Things to do in Snowdonia
Our top activities
White water rafting
There are earthy people and there are water people. Snowdonia is better known to the former, but the latter, get your water boots on. Because Snowdonia is also a top white water centre with trips along the gushing waters of the River Tryweryn, kept wild and white throughout the year as the waters are dam controlled. Take the train
The most famous is Snowdon Mountain Railway which takes an almost vertical route to the summit.
The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways were both created originally to serve slate quarries, but are now firm favourites with Snowdonia holidaymakers.
The Ffestiniog goes from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, and, as you chuff chuff your way through 20 kms of Snowdonian sumptuousness, you can raise a glass of Purple Moose local ale or Welsh cider from the bar. It deserves a toast too, climbing from sea to summit through fields and forests, clinging on to the mountainside like an old mountain goat.
Equally delightful, Welsh Highland Railways run alongside the foot of Snowdon and the village of Beddgelert and on to Porthmadog. There is limited room for bikes on this service too, if booked in advance.
And for anyone nostalgic for Thomas the Tank, Talyllyn Railway is the narrow gauge that inspired the author. Resist the temptation to sing the head wrecking theme tune as you head down the line though.
Hiking
There are gaiters and Gore-tex a plenty in Snowdonia. However, there are many other options to the six trails that go up Snowdon. The most popular is the Llanberis Path with the Pyg and Miner’s tracks stretching your muscles a bit more. Other climbs include Y Carneddau, Y Glyderau, Y Rhinogau and Cader Idris. All wilder and just as wonderful. If you are doing Snowdon, check out the Sherpa Shuttle bus which connects all six trails and nearby villages.
Just cycling
As opposed to the hard core mountain biking that Snowdonia is famous for, check out the backroads and off road options for cyclists who don’t want to do the caked in mud thing. Coed y Brenin is the heart of mountain biking, but their Yr Afon trail is suitable for people who just want to take in the scenery from a more sedate saddle, rather than the grunt and gnarl of the mountain runs.
The Mawddach Trail allows you to give the inclines a miss for a day with this converted railway line following an estuarine trail from Dolgellau to Barmouth. At 15 kms one way, this is also a joggers’ favourite. Bring your binoculars for this one too. Bird and wildlife watching a treat as the trail takes you across the estuary with salt marshes and peaty habitats. Or take on Cader Idris by bike, with forest covered slopes always an uplifting challenge. A short but ever so sweet cycle is from Dolgellau to Machynlleth through the sort of Welsh valleys they make up ballads about. For details of other off road trails see here.
The Mawddach Trail allows you to give the inclines a miss for a day with this converted railway line following an estuarine trail from Dolgellau to Barmouth. At 15 kms one way, this is also a joggers’ favourite. Bring your binoculars for this one too. Bird and wildlife watching a treat as the trail takes you across the estuary with salt marshes and peaty habitats. Or take on Cader Idris by bike, with forest covered slopes always an uplifting challenge. A short but ever so sweet cycle is from Dolgellau to Machynlleth through the sort of Welsh valleys they make up ballads about. For details of other off road trails see here.
Photo credits: [Rafting: © Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales]
[Train: Andrew Farquhar]
[Hiking : © Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales]
[Cycling: © Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales]
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