From the pretty beach town of Llandudno to the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park that is home to the majestic Mt Snowdon, Wales has a setting for everyone.
Llandudno is a seaside resort and town on the North coast of Wales and is now the largest seaside resort in Wales. Whether you like to stroll along the beach or explore the local shops and cafes. Llandudno has a happy vibe in the air.
At the end of the beach you may see the pier. Llandudno Pier is an award winning pier and also the longest pier in Wales. Looking back on the town from the end of the pier you may be able to see the mountains of Snowdonia over the town.
This is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a weekend away, or even a stop off on your way to Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdonia National Park is the largest National Park in Wales. Home to the tallest mountain in Wales, Mt Snowdon. Snowdonia attracts thousands of visitors each year.
If you are on your first visit to Snowdonia, you will wonder why you left it so long. Maybe you enjoy camping, hiking or just enjoy the scenery National Parks have to offer. Not forgetting the many villages for you to explore in Snowdonia. Beddgelert is one of the most popular villages to visit.
Beddgelert is a beautiful village in Snowdonia. Beddgelert, meaning Gelerts Grave, is named after the legendary hound, Gelert.
Beddgelert is close to Mt Snowdon and so is perfect for those who intend on hiking up the mountain. With a river running through the village, Beddgelert is a significant tourist attraction. There are plenty of hotels, guesthouses, cafes, restuarants and pubs filled with tourists. And of course they love sharing stories from where they have been and what walking routes they have taken.
So what is Gelert's Grave has Beddgelert is named after?
Gelert's Grave is a sad but touching story of a faithful hound that protected his masters family.
The story, as written on the tombstone reads:
"In the 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without Gelert, ‘The Faithful Hound’, who was unaccountably absent.
On Llewelyn's return the truant, stained and smeared with blood, joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son, and saw the infant's cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood.
The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound's side, thinking it had killed his heir. The dog's dying yell was answered by a child's cry.
Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but nearby lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain. The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here".
But on a happier note.. Mt Snowdon!
Mt Snowdon is the prime destination for many with the most popular route to the summit being the Llanberis Path. This runs parallel to the Snowdon Mountain Railway. So if you don't fancy hiking to the 3,569 ft summit, you can always opt for a gentle train journey instead.
There are many different routes to the summit with different difficulty levels. I took the Llanberis Path. This is the easiest and most popular route, despite being the longest. Maybe you can aim to accomplish them all! - The train is classed as a route right?
Useful Information
Capital: Cardiff
Continent: Europe
Time Zone: GMT 0
Language: Welsh, English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Voltage: 220-240v
Plug Type: Three Pin Type G