Inspiration
The Mabinogion Tales Made Easy....
The tales of the Mabinogion are over 1000 years old, they are the first reference to King Arthur and the earliest recorded British prose. It wasn’t until the 14th century that they were penned to paper; the origins being based upon story telling. They not only told tales of love, betrayal, mythology, politics and magical fantasies, but they promoted friendship and a code of moral conduct passed down from generation to generation. The 11 original tales have been compiled into 4 sections known as branches named: Pwyll, Branwen, Manawydan and Math and whilst the stories are bizzare, psychedelic and complicated, the key parts for each branch go something like this. Here are The Mabinogion Tales Made Easy: PWYLL, PRINCE OF DYFED Pwyll, whilst sitting on a mound which he has been told will either wound him or bring him something wonderful, sees Rhiannon riding over the hill on a white horse. Rhiannon has chosen for him…
The 14 Peaks of Snowdonia
There are 14 peaks in Wales over 3000 feet that can be visited in one single journey; a 24 mile stretch from Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to Foel Fras which along the way takes you through some of the most incredible and beautiful landscapes the world has to offer and known as the 14 peaks of Snowdonia. There are numerous ways in which to attempt the 14 peaks; from the 24 hour Welsh 3000 challenge where all 14 peaks are covered within a 24 hour time frame to completing the route a little more leisurely over 3 days, wild camping or staying at youth hostels along the way. The world record is an astonishing 4 hours 20 minutes. That said, most attempts are made northwards from Snowdon to Foel Fras and a popular starting point is from Pen Y Pass early in the morning with an ascent of the Miners’ or PYG track to the summit of…
Welsh Christmas And New Year Traditions
There are some great Welsh Christmas and New Year traditions. The ‘Mari Llwyd’ involves walking around the village with a horse’s skull on your head chanting rhymes. Another ancient custom, holming, ensured that the last one out of bed on Boxing Day was beaten with the prickles of a holly branch. A bit too ‘off the wall’ for our family if I’m honest. But here are some gentler traditions that you might want to adopt in your home this Christmas. NOSON GYFLAITH / TOFFE NIGHT In days gone by, Christmas Eve was known to many as Noson Gyflaith or toffee evening. Friends and family would gather for a celebratory meal, followed by singing, games and the making of the Christmas taffy (toffee). The base of all toffee follows a simple recipe of boiled sugar, water and butter but it’s the pulling of the toffee into long strands that makes taffy chewier and creamier than its English…
Halloween 2015...
If you’re lucky enough to be staying in one of our cottages over Halloween 2015, you’ll be pleased to know that Halloween Snowdonia Style does not have to involve standing around getting cold and wet watching your kids collect sweets! This is a place steeped in legend and myth so there is lots on offer – we have whittled it down to our top 5 which make for unique and exciting experiences you just won’t get anywhere else…… On the 29th, 30th and 31st October, The Ffestiniog Railway is running twilight railway trips where you board the train in fancy dress at 6pm and are taken into the mountains where you stop off in the dark woods for some fireworks and a little something to eat in the creepy cafe. Prices start from £11.60 for children and £17.50 for adults. Penryhn Castle just outside Bangor offers a range of activities including; The Penrhyn Castle Halloween Experience,…
Pant Du Cider
Autumn is on its way; there is morning dew on the slopes, crispness in the air, leaves changing colour and… apples falling off the trees left, right and centre! So the question is what to do with them all and from the ideas I’ve heard so far, making cider is one of the best! But if you’re not up for the challenge of making your own, you’ll be pleased to know that Snowdonia has its own brand of cider….Pant Du Cider. Based on the slopes of the Nantlle Valley, Snowdonia, the Pant Du Orchard was started in 2007. Of the 2900 trees planted, 2000 are traditional cider making apples and the remaining trees are made up of native Welsh varieties including Bardsey apples which have been planted in support of developing and securing the future of this near extinct variety from the Llyn Peninsula. There are 4 types of cider to choose from; decide on whether…
Caffi Castell Harlech Opens its doors!
The August bank holiday saw Caffi Castell Harlech open its doors to a great reception! The cafe is part of the fantastic new information center directly opposite Harlech Castle. With lots of glass and metal, this modern take on the old hotel works really well and has given Harlech a great injection of life. The cafe has been taken on by my good friend Freya. But this article isn’t biased, honest! It really is brilliant. Ask anyone. 😉 So what to expect from a visit to the new establishment? Firstly the views are quite simply breathtaking. Not only are you up close to an incredible view of the castle, but the surrounding Snowdonia landscape is stunning. The food is all based on good, wholesome home-cooked fare which, where possible, is all made from locally sourced produce. The star of the menu has to be the fish platter which is a delicious mix of shell on prawns,…
Festival No 6 Countdown...
“Welcome to a festival like no other, a bespoke banquet of music, arts and culture in the most stunning festival setting in the world.” It’s in the Daily Mail’s top 10 UK Festivals as well as being voted Best Festival and Most Unique Festival Site in 2014 and its 4th year is set to be better than the last. Portmierion is a very magical place in its own right, but with Festival No 6 in town that magic goes to another level. Belle and Sebastian, James Bay and Grace Jones are included in a lineup of over 500 music artists. Festival goers can also enjoy a ‘conversation with Steve Coogan’ or a Q&A session with award winning director Asif Kapadia and producer Mark Ronson following a screening of their award winning film ‘Amy’. Illuminated bands, parades and carnivals fill this most inspiring of venues with life and colour. Secret raves, pop up parties, foraging expeditions, children’s storytelling and stand up paddle boarding means…
Things To Do In Snowdonia When It Rains....
Before we start, it’s only fair to point out that it doesn’t actually rain in Wales as much as you might think. The west coast of Snowdonia in particular, fairs better weather wise, than most of the UK. Met office statistics show that the number of ‘wet days’ during the summer months is less than in England and when comparing ‘hours of sunshine’ the western coast of wales again, tends towards the top of the UK table. But you’re right of course, this isn’t Spain, and yes it might rain. So here is our line up of things to do in Snowdonia when the weather is less than perfect… Underground Adventures Like the treasures of London during the Blitz, you might want to seek refuge in some of the slate caverns of Blaenau Ffestiniog. In 1940, on the orders of Winston Churchill, Manod Quarry was used to store all the pictures from the National and Tate…
Cwmystradllyn, The Most Beautiful Valley in Wales?
Some people might try to persuade you that Cwm Pennat is the most beautiful valley in Wales. But we’d like to nominate her neighbour, Cwmystradllyn. Located in the Snowdonia National Park this picturesque valleys and place of serenity has not always been so quiet. In 1886, the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII) opened the Gorsedda Slate Quarry in the valley. The village of Treforys was built to house the quarrymen and consisted of 36 houses set in 3 streets. A sophisticated slate mill, Ynys Y Pandy, was also built to dress and finish the slate before being transported on a newly laid 3ft gauge tramway down to the harbour town of Porthmadog. But this flood of activity was short lived. After a short 20 years of excavation, the quarry was closed down as quality slate became more and more scarce. As the local paper reported, “everything that could facilitate the works was produced, nothing…
Byrdir Farm's New Self Catering Holiday Cottages
So Louise has finally hung up her oven gloves and the former Byrdir Farm B&B has now been renovated into 3 self-catering cottages. All three properties have been beautifully designed in line with the existing cottages on the farm; Nant and Moelfre offering a cosy, yet modern feel using the quirky features of the original cowsheds alongside a high spec interior. Whilst Louise’s breakfasts will be sorely missed, the stunning views across cardigan bay will certainly make up for it as will the fact that they are offering short breaks over the peak season. So lets see what Byrdir Farm’s New Self Catering Holiday Cottages have to offer…. TY-GWAIR-BYRDIR This open plan studio cottage has a double bed up in the ‘grogloft’ or eaves of the barn accessed via a fixed ladder. A lovely little kitchenette with fridge, combination oven and hob plus dishwasher is set against the back wall of the cottage. A luxurious leather sofa sits facing…
Nigel Mansell Opens Restaurant Near Barmouth
The 29th June 2015 saw the official opening of a brand new restaurant & bar, Nineteen.57 in Tal Y Bont, Barmouth. Having undergone a £700,000 refurb over the last 6 months the restaurant brings a fabulous fine dining experience to the area. A 40 cover restaurant offers a great bistro style menu and the bar light bites, a children’s menu & play park. To celebrate the opening, our headline ‘Nigel Mansell Opens Restaurant Near Barmouth’ gives the game away! Having been a regular visitor to the area for the last 58 years, he was more than happy to give his time for the opening. Guests included local residents and business owners who relaxed with a complimentary glass of prosecco and homemade canape’s whilst enjoying the sun and soaking up the atmosphere. If you want some pointers on the menu; its Mum’s homemade lasagne (Nigel’s favorite), the homemade slow roast shoulder of lamb and of course shepherds…
Bilberry Exchange Rate Is At An All Time High!
A bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a close relative to the blueberry but the difference being that the bilberry is smaller, more tart in flavour, has a red flesh and native to Europe whilst the blueberry is bigger, sweeter, has white flesh, and native to the America’s. They are delicious berries that make wonderful pies and tarts whilst also having great healing benefits for treating digestive and circulatory issues. Back in the day, they were a great source of income in the area for those who would head to the hills and pick bucket loads for market. Today, we still like to exchange our bilberry pickings, but instead of for money, we do it for ice cream….. Hufenfa’r Castell ice cream shop in Harlech make bilberry ice cream during the picking season and as it always sells out, they welcome fresh bilberries in exchange for ice cream. So once you’ve picked your punnet / bowl of bilberries,…
Snowdonia Gold Is Fit For A King
Since 1911, Welsh gold has been used to decorate the crowns and hands of the British Royal family. At the investiture of Edward 1 as Prince of Wales, his coronet, rod, ring, sword and robe all incorporated pure Welsh gold from North Wales. In 1923, the late Queen mother started another tradition by having her wedding bands crafted out of Welsh gold from the The Clogau Gold Mine in Bontddu. Some 88 years later, this tradition continues and this small village situated between Barmouth and Dolgellau in Snowdonia has been providing the gold for Royal wedding rings since including; Queen Elizabeth (1947), Princess Anne (1973), Princess Diana (1981), Prince Charles (1981 & 2005) and Camilla. More recently in 2011, from an ingot of gold given to the Queen on her 60th birthday from the Clogau mine, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding bands were made……you see Snowdonia gold is fit for a King! Sadly the…
Pick Your Own Mussels In Snowdonia!
If you have ever fancied trying your hand at collecting and cooking mussels, then a trip to Llandanwg beach just outside Harlech is where you need to go. Even if you do it just once in your life, it’s one of those things you wont forget. So come on, get involved and pick your own mussels in Snowdonia! YOU WILL NEED: A bucket 2 blunt knives A grill to put over the open fire A large pot to cook in An onion Garlic White Wine Cream (single or double) Wooden spoon firewood WHAT TO DO: COLLECTING Check the tide times. You need to collect mussels at low tide. Go to the furthest left hand side of Llandanwg beach where you will see lots of rocks. You need to make your way down to the waters edge to the rocks covered in black seaweed. The mussels hide under this black seaweed; both on the rocks and…
Whitewater Rafting In Snowdonia
Whitewater rafting comes up on many a bucket list and many of us think that in order to do experience it properly, we have to go far flung places across the world. Not the case. The National White Water Centre, located here in Snowdonia, is the only commercially rafted stretch of water in the UK. A mix of natural resources and dam controlled rapids, make it one of the best places in the world to enjoy the sport. Depending on what you are looking for in your whitewater experience, its all covered here…. the Tryweryn river mixes the intensity of an Olympic-grade whitewater course with a gentle journey through the Snowdonia National Park. The grade 3-4 rapids on the upper Tryweryn will offer you the full thrill of whitewater, but if admiring the beauty of the area is more you’re thing, you might be tempted by the grade 2-3 rapids on the lower part. However, if…
Dylans Restaurant Opens in Criccieth
North Wales’ top fish restaurant, Dylans opened the doors to its second establishment in May and it hasn’t disappointed. It is set in the stunning beach front Morannedd building, an art deco style building designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis; the visionary of Portmeirion Village. It’s a really beautiful experience; wonderfully cooked and presented fresh fish, incredible views through the surrounding floor to ceiling windows all bought together with a modern, rustic yet traditional interior – we love the menu’s! So what did we have…The Ffrwythau’ R MOR (welsh for Fruit De Mer) was out of this world, the whitebait was the best I’ve ever had, the crab cakes were a real hit and the oysters were so fresh they definitely deserve a mention. The Samphire is amazing – if you haven’t tried it before, this will be a good place to give it a go. All bread is baked daily on the premises and needless to…
How To Be Happy | The Answer Might Be in Snowdonia
50% of happiness is determined by our genes, 10% is from our circumstances, job, house, status etc, leaving the remaining 40% down to us to manage. Whats the secret? The chemical in our bodies that promotes happiness is dopamine and from our teenage years onwards, if we do not actively try to create it in our bodies, it will naturally decrease and not be reproduced. If you don’t use it, you loose it. How do we create it? There are 4 recognised ways in which to increase dopamine levels: Close Network. Having a close and supportive network of family and friends. Spending time with them is important and those that do tend to me much happier and fulfilled. New Experiences. Changing the way you do things or going on adventures is a high dopamine releaser. It could be as simple as a different running route every morning or the big adventure. But either way, variety being…
New Quadcopter Footage Shows Snowdonia At its Very Best
We’ve all heard that Snowdonia is a stunning part of the world, but its not until you actually see it can you believe how mesmerisingly beautiful the area is…. So Gwion has been out making use of his quadcopter to show some of our properties in all their glory. Where photos simply cannot capture the true beauty of the sweeping mountains and landscape, it is now possible to see the real Snowdonia with the use of Gwion’s new toy! New Quadcopter Footage Shows Snowdonia At its Very Best…enjoy! https://youtu.be/fhbW_suMfkM
Geocaching Snowdonia Style
An any day, any time adventure. Geocaching is a great way to explore new places. ‘Hidden treasures’ that have been concealed throughout the world (2 million in fact) have their locations and GPS coordinates logged onto a central geocaching website. Anyone can go onto the website, get the GPS locations and go hunting for treasure. All for free. So if you are trying to entice the kids out for a walk or looking for something to do when on holiday, geocahing is a great way to add a bit of adventure to the trip. Needless to say, there are lots of Geocache treasures here in North Wales. So if you want to give it a go, what better way to start than geocaching Snowdonia style!
5 Family Walks For The Easter Holidays
Walking in Snowdonia is a must when visiting, but not all of us are up for the full mountain experience, especially with children in tow. So we have put together 5 family walks for the Easter holidays that offer beautiful views along with a mix of terrain suitable for all ages and abilities….. BARMOUTH The Panorama Walk: This Barmouth classic that boasts 3 different walks; short (1.7Km), medium (7.1Km) and long (10.2Km). The views are totally breath taking when you look down the Mawddach Estuary from the gardens. You might want to take a picnic to sit and eat here as there is a bench for the adults and great stones that look like chairs for the kids! DOLGELLAU The Precipice Walk A 3 mile walk through the Nannau estate offers great views down the Mawddach Estuary and the principal mountain ranges of Snowdonia; there is not much climbing or descending involved and it is an…
