The Llanberis Pass is the narrowest, steepest and craggiest of the Snowdonia passes. It slices its way beneath the sheer flanks of Mount Snowdon and Glyder Fawr, passing through slopes littered with huge boulders and slabs. This inhospitable terrain, once feared by intrepid travellers, is now easily traversed by the modern A4086, which passes through …
Situated halfway between Pwllheli and Abersoch, connected to the former, by a long stretch of sand and shingle beach and tucked away beneath its headland, in a sylvan environment, sits the delightful village of Llanbedrog. Owned by the National Trust, the beach, with its brightly coloured beach huts, sheltered position and safe bathing, is a …
Llan Ffestiniog, known locally as Llan and sometimes shown as Ffestiniog on maps, is a close neighbour of larger and better known Blaenau Ffestiniog. Akin to the terraces of South Wales, rows of dark stoned houses give the village a robust appearance. The village stands amongst some dramatic scenery; to the east there is the …
One can only imagine the fear of an ancient mariner, being drawn into the jaws of Hell itself, his vessel being battered by storms, a south westerly gale, anchors dragging in the sand, awaiting certain destruction, perhaps death; no wonder this bay became known as Hells Mouth. Over the years, thirty or so vessels have …
An attractive cluster of stone-built houses, hostelries, cafes and shops, within narrow streets, are dominated by Harlech’s main attraction its castle. Standing magnificently atop a 200ft rocky crag, Harlech castle was built in 1283, as a poignant reminder to the Welsh of their dominance by the English. Taking six years to construct, it was one …
Fairbourne is a small, seaside village situated on the Southern shore of the Mawddach Estuary, opposite Barmouth (1 mile away). A steep bank of pebbles fronts the beach area, which, from mid-tide, exposes a vast amount of golden sandy beach, two miles in length, and with rock pools at either end. The growth of Fairbourne …
Dolgellau is a thoroughly Welsh market town set at the foot of Cadair Idris on the southern bank of the River Wnion. The buildings are of a handsome grey stone and slate arranged in narrow streets with a large main square and several smaller squares. There is an interesting array of shops and inns, drawing …
This popular, unspoilt, historic little town lies facing south over Cardigan Bay, effectively split in two by a rocky promontory, upon which stands Criccieth Castle. Ideally situated for exploring both the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia, Criccieth is an excellent choice for those visitors seeking an amiable resort, with a good selection of amenities and easy …
In the footsteps of the Gwynedd Princes from centuries ago, the A487 winds its way from Dolgellau to Machynlleth. Nestling beneath the modern road is the picturesque village of Corris, squeezed into a narrow valley flanked by precipitous slopes, thick with gorse, bracken and trees, both broadleaf and coniferous. Tumbling through the valley are the …
The attractive small village of Clynnog Fawr, noted for its spiritual connections and appealing atmosphere, nestles midway between Caernarfon and Pwllheli. Firmly rooted on the Pilgrims Trail, Clynnog Fawr village, is an appealing cluster of stone built houses, an ancient church and three public houses. The large St Beuno’s church dates from the sixteenth century …