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Nestled in the heart of the United Kingdom, North Wales is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. From the stunning Snowdonia National Park to the picturesque seaside towns, North Wales is a destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories, and if you do decide to climb the mountain… sore thighs!!
Mount Snowdon
If like me, you love hiking or climbing, Snowdon is an absolutely must do! At 1,085 meters, it’s the highest peak in Wales. If you manage the climb you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views. There are several different paths you can choose based on your preference and ability level:
Llanberis Path: The longest and most gradual route, making it the most popular and a good choice for beginners. (Approx. 5-7 hours roundtrip). This is the path I chose, and I managed it in a few hours with a leg injury so it’s definitely an achievable trail!
Pyg Track: A more challenging route with beautiful scenery and some scrambling. (Approx. 5-6 hours roundtrip)
Miners’ Track: Similar to the Pyg Track, passing by stunning mountain lakes. (Approx. 5-6 hours roundtrip)
Snowdon Ranger Path: Often quieter, offering a classic walking route. (Approx. 5-6 hours roundtrip)
Rhyd Ddu Path: Least crowded route with fantastic views. (Approx. 5-6 hours roundtrip)
Watkin Path: The most demanding route, featuring waterfalls and tougher terrain. (Approx. 6-7 hours roundtrip)
If you don’t fancy too much of a hike, you can always take the Snowdon Mountain Railway!
Bounce Below
Bounce Below is underground adventure facility located in the abandoned Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales where you can bounce on 6 giant trampolines as well as slides within the caves!
This is a real one-of-a-kind underground playground experience. The caves were originally slate mines, and the transformation into an adventure facility adds an exciting and unconventional element to the site. I had an absolute blast playing like a big kid!! There are also ziplines at the same site that can be booked separately but I didn’t get a chance to try these out.
Tickets for Bounce Below are £25 for an adult for 1 hour, which is plenty enough as you’ll be exhausted by the end!
You can book tickets here:
Bounce Below | Underground Trampoline Park Wales | Zip World
Paddleboard at Llyn Padarn
Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake located in Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd, North Wales. The lake is situated near the town of Llanberis and is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including mountains and forests. It is the second-largest natural lake in Wales.
We bought our own inflatable paddleboards on the trip and this experience was an absolute highlight simply due to the incredible scenery around us! The picture below speaks for itself!
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
Ceunant Mawr is a waterfall located in Snowdonia National Park near the village of Llanberis and the town of Bethesda. The waterfall is part of the Nant Peris Valley, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia.
Ceunant Mawr is known for its impressive height and the picturesque setting, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. The waterfall is accessible via a walking trail, and the journey to reach it offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
This was a great spot for it’s natural beauty and tranquility and is definitely worth a visit!
Extreme Canyoning Experience
My favourite experience of the trip was an extreme canyoning experience that I booked through Snowdonia Adventure Activities. It involved travelling through the canyon, a slide off a 15ft waterfall, cliff jumps from 15-40ft, some more slides and pools, and finally a big long climb out up a waterfall stream. As well as an abseil! If like me, you love adventure, this is definitely for you!
You can book this experience here: Extreme Canyoning in Snowdonia; Big Waterfalls, 10m Jumps, Abseil/Zipline (snowdoniaadventureactivities.co.uk)
Portmeirion
Portmeirion is this charming village in North Wales that feels like you’ve stepped into an Italian dream. Picture colorful buildings, unique architecture, and a riverside setting that’s just too pretty to be real. It’s like Sir Clough Williams-Ellis decided to create an Italian village and dropped it right there in Gwynedd.
So, from 1925 to 1973, he built this whimsical place that’s now a hotspot for tourists. You might even recognize it from “The Prisoner” TV series shot in the ’60s. It’s not just about the buildings, though; Portmeirion is surrounded by lush gardens and woodlands, making it a perfect escape. It genuinely makes you feel like you are miles away from North Wales in the Italian riviera!
If you’re seeking adventure or just looking to explore the natural landscapes, there is something for everyone. This was certainly one of my favourite trips within the U.K.! Feel free to drop a comment if there’s anything else you’d like to know!
Read More About Wales:
Top Things to See and Do in Cardiff
North Whales looks and sounds spectacular. As an avid hiker, I would LOVE to hike Mount Snowdon, even if it does mean sore thighs for a few days.
I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. Hiking Snowdon, paddle boarding would be my natural choices. The trampoline park in the caves is s unique though, I may just have to tr it.
saving this for when I make it to Wales!!
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