Snowdonia is a National Park taking up a large section of western Wales. The Park covers over 820 square miles made up of towering peaks, secluded valleys and rugged coastline, and includes the second highest point in the British Isles. Climb to the peak and you would be standing at 1,085 metres above sea level!

There are various towns and villages dotted around the edge of Snowdonia, each with a good selection of cosy and comfortable holiday cottages to choose from, providing you with all you need to relax and enjoy your adventure in Wales.

The geography of Snowdonia

The Snowdonia National Park was established in 1951 as the third National Park in Britain. It covers 827 square miles and has 37 miles of coastline. More than 25,000 people live within the region and the area attracts over 6 million visitors each year. Whilst most of the land is either open moorland or mountainous land, there is also a significant amount of agricultural activity within the Park.

Snowdon is the tallest of the mountains in the Park but there are plenty of other peaks to explore, each with classic Welsh names such as Cadair Idris, the Rhinogydd range, Moel Siabod and the Moelwynion. The most popular area among tourists is in the north of the Park where the tallest peaks are to be found, including the Snowdon Massif, the Glyderau and the Carneddau.

The Park's entire coastline is a Special Area of Conservation, which runs from the Llyn Peninsula down the mid-Wales coast to Aberdovey. A beautiful and unique place to explore, don’t forget your camera, you will be heading home with lots of pictures of breath-taking views and vistas.

Where to stay in and around Snowdonia

Barmouth is a small town in Gwynedd, lying on the estuary of the River Mawddach and Cardigan Bay. Though Barmouth is not officially part of the Park itself, it is surrounded on all sides by it. This popular seaside resort has an impressive backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountains, which stretch out for many miles from the eastern edge of the town.

Walking will play a large part of your Welsh getaway no matter where you decide to stay. With walks of particular interest including the seven mile hike from Barmouth to Penmaenpool and from Barmouth Bridge to Morfa Mawddach station. The second walk follows a former railway track all the way along the river bank to the RSPB Bird Observation Post at Penmaenpool. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or not on this walk you will get to appreciate lots of wildlife thriving in its natural habitat.

Machynlleth is lovely town on the edge of Snowdonia, at the southern tip of the Park. The town claims a proud history as an ancient ‘capital of Wales’ and is filled with many medieval buildings in addition to its modern amenities as a working market town. Machynlleth includes the Owain Glyndwr Centre exploring the history of this part of Wales, and the more up-to-date pleasures of the Museum of Modern Art.

Conwy is a market town on the north coast of Wales, a short distance from the northern tip of Snowdonia. This is a popular destination for anyone interested in the history of Wales, and the exceptional scenery in the surrounding area. Conwy Castle is a popular attraction in the area, and one of the many and varied walks beginning in Conwy takes you up into Mynydd y Dref or Conwy Mountain, a hilly area to the west of the town with spectacular views.

Aberdovey is a coastal village on the north side of the Dyfi estuary, at the south-western tip of the Snowdonia National Park. It has been a popular seaside resort for many decades, with excellent resources for those keen on walking, climbing and spotting wildlife in this beautiful part of Wales. It also includes the Talyllyn Railway, a historic steam railway operating from the nearby town of Tywyn to Abergynolwyn, offering passengers a journey along the beautiful and unspoilt Fathew Valley in the original carriages that remain in regular use to this day.