Top 10

Ten of the best places to explore

Inundated with natural beauty, North Wales is home to a plethora of mountains, lakes, rivers and beaches. Bethany Birch discovers ten perfect places for a summer day out…

1. The beach

Peacefully situated right at the end of the Llŷn Peninsula, Aberdaron Beach is set in an

Area of Outstanding Beauty and it’s certainly not hard to see why the area gained this award. The sandy bay often sees people enjoying water sporting activities amongst it’s dramatic waves; located at the Western tip of the peninsula the seas often become victim to strong winds and wild weathers. If the waves aren’t calling you then why not take in the wonderful view and relax upon the sands? With disabled access, local cafés and restaurants, as well as nearby toilet facilities and good parking, it offers plenty for a great day out!

3. The woodland

2. The pier

Stretching over 1,500 feet across the Menai Straits, Garth Pier is considered to be the second-longest pier in Wales, with Llandudno Pier being the longest at 2,295 feet in length. Located in Bangor, Gwynedd, the revised Garth Pier is a Grade II listed structure and recently celebrated its 125th birthday this past May. Adorned with beautiful Victorian stores, a café at the end of the pier and views out towards the Isle of Anglesey and mountains of Snowdonia it’s a beautiful place to enjoy a stroll and take in the picturesque views. Newborough Forest is located on the West coast of Anglesey, situated on the fringe of Newborough (Llanddwyn) Beach. The forest covers a whopping 2,000 square kilometeres – most of which is considered a National Nature Reserve – and is particularly popular for cyclists and walkers with many great cycling paths and walking trails. It is also the largest area of forestry on Anglesey and home to red squirrels, making it one of the most important red squirrel conservation sites in the UK. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a familyfriendly walk, while keeping an eye out for red squirrels (don’t forget to take a picnic!).

4. The walk

The beautiful four-mile round walk from Beddgelert to Nantmor and then back (alternatively, you can start from Nantmor and walk the route through to Beddgelert) makes for a lovely day out. The charming village of Beddgelert is home to the grave of Gelert; one of the most well-known and wellloved stories in Wales is the tale of Gelert the loyal dog. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the river and beautiful rural setting along your walk, bedded in the heart of Snowdonia. The walk is relatively easy and flat, if you’re a little unsteady

on foot then possibly consider turning back before the ground gets particularly rocky and uneven underfoot.

6. The waterfall

Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr) is a waterfall that is located near the tiny historical village of Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd. The Falls are a truly beautiful sight to see and are formed by the Afon Goch cascading down the Carneddau foothills. Unlike some other waterfalls in North Wales, they cannot be viewed from the car, or be viewed after just a short stroll, they take some effort to access – still less than 5km of walking in total – but the view of 120 feet of tumbling water is definitely worth

the hike! The Falls are a popular tourist attraction and are particularly impressive to witness after a heavy rainfall!

5. The lake

Bala Lake (Llŷn Tegid) is located in the historic market town of Bala, Gwynedd, in the Snowdonia National Park. This large freshwater glacial lake is 3.7 miles (6.0 km) long by 0.5 miles (0.8 km) wide and was once considered to be the largest natural body of water in Wales before its level was raised to provide water for the Ellesmere Canal. The lake is frequented by water sports enthusiasts (kayaks and yachts are available for hire) due to winds that tunnel through the valley, and is a lovely setting to enjoy a walk or picnic beside.

7. The cycle track

Based in the Snowdonia National Park, Coed y Brenin forest is the perfect woodland setting to enjoy a day out on your bike. With plenty of cycle tracks available to choose from to suit every and any ability and length, it’s the ideal spot to keep the whole family happy. If you’re more of an experienced cyclist or enjoy a session mountain biking down single-tracks then Coed y Brenin has you covered too – advanced or beginner, this place something for everyone. After a day of exertion why not then head to their café for a bite to eat and a refreshing drink to re-fuel.

What better place is there to tuck into your sandwiches than on the picture perfect beach of Porthdinllaen. Home to the famous Ty Coch Inn, there’s always the chance to supplement your picnic with a cold one while relaxing upon the sand. Located on the Llŷn Peninsula and stretching

out into the Irish sea, this ribbon of land boasts impressive views in every direction that you look. With chances of seeing a range of different wildlife including seals and possibly even dolphins, it’s a great place to enjoy a post-lunch walk with the added bonus of seal-spotting!

9. The castle

The rugged ruins of Castell Dinas Bran in Llangollen is a site to see both for it’s breathtaking views and medieval history. Although, with the castle standing tall atop a prominent hill, reaching the castle and gaining such beautiful views comes at the cost of a steep walk to access the remains – not for the faint-hearted, but more than worth the workout! It’s said that the castle was likely built in the 1260’s by Gruffyd Maelor II who was a prince of Powys Fadog, and was built on the site of several earlier, pre-existing structures.

10. The cathedral

Bangor Cathedral is an ancient place of worship that has been used as a place of Christian worship since the 6th Century. The cathedral is built on a low-lying site, with speculation that the inconspicuous setting was chosen so as to not attract the attention of Viking raiders from the sea. The architecture of the building is understated yet still beautiful, the grounds are well-kept and entry is free, making it an interesting place to head for a day out.

My Conwy Career

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Sian Humpherson

Group Business Development Manager Royal Oak Hotels Ltd

Fy Ngyrfa yng Nghonwy

Blas ar Letygarwch

Ydych chi’n chwilio am swydd yn y maes twristiaeth neu letygarwch? Mae’n ymgyrch “Fy Ngyrfa yng Nghonwy – Blas o letygarwch” yn dangos sut brofiad yw gweithio i’r diwydiant hwn yn Sir Conwy. Ar hyn o bryd mae amrywiaeth o rolau ar gael – o swyddi tymhorol i swyddi mwy parhaol. Hoffech chi weithio i sector flaenoriaeth yn Sir Conwy?

If you’re interested, then get in touch! We can match your requirements to available roles within the sector.

Call: 01492 577202 Email: communitiesforwork@conwy.gov.uk Website: www.visitconwy.org.uk/myconwycareer #MyConwyCareer #GetATasteForHospitality

Os oes gennych ddiddordeb, yna cysylltwch! Gallwn baru eich gofynion â rolau sydd ar gael o fewn y sector.

Ffoniwch: 01492 577202 e-bost: communitiesforwork@conwy.gov.uk Gwefan: www.visitconwy.org.uk/myconwycareer #FyNgyrfaYngNghonwy #BlasArLetygarwch

Mae nifer o resymau dros weithio yn y sector hon: • Datblygu sgiliau a gydnabyddir yn fyd-eang fydd yn eich galluogi i weithio yn unrhyw le yn y byd • Dod yn rhan o dîm agos a gweithio gyda phobl anhygoel • Mwynhau dull amrywiol o weithio gan fod pob diwrnod yn wahanol • Manteisio o gyfleoedd gyrfaol gwych

Nid ni yn unig sy’n dweud hyn! Mae’n ymgyrch yn defnyddio enghreifftiau go iawn er mwyn dangos y manteision o weithio yn y diwydiant:

“Mae fy swydd yn cynnig amrywiaeth eang o gyfleoedd, sy’n cynnig prosiectau amrywiol, diddorol a heriol... Un o’r rhesymau roeddwn am aros yn y diwydiant oedd yr hyblygrwydd sydd i’w gael gan yr oriau.... roedd y manteision o allu trefnu gwaith o amgylch fy mywyd yn hytrach na bod yn sownd mewn swyddfa drwy’r dydd yn siwtio fy ffordd o fyw yn dda. Gallwn fynd allan gyda’r cŵn yn y bore a chael digon o amser i gyrraedd y gwaith erbyn hanner dydd.”

Sian Humpherson

Rheolwr Datblygu Busnes Grŵp Royal Oak Hotels Ltd