Snowdonia Summer Holiday Bucket List 2019

Snowdonia is bucket list heaven! With such a variety of things to do, we can cater for any type of summer holiday bucket list. Be it one that is adrenaline fuelled, one for those who enjoy driving, those who love a bit of history or for those who simply like to go to places. We have put together a list of things that we think are worthy of a place on a summer holiday bucket list – a mixture of wonderful and different things to do that will take you all around Snowdonia…

Mountain Bike in Coed Y Brenin

Coed Y Brenin is mountain biking mecca. A fantastic place for beginners and professionals alike. With 7 trails ranging from green to black, if you can ride a bike, there is something for everyone. If you’ve never been mountain biking before, then the easier trails give you a taste of what it’s like, taking you along trails that run through forests, waterfalls and gold mines. The black runs are not for the faint hearted and will give even the most experienced riders a run for their money.

Drive Through The Llanberis Pass

Having driven this road almost weekly over the years, it still amazes me of the impact it has when I drive it – it is breathtaking. With the mountains rising up either side of you and the small windy roads, if you love to drive, this is a route not to be missed. The piece de resistance is when you come down and see Llyn Gwynant – the picture perfect view is hard to beat. There is a carpark to the right just as you come down in to the lake which I strongly suggest you stop at and get your camera out.

Walk Along Whistling Sands Beach

Taking you a little bit out of Snowdonia and to the northern edge of the Llyn Peninsula, Whistling Sands is one of only 2 beaches in the world where the sand whistles as you walk along it. Due to the shape of the sand particles which are uniform quartz grains, when you walk it squeaks (known as whistling) underfoot. It is also a wonderful beach to spend the day on as there is a bay for swimming, a great rock pooling area for kids and a cafe on the beach.

Stargaze 

Snowdonia is a Dark Sky Reserve – one of only 13 places in the world that carries this prestigious title. So if you are with us this summer, make sure you make the time to lie back and study the night sky – the milky way can be crystal clear on some nights and if you are Anglesey way, you may even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights…

Jump From Elephant Rocks

Llyn Gwynant, is one of the most beautiful lakes there are in Snowdonia. As you lay back in the water, it is a magical feeling to looking up to the sky through the mountains. On the farside of Llyn Gwynant, there is a set of rocks, called Elephant Rocks that are famous for jumping off. A set of 3 different jumps, you can test your nerve as to how high you want to go. Whether you decide to swim out to them, paddleboard or kayak, the choice is yours, but you’ll be pleased as punch with yourself once you’ve done the jumps. A wetsuit is recommended.

Paddle Board Along The Mawddach Estuary

Paddle Boarding is very popular and great for all ages and abilities. If you haven’t done it before or simply want to have a go somewhere beautiful, then I would head down to Barmouth and enjoy a morning or afternoon with the lovely people SUP Barmouth. If you have ever driven from Barmouth to Dolgellau you’ll be familiar with the stunning views along the estuary and so to be able to enjoy those same views but from a paddleboard on the water makes it bucket list material. The estuary had very strong tides and so I would highly recommend going out with experienced people.

Walk Through Newborough Forest

There are not many dense and beautiful forests that lead on to white sandy beaches, but Newborough Forest in Anglesey does just that. Take the hour long walk along the forest track taking you through the forest and onto Llanddwyn Beach. Once on the beach, you’ll find Llanddwyn Island, home to St Dwynwen, the Welsh saint of love. There is a network of paths throughout the forest so if you prefer to drive through the forest and park at the beach and take a walk from there, you won’t be disappointed.

Caenarfon Castle

With over 800 castles throughout Wales, you are not short of places to go and get your history fix. But the one that stands out is Caernarfon. One of the greatest buildings of the middle ages, this royal fort is steeped in legend and stories of conflict. Its sheer size is so impressive and to this day, after 700 years it still remains a place of huge importance in history.

Take a Train Along The Cambrian Coast Line

Recognised as one of the most epic train journeys in the world, while you are here, why not take the train along the coast line one day instead of driving. A great day trip is from Pwllheli to Dovey (there are lots of places you can get on and off along the way if you don’t want to do the whole route) where you can sit back and enjoy a drink or two as you take in the view. There are some lovely places in Dovey to enjoy a bite to eat and enjoy a walk before you take your return journey back.

Tea and Scones

There is nothing better than indulging in tea and scones in the afternoon – its what holidays are all about. Llew Glas in Harlech are famed for having some of the best scones in the area. A quaint cafe, bustling with locals and fellow tourists, sitting back and taking in the tranquil pace of North Wales and enjoying delicious, home made scones freshly cooked that morning with fresh cream and jam!