Holiday apartment in Gwynedd: lakes, slate and castles

Gwynedd combines the glacially formed Llyn Padarn with castles, ancient forests, slate culture and challenging trails on Yr Wyddfa. From Castell Dolbadarn, there are views across Llyn Padarn; the site was once an important part of the defence of the former Kingdom of Gwynedd. This brings distinctive landscapes and the history of the former kingdom together directly in one place.

Nature and landscape

Gwynedd’s nature reserves cover 1,700 hectares and protect important habitats and species. They are joined by the forests managed by Cyngor Gwynedd, which are open to the public all year round. One of the area’s notable natural sites is Coed Dinorwig, a rare, ancient sessile oak woodland. Both Llyn Padarn and Coed Dinorwig are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The lake and the woodland each represent a distinct landscape character: here, a glacially formed body of water; there, an ancient stand of sessile oaks.

Culture and history

The castles and historic sites tell stories from different eras. Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, known as Llywelyn the Great, created the gatehouse of Castell Cricieth. His grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, known as Llywelyn the Last, extended the site with the outer ward, curtain walls and two new towers. Castell Cricieth stands on a rocky headland between two beaches and offers views across Cardigan Bay. At Dinas Emrys, the remains of a square tower and defensive walls attributed to the ancient princes of Gwynedd have been preserved.

Cymer Abbey is also one of the region’s historic points of reference. The Cistercian site was founded in 1198; extensive remains of its simple abbey church have survived. The Lloyd George Museum displays medals, paintings, pictures, historic documents, costumes and personal belongings. Another cultural layer is provided by the slate landscape in north-west Wales. It embodies a living cultural tradition that includes slate working and the continuing widespread use of the Welsh language. In 2021, this cultural landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Walking and trails

The range of walks extends from free leisure trails to long-distance routes. Gwynedd has easy-to-find, free-to-use leisure trails for walking and cycling. All routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa are challenging hikes. The Llanberis Path begins in the village of Llanberis and is one of the routes with the best public transport access to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. The Snowdonia Slate Trail is 83 miles long and divided into 13 sections.

Public transport connections are also explicitly mentioned at one of the starting points described: the bus service provides direct connections from Bangor, Caernarfon and Betws y Coed to a bus stop. Thus, alongside the characteristics of the trails, different ways of reaching the area are also central to regional orientation.

Trails, lake and activities

Padarn Country Park covers an area of 800 acres and has five themed trails through woodland, along the lakeshore and beside the industrial heritage. Activities mentioned in the park include climbing, orienteering, scuba diving, rowing, canoeing and sailing. The trails connect different landscapes with the history of industrial use, while the activities listed explore the lake and its surroundings from several perspectives.

Local impressions

Ffarm Moelyci is open to the public every day and offers walks on public footpaths as well as opportunities for wildlife observation. On the site, Blas Lôn Las, the small shop and café at Ffarm Moelyci, is open every day. Homemade and locally sourced food is offered, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

Other places in Gwynedd:Beddgelert, Llanbedr, Nefyn, Tywyn, Talsarnau, Porthmadog, Llanberis, Harlech, Dolgellau, Criccieth, Caernarfon, Ffestiniog, Barmouth, Bala, Aberdovey, Y Felinheli, Penrhyndeudraeth, Llanrug, Llanddeiniolen, Pennal, Pentir.

Dolbenmaen, Llangelynin, Deiniolen, Fairbourne, Llanaelhaearn, Pwllheli, Abergynolwyn, Mallwyd, Llwyngwril, Betws Garmon, Bangor, Clynnog-Fawr, Dinas-Mawddwy, Dinas, Llanllyfni, Groeslon, Abersoch, Llangian, Tregarth, Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Llandwrog, Llanbedrog, Bryncroes, Arthog, Aberllefenni, Waunfawr, Llanfachreth, Garndolbenmaen, Llannor, Rhiw, Llanarmon, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Aberangell, Llandderfel, Sarn Meyllteyrn, Llanegryn, Bethesda, Aberdaron, Ganllwyd, Penmorfa.

For the higher-level travel overview: Wales.