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Whether you're a fully trained mountaineer, a fair weather walker or just the sort who enjoys a cuppa in a country café, Betws y Coed can cater for you.
It's long been a retreat for those in need of a breath of fresh air or a breather from the pressures of modern life.
Perfectly situated on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, it's wild and rugged, but also reassuringly leafy and lush. Here you'll find rushing rivers and rippling streams, towering forests and pretty sunlight-dappled copses.
Things To See
Betws y Coed is at the heart of the most scenic countryside in North Wales, but in truth it's not that remote. Here you won't be isolated, geographically or socially. It has a busy 'base camp' feel to it, a place where old friendships are renewed, new friendships forged and people return year after year simply because they love it.
Many use it as a base from which to venture into the wilder parts of Snowdonia, up mountainous trails and along arduous walking treks. Others simply stay close to 'camp' and tour the assortment of enchanting villages, country roads, welcoming pubs and homely hotels in the area around about.
At Betws y Coed mountain hikers cross paths with mountain bikers. Ornithologists and orienteering enthusiasts swap anecdotes with canoeists and fly fishing fans. There's horse riding and white-water rafting, abseiling and caving. For outdoor pursuits there are few better options.
For those who wanted to blow away the cobwebs in gentle fashion Betws y coed is the starting point for a number of easy grade way-marked walks , such as the route to Miners Bridge along the banks of the River Llugwy or the delightful pathways to Llyn Elsi or Llyn y Parc.
And for those who prefer less energetic activities altogether there is a beguiling muddle of colourful gift shops and craft centres, quaint cafes specialising in scrummie Welsh cream teas and pubs serving up Sunday roasts by the warmth of roaring open fires.
For history buffs there are some notable sites here, too, set in magical countryside which has inspired many Celtic myths and fables.
See an impressive effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd at the Old Church of St Michael and All Angels. Dating back to mediaeval times, the church is tucked away behind Betws y Coed railway station.
Gruffydd was the great nephew of Llywelyn the Last, hero of the wars with Edward III and the Black Prince.
Just a short drive from Betws is the site of another fabulous tale - Llyn Ogwen, where it is claimed the last of the knights of King Arthur's Round Table, Sir Bedivere, threw the mystical sword Excalibur into the water.
Another must for any visitor to this area is Swallow Falls , one of Wales's most famous beauty spots, while yet more breathtaking scenery lines the route to the nearby village of Capel Curig.
Related Links
For help and advice in what to see and do there are tourist information centres in the centre of Bewts y Coed, run by both the RSPB and Snowdonia National Park (tel: 01690 710426), and not far away is the headquarters of Snowdonia National Park Society (tel: 01690 720287), open all summer and based at another interesting mediaeval building, Ty Hyll, commonly called 'The Ugly House'. It's an ironic label in an area which is so astoundingly beautiful.
How To Get There
Road
Betws-y-Coed is on the intersection of the A5 and the A470.
If you're coming from the direction of Shrewsbury simply stay on the A5.
It's a nice drive, but be prepared to take your time, especially if you get caught behind slow moving traffic.
If you're travelling from Anglesey/Bangor then the same applies, but from the opposite direction.
If you're on the A55 travelling from Chester then take a left at J19 onto the A470. The turning is marked for Betws-y-Coed and it's another 14 miles on the 470.
Rail
There are a few trains a day between Llandudno and Betws-y-Coed on the Conwy Valley Line.
Change at Llandudno Junction if you are on the Holyhead line.
The train goes as far as Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Train times are here.
Bus
Gwynedd council host timetables on their site here.
Taxis
Betws Cars
3, Bwlch Y Maen, Betws-Y-Coed, Gwynedd LL24 0DN
Tel: 01690 710143
