Snowdonia

Snowdonia

Situated on the west coast of Wales, covering 823 square miles of diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is a living working area, and home to over 26,000 people. As well as being the largest National Park in Wales, Snowdonia boasts the highest mountain and the largest natural lake in Wales, as well as a wealth of picturesque villages. Snowdonia is an area steeped in culture and local history, where even now, more than half the population speak Welsh.

Snowdonia attracts thousands of visitors each year who enjoy the amazing landscapes and wealth of outdoor activities available. The aim of the National Park Authority is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area; promote opportunities to understand and enjoy its special qualities; and to foster the economic and social well-being of its communities.

Llyn Cau & Cader Idris

History and culture are everywhere – you’re sure to see and hear the Welsh language in use when you visit.

The landscape illustrates the history of the area through Stone Age burial chambers, Roman forts, churches, castles, slate quarries and other industrial works.

The area is also internationally renowned for its geology. In the 19th century investigations into some of the world’s oldest rocks took place in Snowdonia.

First created following the 1949 National Park and Access to the Countryside Act, a study to identify boundaries for the National Park began in 1950, resulting in the boundary we have today. The criterion for inclusion in the Park was outstanding scenic beauty, which led to the exclusion of the slate production areas and some urban developments. Snowdonia National Park came into existence on the 18th October 1951. It was the third National Park to be designated in Britain, and the first in Wales. Today, Snowdonia is one of 15 National Parks in Britain.

You can reach Snowdonia from Gwaenynog in under an hour, but to get to Snowdon it will be about 75 minutes – depending on traffic and which route you take.