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Eryri (Snowdonia)

The land of myth and legend

Eryri is a land of myth and legends, from the true Welsh Princes, to dragons, giants and King Arthur, and its location here in North Wales features strongly in The Mabinogion, the 11th-century collection of Welsh folktales that inspire many names to this day.

Eryri is a stunning landscape of rugged mountainous ranges, woodland and lakes, and the National Park is the largest of the three Welsh National Parks, and is home to the highest mountain in both England and Wales – Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

From our home here in Southern Eryri, Penmaenuchaf is the perfect base for exploring all the region has to offer. With picturesque towns, mountain walks, lakeside exploring, and plenty of opportunities for adrenalin-fuelled adventures, you’ll have an endless list of places to visit on your stay with us.

From mountain to sea

Eryri National Park

The Eryri National Park is vast, covering 823 square miles and is home to 26,000 people. Eryri has 9 mountain ranges, 23 miles of coastline, 11,000 hectares of native woodland, and 1497 miles of route to explore.
There’s so much to see and discover as you explore this endless landscape. Many people come to take on the walking trails and conquer Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) on foot, or with a little help from the park’s historic Snowdon Mountain Railway, which climbs to the summit of our highest mountain. But there’s as much to do on the water as there is in on land – and there are even a few options by air for the real adrenaline seekers. Eryri also has Dark Sky Reserve Status as a result of its low light pollution, and on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way, all the major constellations, nebulas and shooting stars.

Our reception team has a range of booklets and maps showing local walks, and they’ll be delighted to advise you on their favourite areas and share their tips.

Mount Snowdon Mynydd Yr Wyddfa

Explore on foot

Walking

 

 

Eryri offers an array of exceptional trails that showcase the very best of this picturesque part of Wales.

There are several local circular walks you can take, including The Precipice, The Panorama, and The Torrent walks – their names speak for themselves!

Whether you’re up for the challenge of scaling the mighty Cadair Idris that sits above us, following the Mawddach Trail, climbing Yr Wyddfa (the highest mountain in England and Wales), or prefer a more relaxed amble along the enchanting coastal paths, the region promises awe-inspiring vistas and a medley of captivating landscapes.

If you’re visiting us here at Penmaenuchaf and want to explore on foot, chat to our friendly reception team, who can definitely give you a few tip to help you plan a route.

Adventure seekers

Adrenalin adventures

Often referred to as the “adventure capital of the UK,” for those seeking a trip that gets the adrenalin pumping, the opportunities are boundless in Snowdonia.

Mountain biking, canoeing, horse riding, fell-running, paddle boarding, open water swimming and hiking are just some of the the activities you can enjoy locally. There’s plenty more to do a little further afield too, including surfing, canyoning, and of course, whizzing through the air on a zipwire.

Whatever adventure you’re seeking, you’ll find it here in Snowdonia.

Our local town

Dolgellau

While Cadair Idris sits high above Dolgellau, and the mountain range dominates the views for miles around, there’s so much more to our beautiful little town than the majestic mountain perched above.

Dolgellau is a short stroll down the hill and along the Mawddach Estuary from Penmaenuchaf, and is now a thriving destination, bustling with independent shops, cafes and pubs. It has more listed buildings than any other town in Wales, with over 200 on the urban conservation list.

As you wander along the narrow streets or take a seat in one of the squares, soak up the surroundings and see if you can spot signs of the town’s past as a regional centre for the Welsh woollen industry – like high up doors and pulley systems. Keep an eye out in particular for the small round windows at the top of buildings, as these were said to be hidden meeting houses for the Quakers.

Barmouth Gwynedd North Wales

Barmouth

Barmouth is the most popular seaside resort in Southern Snowdonia, and has breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay against the backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains. It’s located on the Mawddach Estuary and has a charming old town, full of picturesque buildings that had such an impact on J.R.R Tolkien when he visited in the early 20th century, it is believed that he used it as a model for the town of Hobbiton in The Lord of the Rings.

The west-facing blue flag beach is ideal for bathing and watersports, with its mixture of sand and fine shingle.

Harlech Castle Gwynedd Mid Wales

Harlech

Best known for its incredible castle, Harlech is a must-visit on your trip. The mighty coastal fortress, now a UNESCO world heritage site, was once home to Owain Glyndŵr, former Prince of Wales, in the 1400s and it became the centre of his inspiring vision of an independent Wales. The castle sits high on top of a sheer rocky crag overlooking the award-winning beach and sand dunes far below, while the rugged peaks of Snowdonia sit in the background

The vibrant small town is full of independent shops and eateries. Harlech also features in the Guinness World Records as having the steepest street in the world.

View Of Gardens With Lavender
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