If you're a nature lover, you'll love North Wales. You can participate in walks suitable for all levels. Take a gentle stroll or challenge yourself to climb Wales' highest mountain. Waterfalls abound amongst the bush, taking you to magical places, and then there are the castle ruins for the history buffs, taking you into the past.
Mountains
Snowdon
I was planning a trip up Mt. Snowdon, but not the hard way.
I was there in mid-September and, stupidly, didn't think to book ahead for the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Two trains are running, taking you up the mountain numerous times a day, depending on popularity. One is a steam engine and one is a diesel.
The train is heading up Mt. Snowdon near the track
As I'd already paid for the car park, I was after a walk to do and was told about a waterfall behind the village. Unfortunately, I missed the turn and ended up heading up the road to the Llanberis track (9 miles/14.5 km return, 975m ascent) towards the Mt. Snowdon summit.
The track gets a bit rocky once you're officially on the path and off the road
As I wasn't prepared for a 6-hour return walk, I made it just past the Halfway Cafe, which is halfway up from sea level and just over halfway distance-wise. This was definitely a stop I had to make, as I stupidly didn't have any water with me.
Looking back down to the Halfway House in the middle of the photo
This is still an excellent walk to do, and very popular with hikers and people walking their dogs. I will come back again, more prepared and fitter, and reach the top, if only to take in the incredible views for miles.
Ceunant Mawr
When I was almost back in Llanberis, I found the turnoff for the waterfall and located it again, this time up another road next to the railway line. There was a lot of bush obstructing the view of the waterfall, but it was still well worth the walk back up another hill to see it.
The Ceunant Mawr Waterfall beside the railway line and coming out of the bush
If you're driving, there is a large car park across the road from the railway station or another at the back of the station, but you have to pay for both.
Check out the many YouTube videos that people have taken to give you a taste of what it's like to walk up the Llanberis Path.
Llyn Padarn
Llyn Padarn's car park next to the lake is free. It's down Ystad Ddiwydiannol Y Glynon on the right-hand side just off the A4086.
It's a busy place, and there are no facilities here, but they are available in Llanberis, about a 15-minute walk away.
You can walk around the lake, which is a flat and easy 6-mile (9.6km) walk. Just minutes from the car park, you will find a tree growing out of the lake, reminiscent of that Wanaka tree from Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.
The Llyn Padarn Tree is a popular place for a photo
This is also a great lake for kayaks and paddleboards, and the top choice for families, offering plenty to do for the kids and picnic spots to enjoy lunch.
Waterfalls
Canolfan Tryweryn
Although not a waterfall, this river is home to the National White Water Centre. I didn't see any rafts go down the river when I was there, but they were preparing, and a couple of canoes did venture down.
There is an excellent walk alongside the river where you can get otherworldly photos.
The mossy greens of this fast-flowing river
There is a large car park at the main office and cafe, with more parks further along the road where you can join the path.
Water passes close to the path with bridges helping navigate over tributaries
If you do the easy, flat walk to the end, you'll find it will only be about a mile from the cafe.
Many little streams break off and rejoin the main river
Although this is just over an hour's drive from Conwy, it's a beautiful place to get away from it all, as there aren't as many people who visit the following waterfalls. It's a lovely walk through the woods, beside the river and streams, with the occasional canoeist or rafter going past.
The gates across the river for the canoeists to negotiate
Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd (Conwy Falls)
A small car park and the Conwy Falls Cafe are just off the main highway, where you can take a break before or after your walk to Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd.
There is a £1 entry fee that opens the turnstile, or you can enjoy the cafe by entering from the car park and then exiting through the large verandah, where you can enjoy your snack.
Conwy Falls is hard to photograph from the viewpoint
If you're able and more agile than I, you can climb down over the boulders closer to the river to get a better perspective. With all the rain in the area, the rivers are flowing with quite a lot of force most of the time.
Taking a walk through the woods up and back to the Falls. Note the green marker on the tree, directing you where to go
There are a few tracks in the area, but the ones to the Falls are steep and rocky, so take care.
Swallow Falls
Swallow Falls is an impressive set of two falls just outside the cute village of Betws-y-Coed.
There is limited parking of about 20 spaces or so on a lay-by by the entrance. Once again, you have to pay to go through the turnstile, although this time you pay an attendant, and there is no way to bypass it. It was £2 when I was there in September 2019.
There are two viewpoints for the falls. The first is only about 20 metres or so from the entrance. You are so close to the falls that I couldn't get a photo that I was happy with.
The falls have a very easy path, although there are plenty of steps to negotiate down to the second viewpoint.
The waters rush past the lower viewpoint.
You could also walk from Betws-y-Coed along the 3.3.km walk beside the river.
This is a very short walk; hence, there is no need for a large car park. It is very popular because of its accessibility, but you still have plenty of opportunities to view the falls and take photos.
Castles
When I was in Conwy, I purchased a three-day explorer pass, but you can also get them for seven days. You can find prices and attractions to plan your trip here.
It's a great way to see all the attractions you can fit into your time here at a great price. The following are the Castles that I visited.
Caernarfon Castle
The Castle makes up the town wall boundary next to the Afon (river) Seiont
Caernarfon Castle is located within the town walls of the township of Caernarfon.
One of the Gates to the town centre
I parked just outside the walls and then walked past the shops, cafes and pubs to the Castle at the side. You can also park next to the Castle, but both are Pay and Display.
One of the colourful streets due to the umbrellas strung up along the skyline leading to the Castle
The investiture of the Prince of Wales happens at Caernarfon Castle. It was first started in 1301, when Edward I, having conquered Wales, gave the title to his heir, Prince Edward. The last Prince to be invested was Prince Charles in 1969.
The investiture dais where Prince Charles was invested as the Prince of Wales in 1969
You can explore this colossal Castle via its spiral staircases in about 9 of its towers. You can see a light and sound film on the history of the Castle in the North-East Tower and in the Queen's Tower is the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
Part of the exhibition of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers
This extensive exhibition covers all the actions that the Royal Welsh Fusiliers have participated in over the centuries. It covers quite an immense area, and you have spiral staircases as well as straight, modern staircases to negotiate, but this museum is well worth a look.
You could easily spend a couple of hours at the Castle alone, exploring and seeing the great views over the town and waterways from the Castle wall walkway encompassing the Castle boundary.
Hours
1 March - 30 June and 1 September - 31 October. Daily 9.30 am- 5.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
1 July - 30 August 9.30 am to 6.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
1 November - 28 February 10.00 am - 4.00 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Please note that during extreme weather conditions, we may need to close monuments on short notice. Please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices
Prices are dependent on the time of your visit. Please click here to view the prices.
Beaumaris Castle
Less than half an hour away from Caernarfon is the town of Beaumaris, which is on the island of Anglesey.
This historic town, situated on the banks of the Menai Strait, features the incomplete Beaumaris Castle. Edward, I had this Castle built along with many more in North Wales as defences against rebellion by the Welsh. Unfortunately, as money ran out and trouble arose in Scotland, the Castle was left unfinished, failing to reach the heights it was designed for or the grandeur it was intended to achieve.
The entrance to Beaumaris Castle where you will start your journey
There aren't a lot of complete rooms to look at, but you can walk against the walls and up and down the spiral staircases as well as look at the Chapel.
The narrow walkway inside the walls of the Castle
Yet more spiral staircases to negotiate. The rope in the middle is the "handrail"
The Chapel you can see when you explore the inner walls
On top of the wall walkway, you can enjoy views over the countryside and Menai Strait across to mainland Wales.
The views across the Castle and Menai Strait
A film runs on the history of the Castle and is triggered when you step into the structure that holds it. This is a very interesting and entertaining film that is a must-see, especially if it's raining, as it's the only completely dry place to sit out the weather.
The moat surrounds the Castle walls and at high tide boats used to moor to unload supplies
Once again, you have an extensive car park, located at the Beaumaris Green Car Park, although this one has a single set price for the day.
Hours
1st March - 30th June, 1st September - 31st October 9.30 am - 5 pm
1st July - 31st August 9.30 am - 6 pm
1st November - 28th February 10 am - 4 pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Please note that during extreme weather conditions, we may need to close monuments on short notice. Please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices
Prices are dependent on the time of your visit. Please click here to view the prices.
The Courthouse
Across the road from Beaumaris Castle is the Courthouse, where you can learn all about its history as one of the oldest Courthouses in Britain, dating from 1614.
The courtroom as seen from the Jury's box
An audioguide is included in the price. You can hear about past cases, the history of the court and town as well as learn how justice was seen to be served through the centuries as you walk through the rooms.
The exhibition room which shows justice is all its forms through the ages
This is a small but informative museum, well worth the visit, as is the village. It makes for a great day out. I didn't go back into the village, but the Old Victorian Gaol is also well worth a visit.
I didn't go into the Gaol, but it should also be on your list if you're visiting.
Facebook @BeaumarisGaolCourtHouse
Hours
Daily 10 am - 5 pm, last entry at 4 pm.
Prices
Click here to view the prices.
Rhuddlan Castle
Lying east of Conwy are the last two castles I visited in North Wales, Rhuddlan Castle and Denbigh Castle.
The entrance to Rhuddlan Castle
Once again, we have Edward the First to thank for Rhuddlan Castle in his northern defences.
New spiral staircases have been put in to take you to top for the views
This isn't a big area to explore, but since I had the pass, and I was in the neighbourhood, it didn't cost me anything to enter. You still have great views over the countryside as this is out of the main centres.
You can walk around the outside of the castle to where the moat is
Hours
1st April - 31st October 10 am - 5 pm (Closed Tue-Wed)
1st November - 31st March Closed
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Prices
Click here to find the price of the Castle when you're visiting.
Denbigh Castle
Sitting high up on the hill above the township of Denbigh, Denbigh Castle, although in ruins, is still a good place for exploring.
The entrance to the castle ruins
Although in ruins, there are still plenty of places to explore. The views, which go on forever, can be seen from the top walkways of the castle.
The views stretch on forever from the top of the castle
The walkways are great spots for taking in the views of the town and countryside.
Hours
25 Mar - 31 Oct Thursday–Monday 10 am–5 pm.
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
1 November - 24 March, Friday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Closed Monday–Thursday.
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Please note that during extreme weather conditions, we may need to close monuments on short notice. Please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices
Click here to find the price of the Castle when you're visiting.
Where I Stayed
I loved my time in Northern Wales. If you like to get out in nature and visit historical castles, this is the place for you. YHA Conwy is a great place to base yourself and see all the attractions that Conwy and Llandudno have to offer.
The entrance of YHA Conwy.
Parking is on-site, so you can leave your car and explore the old walled town and Conwy Castle. Conwy is also home to the smallest house in Great Britain and fantastic sunsets that you can enjoy from the outdoor area or the huge dining room.
Facilities
24-hour access after check-in
BBQ area
Contactless payments
Corridor zoning
Dining room
Evening meals
Free parking on the premises
Full mobile coverage
Games
Garden/grounds
Licensed bar
Lift
Luggage store
Mountain view
Near a bus stop/train station
Outdoor games kit
Outdoor seating
Restaurant
Self-catering kitchen
Shared drying room
Shared laundry room
Shared lounge/TV
Sole use available
Unlimited breakfast
Water refill station
WiFi
How To Get Here
YHA Conwy is outside the walls of Conwy, but it's an easy walk to all its attractions at Sychnant Pass Road.
How To Book
If you would love to explore this extraordinary area, click here to base yourself in Conwy.
Conclusion
North Wales is a beautiful place to visit, as is all of Wales. It's a nature and history lover's dream, and if you're into photography, you won't know where to look. Hopefully, this has given you an idea of what there is to see and do in the area, and you will get to visit it one day.
If you need more information, you can read about what there is to do in Conwy here or in South Wales. Alternatively, you can visit Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons, or Skomer Island for more information. You can check out UK passes and what you should get for where on Save Money and Explore the UK with an Attraction Pass.
