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Snowdonia, or Eyri as the Welsh call it, is
the second largest National Park in England and Wales after
the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. Over 25,000
people live within the park and Welsh is the first language
for most of them. With mountains, beaches, forests and moorlands
in its 823 square miles, Snowdonia offers a greater variety
of landscapes in a small area than anywhere else in Britain.
Snowdonia is best known for its mountain range and the park
takes its name from Mount Snowden, the highest Mountain
in England and Wales at a mere 3,558 feet, which offers great
climbing opportunities. 350,000 visitors reach the summit
of Snowdon every year.
Eyri means 'place of eagles,' and the park is a haven for
all sorts of wildlife including many rare species. The
Snowdon lilly and rainbow-coloured Snowden beetle
can only be found in this area.
There is a wealth of history and legends associated with Snowdonia.
That stories of the mythological King Arthur have survived
here tells you that it hasn't changed much since the time
the Romans came 2000 years ago. It was the natural fortress
for Llywelyn, the last true Prince of Wales. It is
also said to be the area where Merlin discovered a
red dragon which became the national symbol of Wales.
Popular Mount Snowden climbing routes:
Snowden Ranger path
This is one of the easiest and probably one of the earliest
routes up Mount Snowden. A public footpath sign by the Snowdon
Ranger Youth Hostel on the A4085 on the northern shore
of Llyn Cwellyn marks the beginning of the trail.
Llanberis path
This is the most popular of the tourist routes up Snowdon
and also the longest. In summer it is one of the easiest paths
but in winter the upper reaches of the path can be very treacherous.
The path starts at the end of the first side road above the
Snowdon Railway Station just outside Llanberis.
The junction is clearly marked with a signpost which is marked
'footpath up Snowdon'.
Pyg track
This is one of the most rugged and challenging routes up Snowdon.
In winter especially this route is best left to experienced
climbers. The path starts at the western end of the Pen
y Pass car park.
Horseshoe route (featured on Globe Trekker)
The Horseshoe is a very exciting route up and is classified
as a scramble in which hands are required and a lot of nerve
as the route is riddled with steep drops.
Best sights:
Cantilever - a spectacular huge rock balanced on another
rock at right angles.
Castles in the Wind - an excessively tall and thin
rock making a great photo opportunity with Snowdon ahead of
you and Mount Crobgoch behind.
Crobgoch Ridge - take care on this long ridge with
a 45 degree drop to one side and a complete vertical drop
to the other. This challenging scramble offers beautiful views
with Mount Snowdon behind and lakes in the background.
Llyn Glaslyn - this lake is associated with a haunting
Arthurian legend. King Arthur was thought to have died
and is sword was thrown into this lake. The arm of a lady
reached out and caught the sword before a boat carrying three
queens robed in black. Arthur was supposedly laid out on the
velvet of their laps before they sailed away into the darkness.
In silence, the King's followers climbed up the steep cliffs
of Lliwedd and disappeared, one by one, inside a dark
crevice in the rock face. Fifteen hundred years later the
knights are still waiting. Fully armed, the warriors sleep
in chain mail, their arms resting on leather shields. Behind
them the cavern walls glint with veins of precious minerals.
At the entrance of the cave hangs a golden bell, ready to
waken the sleepers. In their country's greatest crisis their
leader will return, then King Arthur and the Knights of the
Round Table will ride to battle again.
Trekkers tips
If you are going to climb any of the paths in the mountains
you must make sure you are fully prepared:
- Plan your route in advance and give the details to a responsible
person at your lodgings.
- Check the weather forecast by calling MOUNTAINCALL SNOWDONIA
on telephone: 09068 500 449.
- Wear several layers of clothing including warm, wind, and
waterproof clothing.
- Wear strong footwear with a good tread.
- Take a map and compass with you and know how to use them.
Other things to see and do in Snowdonia
National Park:
Snowdon railway journey
If you want a more leisurely way to enjoy the spectacular
views from Mount Snowden, try the Snowden
Railway, a real steam train which runs from Llanberis
to the summit. The railway has been taking passengers on the
four-and-three-quarter mile journey for over a century. At
the top, for train passengers and trekkers alike, you will
find the crowded and tacky gift shop and café where
you can pick up a souvenir of the day you ascended the mighty
Mount Snowdon.
International Eisteddfod Festival
In July every year, pay a visit to the small town of Llangollen
for the International Eisteddfod - five days of hardcore
competition in global music, singing, poetry and dance. Part
of the festival is Celtic Day, a day purely dedicated
to the Welsh and their Celtic brothers and sisters. Although
this is a serious competition and winning it can make a career,
sessions can kick off at a moments notice, so keep an eye
out for surprise impromptu performances.
The Eisteddfod also lets visitors sample traditional Welsh
produce and food. Sample a taste of:
- Cawl - a classic one pot meal of bacon, lamb, cabbage,
swede and potato
- Welsh Rarebitt - a kind of sophisticated cheese on
toast
- Laver bread - isn't bread at all it's actually boiled
seaweed mixed with oatmeal and served with bacon and toast
for breakfast
- Bara brith - a spicy fruit loaf made with tea and
marmalade
- Welsh cakes - fruity little griddle scones
Where To Stay - Snowdonia
Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel
Nant Gwynant,
Caernarfon,
Wales LL55 4NT
Telephone:+44 (0) 1286 870211
A base for the first Everest climbing expedition training,
Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, at the foot of the Mount Snowdon
Horseshoe, remains a delightful and useful lodging for
those exploring the Welsh mountains and has stunning views.
Hillary memorabilia hangs in the cosy public area and
bar, and hikers with packs and boots are as welcome as road
travelers. Reach Pen-y-Gwryd along the A4086 Llanberis to
Capel Curig road and the A498 from Beddgelert. The hotel sits
at the intersection.
Huge Edwardian bathtubs, a mountain-stream fed swimming pond
(cold but fun!), sauna, and endless hot water soothe the walk-weary.
The dining room serves set meals at set hours, and elegant
food and wine (£20 pounds for dinner), but dress is
come-as-you-are. The kitchen prepares packed lunch for walkers
on request and breakfasts are generous. Loaded with a quirky
atmosphere, this is a great place to stay. Rooms are quiet
and small but pleasant, costing from £28 ($45) to £35
($60) pounds per night.
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