Search

Snowdonia Mountains and Coast is undoubtedly one of the most stunning natural habitats in the world, but man and his activities have also changed and shaped the landscape and left an indelible mark on the coast and mountains. This offers us a valuable glimpse of how people lived and used the land over the centuries. Whilst farming still remains one of the most important industries of the area, the slate, copper and gold industries have all played an important role in the history and culture of the region and their influence can still be seen and felt today.

Starting at the Wales/England border and running westwards for 75 miles/120km to the tip of Anglesey, The North Wales Way is one of three Wales Way touring routes created to guide and inspire visitors. Each ‘Way’ has been designed as a fluid experience, not a route that’s set in stone, with plenty of diversions off the main path that allow you to explore further and deeper.

Here, we’ve created a four-day itinerary with the theme ‘Adventure’ that takes you mountain biking, ziplining, riding and surfing, with exciting heritage attractions thrown in for good measure.

Great Little Trains of Wales are a very special way of seeing some of the best scenery in the British Isles. All are narrow gauge steam railways and some have a history spanning well over 100 years. All of them have in common the charm of old-time steam trains with plenty of polished paintwork and brass.

Here’s a menu of tasty seaside treats, from scenery to seafood. Take a trip along the coast with us from north to south, calling in at big beaches and whispering sands (we’ll explain that one later), with some foodie favourites thrown in to whet your appetite.

Where the sands go on forever

That’s what it seems at Dinas Dinlle on the northern approach to the Llŷn Peninsula. If you like boundless places with an overpowering sense of space you’ll love this west-facing beach. Go on, breathe it all in.

Here’s a surprise. Snowdonia isn’t just mountains. Our boundaries include some of the sandiest, most spectacular stretches of coastline in Britain. The northern arc of Cardigan Bay – much of it in the National Park – is one of outstanding beauty. Mountains sweep down to the sea in a series of stunning estuaries and big beaches. In the hills you’ll find remote beauty spots, mountain lakes and exhilarating walking. Or sit back and let the train take the strain on narrow-gauge railways and the mainline Cambrian Coast Railway.

This area neatly sums up why we’re known as Snowdonia Mountains and Coast. It has a foot in both camps, coast and country, with the lively harbour town of Porthmadog on the dividing line. Go a mile or so west of Porthmadog and you’re walking on sands at the start of the Llŷn Peninsula. In the other direction, jump on a little railway and climb up the wooded Vale of Ffestiniog into the mountains. This part of Wales is especially rich in history and heritage, reflected in a fascinating choice of places to visit and cultural attractions.

Right now, it’s in pole position thanks to the golden success of our double Olympics Champion and 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas MBE. Everyone seems to have caught the cycling bug, from families to Geraint-wannabes. And they’re all getting on their bikes and heading our way, along with fans of serious cycling endurance events and triathlons.

Running along the entire sweep of Cardigan Bay, from Aberdaron in the north to St Davids in the south, the 180-mile/290km Coastal Way is one of three Wales Way national touring routes. Rather than a rigid set of directions, each ‘Way’ is a jumping-off point for exploration, with plenty of opportunities to venture off the main path and create your very own personal journey. 

Starting at the Wales/England border and running westwards for 75 miles/120km to the tip of Anglesey, The North Wales Way is one of three Wales Way touring routes created to guide and inspire visitors. Each ‘Way’ has been designed as a fluid experience, not a route that’s set in stone, with plenty of diversions off the main path that allow you to explore further and deeper.

Snowdonia Mountains and Coast includes sand, sea, beaches and bays as well as rocky peaks, hills and forests. We’re home to 200 miles of coast and more than 35 beaches, as well as one of the most spectacular stretches of the pioneering Wales Coast Path, a world’s first and celebrated its 10th birthday in 2022.