Snowdonia, located on the north-eastern edge of Snowdonia National Park, has experienced overcrowding in recent years. However, there are still areas in the village that remain calm and quiet. The village is conveniently situated just 23km from Snowdon, with its peak visible from almost every corner. Surrounded by towering mountains, Snowdonia creates a bubble of tranquillity, shielding visitors from the wind.
Despite the overcrowding issue, Snowdonia National Park still offers plenty of peaceful spots to explore. To assist visitors in finding these serene locations, AllTrails has developed a downloadable app. This app includes trail maps, along with photos, reviews, and user recordings from a community of over 50 million outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and trail runners.
Excited to test the app’s effectiveness, I joined a group on a mission to discover hidden gems over the next few days. AllTrails offers various filters, allowing users to sort trails by difficulty level, distance, accessibility, child-friendliness, and desired views. I’m particularly interested in the “trail usage” function, which helps filter out popular routes.
We began our adventure by tackling the challenging hike to the summit of Moel Siabod, Snowdon’s neighbor. Although the hike is only 7.5km in length, the elevation poses a significant challenge. Steep sections of the trail and the thin air made it difficult to catch our breath. Surprisingly, we encountered only three people along the way, despite Snowdonia’s popularity as a hiking destination.
Sheep seemed to outnumber humans, and their presence added a unique charm to the experience. We marveled at the fact that these animals had managed to make their way so far up the mountainside. As we reached the summit, we were greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of Snowdonia. Standing on the edge of the rocks, the sweeping park views seemed almost otherworldly, defying our expectations of the UK’s landscape.
The descent proved to be physically demanding, but we were distracted by the stunning scenery around us. After reaching the bottom, we rewarded ourselves with a quick pint at a charming village pub before enjoying a delicious dinner at the Pont-y-Pair Inn.
Our second day began with an invigorating morning kayak session at Llyn Padarn in Llanberis, a short drive through the National Park. The tranquil waters and picturesque views provided a soothing backdrop as we enjoyed the sport. Our instructor informed us that Llyn Padarn is one of a few lakes in the UK where you can find the Arctic Charr, a unique breed of freshwater fish.
After our kayaking adventure, we headed to Bryn Williams Porth Eirias, a beautiful beachside seafood restaurant in Colwyn Bay. The sound of rolling waves accompanied our meal of freshly caught fish, creating a serene ambiance.
Later on, we embarked on a mindfulness walk led by Davy Greenough, a local guide who specializes in guided meditations. The peaceful forest trail led us to Llyn y Parc, where we had the opportunity to meditate on the water’s edge. Davy shared how he started these walks as a means to combat the stress of his daily life, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being.
On our final day, we embarked on an easy walk to Llyn Elsi, a hidden lake in the heart of Gwydir Forest. The quietness of the forest and the absence of crowds allowed us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. The trail offered a diverse landscape, showcasing the mountains, forests, countryside, and charming villages of Wales.
Snowdonia truly provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With the help of the AllTrails app and a little exploration, visitors can discover these quiet corners of paradise. Plan your trip by staying at the Royal Oak Hotel and downloading the AllTrails app for a seamless hiking experience.
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