Introduction
Snowdonia is the largest national park in Wales and the most dramatic landscape in England and Wales combined. The mountains are proper mountains. Snowdon at 1,085m, the Glyderau, the Carneddau, and the valleys between them carry rivers, lakes, and the remains of a slate industry that once roofed half the world. The light here changes fast and the weather changes faster, which means every visit produces something different.
The villages are small and real: Beddgelert, Betws-y-Coed, Barmouth, Harlech. The park's western edge hits the sea, giving it beaches as well as summits. Portmeirion, the privately built Italianate village near Porthmadog, is the most surreal thing in Wales, you either love it immediately or take an hour to come around. It's worth going either way.
Getting There
Bangor and Llandudno Junction are the main rail gateways, the Conwy Valley line from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog passes through the heart of the park. Llanberis, the main base for Snowdon, is not on the rail network; a car is useful for exploring the park properly. From Manchester, Llanberis is about 2 hours. From Cardiff, 3 hours. The Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis (seasonal) is an option for the summit without walking.
Neighbourhoods to Know
Llanberis and Llyn Padarn, the eastern gateway to Snowdon, slate museum, the mountain railway, the Blue Lake.
Beddgelert and the Glaslyn Valley, central Snowdonia's prettiest corridor, good walking in every direction.
Harlech and the West Coast, castle, beach, and the Llyn Peninsula beyond.
Betws-y-Coed is the eastern gateway town, popular, well-serviced, good for waterfalls and forest walks.
