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A visit to Snowdon really requires more than one or two days to be marked off the calendar. This isn't a small destination, it's one of the most magnificent mountainscapes in Europe, if not the world.
Many might be familiar with the term Mount Snowdon, but there is so much more than a single mountain or a single mountainside town to be seen and enjoyed here.
There is a reason why Snowdonia has been designated one of Britain's most treasures National Parks and anyone who reaches even the periphery of that 'park' will begin to understand why.
Things To See
Here there are glorious views around every corner. Each road leads to yet another marvel of nature and each walkway offers its rewards in terms of outstanding views, moments of tranquility and a refreshing feeling of invigoration.
From the 1,085 peak of Mountain Snowdon itself to the down to earth cafes and craft shops of a range of towns and villages within the boundaries of the park, it's all there - and the beauty is that most of the attractions here are free. It costs nothing to sit back and enjoy the view.
Snowdonia has something to offer all ages and everyone from small family groups to hardened teams of hikers and climbers. Here there is the opportunity for adventure, relaxation, socializing and fun.
It is, of course, a popular tourist destination and, as such, there are hotels in Snowdonia and local amenities aplenty to meet the needs of everyone from day visitors to two week campers. There are youth hostels and caravan parks , cottages to let, spa hotels, comfortable lodges and camp sites in Snowdon .
The scenery is unmissable, its spectacular beauty unavoidable.
The opportunity for energy-sapping sporting activities rivals those of mountainous destinations around the globe - cycling, trekking, climbing, abseiling, pot-holing, white water rafting, running or a mix of them all.
But that does not mean visitors to Snowdon all have to be outdoor activitiy enthusiasts. It is also a spectacular place to simply get some fresh air, peace and quiet, and take an uplifting break from the working week.
Journey around the towns of Beddgelert, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dolgellau and Betws y Coed . Take an hour or two out by the lake at Bala , relish in the sea air at Harlech, enjoy a memorable train ride on Snowdonia Mountain Railway.
There are caves to be explored, museums to be visited, monuments to be stumbled upon and a whole world of wildlife to be entranced by.
There are ravines and rocky outcrops, heather moorlands, ancient bogs, hillsides of reeds, smooth slopes of stone, sleepy hamlets, bustling souvenir shops, castles and copper mines, waterfalls and natural spas.
Among the wide range of attractions on the infinitely long list of things to see and do here are: Llechwedd Slate Caverns , the National White Water Centre, Dolbadarn Castle, Maesgwm Visitor Centre and the Roman Steps, near Rhinog Fawr, Coed y Brennin Forest Park , Glasdir Arboretum, Cadair Idris, Bird Rock, Plas y Brenin and Llanberis Pass. The list goes on and on, as does the opportunity for enjoyment and adventure in Snowdonia. It's so much more than a single destination - it's a new world waiting to be discovered.
How To Get There
Snowdonia covers a large area and, to point out the obvious, directions depend on where exactly it is you want to go.
Llanberis is the nearest town to Snowdon itself.
Road
If you are on the A55 coming from the Chester direction your best bet is to come at J11, singposted Betws y Coed and Bangor.
Take the first exit off the roundabout towards Bethesda and then almost immediately take the right hand exit off a second, mini-roundabout.
This will take you onto the B4366, where there is a petrol station and other services.
Carry on along this road for three miles until you get to a roundabout. Take the left exit signposted towards Llanberis on the B4547.
Carry on this for three miles until you get a junction with the A4086. Llanberis is to the left and Caernarfon is to the right.
It is possible to walk up Snowdon starting from Llanberis.
There are sometimes car parking spaces on the highstreet. The car parks tend to be a bit expensive.
Rail
The nearest mainline train station is in Bangor.
Bus
If you are walking up Snowdon it is easier to get a bus to Pen-y-pas, which is already 359m above sea level.
Gwynedd council have published bus timetables for the county here.
The council also provide timetables for the Sherpa bus service, which has Snowdon as its main stop.
Travel Line provides bilingual information on local and national bus, coach and train timetables.
Call 0871 200 22 33.
Taxi
Taxi Refail
29, Goodman St, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4HL
Tel: 01286 870989
