The North Wales coast begins on the Dee Estuary, an important feeding
ground for migrating birds, and continues through the seaside
towns of Prestatyn, Rhyl,
Colwyn Bay and Llandudno. Next comes the medieval town of Conwy
with its picturesque castle. As the coast becomes more scenic
with views towards Ynys Mon (Anglesey),
you reach the
university city
of Bangor, site of the oldest cathedral in continuous use in
Britain. Anglesey has many attractions of coast and
countryside, including Llanfair P.G.: the world-famous village
with the long name (Llanfairpwllgwyngyll-gogerychwyrndrobwllllant-ysiliogogogoch).
Continuing on the coast you reach Caernarfon with its
dominating castle, then down the Llyn peninsula to Aberdaron –
overlooking Ynys Enlli (Bardsey
Island), said to be the burial place of 20,000 saints.
From here the south coast of
Llyn
leads into
Cardigan Bay
through Pwllheli, Criccieth, Porthmadog, Harlech, Barmouth,
Tywyn and Aberdyfi where the river Dyfi forms the boundary with
South Wales.
The inland route leads to Llangollen (home of the
International Eisteddfod), where
Wales welcomes the world. It is also close to Wrexham, North
Wales’ largest town: a bustling and growing town with a wide
variety of retail stores. Another way is to follow the
Dee Valley to Corwen and take a trip into the agricultural Vale
of Clwyd with the historic market towns of Denbigh and Ruthin.
Returning to Corwen we can follow the Dee Valley to Bala:
location of the Wales’ largest lake.
An alternative route from Corwen is on the A5 across mooreland
into the
Conwy
Valley at Betws-y-Coed, a world famous inland resort, near the
market town of Llanrwst. Betws-y-Coed is the gateway to
Snowdonia. From here many routes lead into mountain passes, all
with spectacular views of lakes, valleys and mountains,
including mighty
Snowdon
itself –
Wales’
highest mountain.
If you are into serious mountain climbing; or steam trains; or
boating or fishing; or a traditional seaside resort; or
shopping; or if you simply want to enjoy some of the best
scenery anywhere – it is all here!
