marvel at the pink-coloured houses with fresco paintings, onion domes, small temples, Roman columns and Gothic pavilions as well as a magnificent garden.
Portmeirion offers visitors a unique experience with its array of shops, cafés, and even a town hall. Unlike traditional towns, the vibrant houses with breathtaking sea views are available for short-term rentals, creating an ever-changing landscape of temporary residents. This Portofino-inspired village seamlessly harmonizes with its surroundings, nestled amongst the untamed beauty of moors, verdant valleys, and imposing rock formations.
Sir Clough, an aficionado of both nature and architecture, sought to protect his cherished homeland, leading him to play a pivotal role in establishing the national park. His commitment extended beyond ideological dedication, as he personally demarcated the park's boundaries. His admiration for "beauty, this strange necessity of life" fueled his efforts to preserve the captivating landscape for generations to come.
The hotel in Portmeirion is located right on the bay and has already hosted the Beatles
Cardiff Castle Of castles and fortresses
There are a total of 641 castles in Wales - a world record! Cardiff Castle is the most visited of them all
Portmeirion: A Unique Destination in North Wales
Located on the picturesque north coast of Wales, Portmeirion is an extraordinary creation by the renowned architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. This enchanting place showcases the vision and creativity of its creator, providing visitors with an experience like no other.