How many of you have heard of Snowdonia? If the answer is ‘not many’, you can’t miss this article. This gem of Wales (the second one we’re talking about on UKister; the first one was Portmeirion) is stunning. Located in the north of the region, it is also called ‘Snowdonia’. The National Park has been there since 1951 and occupies 2130 km. You can see the beauty of the place for yourself in this video.
Its name comes from Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales (1085 meters). This area is known as Eryri, from word Eryr (“eagle”), so Snowdonia is the ‘Land of Eagles’. In this spectacular place, you can enjoy the beautiful mountains (walking, running or climbing), lakes, castles, different adventure activities and wonderful wildlife.
More than 26,000 people live inside the park, which attracts more than six million visitors per year. Today it is the third most visited national park in England and Wales. Although most of the land is mountainous, there is a significant amount of agricultural activity in the park.
Mountains for walking, running or climbing
Snowdonia is one of the wettest parts of the UK and it can be divided into four areas. The north is the most popular among tourists, and includes (from west to east) Moel Hebog, Mynydd Mawr and Nantlle, Snowdon massif, the Glyderau and Carneddau. The last three groups include the highest mountains in Wales, at about 3000 feet. Hikers consider this area a true paradise, as the mountains are specially made for raising, lowering and running, as you have seen in the video.
The importance of Snowdonia in habitat conservation and wildlife in the region is reflected in the fact that almost 20% of its total area is protected by UK and European legislation. The mammals that inhabit the park include otters, polecats and wild goats, while ravens, peregrine falcons, ospreys, merlins and red kites are the most famous birds there. Another famous animal of Snowdonia is the Snowdon or rainbow beetle.
At this link you will find 10 things you can do in the area, such as cycling, hanging (like a bird) from the air cables of Zip World, hiking, jumping on trampolines built into the depths of a cave, fishing, rafting, golf, riding, canyoning and climbing.
This complete PDF will tell you everything about the area and the activities that can be done there. If you want to disconnect a day or a weekend, and enjoy nature and fresh air, now you know where to go.
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