Earlier in the summer, I was fortunate enough to visit Snowdonia National Park. This was my first time visiting the idea and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Normally I crave tropical climates and sun-kissed beaches and pay little attention to areas which see little sun but circumstances have allowed me to explore areas more local to me and I have been amazed by what I’ve found. I visited the Lake District in England earlier this year and was convinced that nothing in UK could top the untouched beauty of The Lake District. But then I visited Snowdonia.
I was completely mesmerised by Snowdonia. I have never been to a place like it. The tops of the majestic mountains were hidden in ominous dark clouds whilst fresh streams trickled down the sides of the mountains. Roads snaked in the middle of deep valleys, the only remnant of humans in this untamed wilderness.
Here, I have compiled a list of 5 reasons why I believe you should visit the wonderful Snowdonia National Park!
5. The landscape is spectacular!
If my brief introduction to Snowdonia hasn’t persuaded you to go yet, let me delve a little deeper. I love mountains and waterfalls. There’s something truly spectacular about them and Snowdonia National park is full of them. Seriously, driving in the valley between Mount Snowdon and another beautiful mountain, we must have passed yet another waterfall every few minutes.
As well as mountains, there is an abundance of lakes in Snowdonia. Many are situated at the foot of mountains which act as a spectacular backdrop, their reflections unspoilt in the crystal clear waters below.
Roads carve through natural, untamed lands meaning that it’s so easy to stop your car at the side of the road then get out and have a little wander around. Because the whole of Snowdonia is pretty amazing, there’s a good chance that you can find a little gem all to yourself. When I visited, I stopped off at a few waterfalls. Because there are so many waterfalls, I didn’t bump into anyone when climbing my 2 chosen ones, making the experience all the more special and peaceful.
4. There are so many walks
You won’t get bored in Snowdonia because there’s always more to look at. If you don’t fancy doing anything too strenuous like climbing to the top of Snowdon, there are plenty of other places that you can walk for as long as you’d like. Like I mentioned, I stopped off a couple of times in areas that took my breath away. I’d climb or walk for as long as I could manage which, in my case, wasn’t very long! But it didn’t matter – I got to see exactly what I wanted without draining myself to utter exhaustion.
3. So many great coffee shops!
There are loads of cute coffee shops, including the one pictured above! When I fancied a cup of tea after climbing up a waterfall, I whipped out my phone and had a look for local coffee shops. I was presented with so much choice and they all had pretty good reviews too. I didn’t actually visit the coffee shop above, as much as I would have liked to, that one was a little too far away from where I was when I was craving my midday cuppa! Instead I visited a coffee shop called ‘Penceunant Isaf’. It was so cute, situated along one of the walks up to Snowdon. It was outside of the local village but was incredibly popular with walkers who fancied a little break from their hike. The owner was very funny, making the experience there even more enjoyable. Oh and did I mention that the tea was great?
2. The local villages are so cute and characteristically Welsh
There are so many places you can visit and the neighbouring towns are just big, ugly concrete jungles that lack character. I was so pleased to see all the little villages in Snowdonia. They were so different to the villages I am used to at home with tall terraces standing beside narrow, winding roads. In some villages the buildings were painted vibrant colours, like a rainbow town! It was also great to see so many independent shops lining the villages such as little bread shops and outdoors shops.
1. It’s so peaceful!
It helped that when I visited, I went camping. There was absolutely no phone reception where I was which was perfect as it meant I could just get away from it all: the business, social media and any annoying messages that might stress me out! I was also lucky that the place I decided to camp at had 2 fields and I selected the field which was pretty much entirely vacant. I pitched up by a river whose rapid torrents sent me off into a very deep sleep. If you visit Snowdonia, I highly recommend that you camp there as you just feel so at one with nature and the campsites are all in stunning locations. Mine was at the base of a mountain with a river rushing to one side of it.
I wonder if I’ve convinced you to visit Snowdonia yet! I’m so glad that I’ve been and it’s certainly a place that I can see myself going back to, if only to finally see the summit of Snowdon.
Have you ever been to Snowdonia?
Ellamckendrick.com is a free online resource. If you have found this website useful for planning your adventures, you can show your support by buying me a coffee. Thanks so much!
Katharine
Monday 14th of August 2017
Looks amazing!! The pictures look incredible ! X
Ella
Monday 14th of August 2017
Thank you! It really was an awesome please to visit :)