Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park covers over 800 square miles, and is about 45 mins drive from our self-catering farmhouse and barn conversion here at Cae Garw on the Llyn Peninsula. One of the main tourist attractions of Wales, its beauty is unsurpassed, with spectacular mountain ranges - of which Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa, is the highest at just over 3560 feet above sea level.

With 15 summits over 3,000 feet and over a hundred lakes over an acre in size, the Park has one of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in Wales.

Within the Snowdonia Mountain range also lies the Cnicht, Tryfan , Glyderau, Carneddau, Nantlle Ridge, Crib Goch and Lliwedd - to name but a few. The National Park offers loads of opportunities for outdoor activities including rock climbing, scrambling and hill walking. Popular watersport activities include canoeing and kayaking on the rivers.

Snowdon

An estimated half a million people climb to the summit of Snowdon every year, from the unexperienced climbers to some of the most well known mountaineers.

Snowdon has its own unique bio-diversity of plants and rare flowers, even volcanic rock formation and fossils on the summit. A summit beacon plaque will name the spectacular mountain ranges for you, as well as pinpointing important landmarks ( weather permitting !)

There are 7 main walking routes to the summit, namely the Llanberis Track, Pyg Track (Pen y Gwryd), Miners Track, Watkin Path, Rhydd Ddu Track, Snowdon Ranger, and the Snowdon Horseshoe.

You can however take the easy option and take advantage of the Snowdonia Mountain Railway in Llanberis - the train service runs from late spring until the Autumn.

The Visitors Centre - Hafod Eryri - at the summit offers the latest weather forecast for climbers, advice on descent routes - as well as a brand new café and facilities. ( Please note that the café is open late spring to the end of October only ) .

Incidentally, there is a "Halfway Café" situated on the Llanberis path , which offers light refreshments during the busiest periods.

Started in 1976, the yearly Snowdon Race takes place every summer, with over 500 competing in a gruelling 10 mile endurance race from Llanberis to the summit and back.

Snowdon is also noted for its inclusion in the Three Peaks Challenge.