Local Towns and Villages

Penmachno  10.3 miles (route map) A beautiful hideaway village ringed by hills and forests - well worth seeking out. The most spectacular way to get to Penmachno is along the narrow mountain road from The Haybarn that suddenly plunges into the secluded Machno Valley ( If you do not have a head for heights there is an easier access from Betws-y-coed). The village, clustered around an 18th-century bridge over the Machno, has a church containing a noteworthy collection of early Christian burial stones. 

Penmachno is a fantastic centre for walking, riding and especially biking, with a network of beautiful scenic trails for all abilities in the Gwydyr Forest. Walkers can also head a few miles north to the beauty spot where the Machno and Conwy rivers meet in a series of dramatic waterfalls. The Conwy Falls are particularly spectacular, tumbling through a steep wooded gorge before flowing into the most beautiful Fairy Glen near Betws-y-coed. 

Beddgelert 13.6 miles (Route Map)

Beddgelert is undoubtedly one of Snowdonia's loveliest villages, picturesque and unspoiled, a place of legend, culture and history. Its stone built dwellings, inns and hotels are surrounded by the finest scenery in north Wales and ony 13 miles from The Haybarn. Wooded vales, rocky slopes and mountain lakes fill the surrounding countryside, and not forgetting the Ffestiniog and welsh highland railway station.

  • Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn wildlife  07834575008 Incredibly rare Ospreys can be viewed by telescope and live remote coverage. they have 24 hour protection 
  • Beddgelert bikes  01766890434  A leading mountain bike hire centre. Open all year round, hiring mountain bikes, tandems, child seats and trailers.Helmets/ Tool kits and trail maps are all included in the price. 
  • Summit to savour   07377081829  A guided outdoor adventure activity specialist. 
  • Ty Istf  01766890545 A National trust shop selling local produce, gifts and crafts 
  • Caffi gwynant   01766890855 Located in a renovated chapel serving breakfast lunch and afternoon tea
  • Beddgelert woodcraft 01766890586 Located near the river on the way to Gelert's Grave. An extensive range of carvings famous nationwide for being unique, including life-size hand carved native birds,, incense, musical instruments and ethnic crafts complete the range
  • Tanronnen Inn 01766890347 The Inn has long held a reputation for its high standard of cuisine and homely and cosy atmosphere
  • The Saracens head hotel 01766890329 Serving a large varied menu with all dishes cooked to order using local produce wherever possible. A great range of award winning traditional cask ales along side a selection of quality lagers. beers and wines. 

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Harlech 12.4 miles (Route Map)

A 'must see' little seaside town, not just for the untouched sandy beach backed by dunes and theatrically over looked by its clifftop Medieval castle, which is a Unesco world heritage site, but also fantastic walking. There is a stunning new visitors centre with state-of-the-art interpretation facilities, Royal St Davids golf club which is one of Wales top golf courses. Other attractions include craft shops, cafes and restaurants, a climbing wall over 30ft high. Taste Hufenfa castells delicious artisan ice cream, the list goes on.

  • Harlech castle 01766780552 The castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below. The rugged peaks of Snowdonia rise as a backdrop.
  • Harlech beach   Beautiful walks, perfect sand dunes, a big car park with toilets. Access the beach from a 440m path. The beach is ideal for children to play.A cafe and a shop near by. 
  • Llanfair Slate Caverns This is a self guided tour, so grab your torch and helmet (provided) and start your journey deep through the depths of the mountain.  
  • Childrens Farm Park  01766780247 All sorts of animals, goats, Shetland ponies furry rabbits, pigs lambs etc. There is an indoor play area with air cannons and a giant sandpit. outdoor go carts, tractors a mini digger, crazy golf and a large wooden castle. Picnic area and cafe at the slate caverns 200 yards away. 

  • Adrenalin Addicts  07930137994  An outdoor adventure provider. Adventures are tailored to your booking for a unique experience. Rock climbing, Kayaking, Coasterring etc. 

  • Hufenfa'r Castell  07810164547  Handcrafted Award winning ice cream made in Harlech.

  • Harlech leisure  01766780576  Has the most innovative and largest indoor climbing wall within the Snowdonia National park. The rock has over 400 m2 of climbing surfaces. there is also a swimming pool which starts at 0.9m up to 2.0m at the deep end. They also have a cafe.

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Betws-y-Coed 14.5 miles (Route Map)                                     

Betws-y-Coed is one of North Wales most popular villages. It is where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the West, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno. Much of the village was built in Victorian times and set within the beautiful valley in the Snowdonia Forest Park. There is plenty to see and do, whether it be activities, sight seeing or shopping. There is a large pay and display car park,with ample parking.

There are many fantastic walks, for instance walk to Shallow fall's or to Llyn Elis, starting behind St. Mary's church for breathtaking views ( more information on our Hidden lakes and waterfall page) or there is the beautiful and dramatic Gwydyr Forest, where mountain bikers ride the famous Marrin trail starting close by, which takes you through the heart of the forest. 

 There is an exceptional bridge built in 1468 which is buffed by foaming water after heavy rain.

At the railway station there is a Museum with a miniature railway, shop and restaurant. The old 14th century church of St Michael’s is one of the oldest in Wales and is worth viewing too. 

    • Trefriw Woollen Mill  01492640462  Welsh tapestry bedspreads, travel rugs and tweeds woven on site, plus garments accessories and soft furnishings.
    • Canine & Co  08432898098  Dog outfitters, dog deli and grooming products
    • Cotswold Outdoor ltd 01690710710  For all your outdoor clothing and equipment.
    • Joe Brown Shop 01286870327  An independent mountaineering and climbing shop.
    • Platform Galeri  01690733796 Art gallery
    • Village crafts   01690710604 gift and craft shop 
    • The log cabin  01690710468 Gift shop
    • The Vintage Alcove 07752194145 Antique store
    • FatFace 01690710715 Clothing store
    • Lechyd Da 01690710944 Delicatessen 

 

  • Betws y Coed Anglers Club 01690710143 Anglers club 
  • Beics Betws 01690710766 Bike and equipment hire, guided rides, bike service and REapi
  • Seren Ventures 01690710754  Outdoor activity organizer, providing adventure activities, outdoor skills courses and guided mountain walks. 

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Llanberis 30.7 miles (Route Map)

 Llanberis is at the foot of Snowdon and having a lakeside location. The village has many shops, cafes, bars and attractions and often a starting point for walking up Snowdon,with breathtaking scenery, a castle, two railways and a rich industrial heritage. It has lots of attractions to keep you busy for weeks. The Lakeside Padarn Country park, The National Slate Museum recalls Snowdonia's rich industrial heritage. Electric mountain with its high tech underground world. Dolbadarn Castle takes you back thousands of years to the time of Welsh princes. 

There are many adrenaline activities, the most popular of course being walking, with mountain paths and self guided Llanberis Heritage trails taking to fascinating places around the village.

Snowdon for all information about walking Snowdon ,trails and safety click Here

Snowdon mountain Railway  01286870223 Since 1896 visitors have been travelling to Llanberis to experience this unique rail journey to the summit of the highest mountain in Wales and England. it has been described as one of the most wonderful railway journeys in the world. 

Padarn Country Park  01286870892 The park is  800 acres and sits on the bank of Llyn Padarn. There are rare and ancient Sessile oaks, Birch, Mountain ash, Holly and Hazel. Bluebells in the spring. The lake is the 6th deepest in Wales and has swimming quality water. There is everthing here from Watersports to walking, wildlife to industrial heritage, woodlands with mountain views. Everyone is welcome here.  Parking, Ffordd brailsford way cycle route near by, sherpa bus stop nearby and Historical building/monument nearby.  

Llanberis Lake Railway 01286870549 Discover the timeless appeal of one of the great little trains of Wales. The steam train takes you on a five mile return journey alongside Lake Padarn. The journey takes you past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, across possibly Britain's shortest river and past Llanberis twin lakes. There is a short stop at Cei Llydan a beautiful tranquil place for a picnic. 

Dinorwic Quarry hospital  01286870892  Situated at the Slate museum. A museum housing restored ward, operating theatre and various gruesome 19th century hospital equipment.

Boudler Adventure Centre 01286870556 Established in 2003. The company operates from Bryn Du Mountain Centre Llanbesris and the Pararn watersport Centre. Great value adventures for groups. Activities include, Rock climbing, Abseiling, kayaking and Canoeing, Coasteering, Gorge Scrambling, Mountain Days, Canyoning and Raft Building. 

Odyn Copr  01286871366 Specializing in Enamelled jewellery, wood burning, flower pressing, screen printing, bead jewellery, heather products, courses and training

National Slate Museum 03001112333 Shadowed by the towering slate mountains and housed in the old industrial Victorian workshops. Attractions include a stunning introductory film 'To steal a mountain', daily slate splitting demonstrations by quarry craftsmen there is also a giant waterwheel the largest of its kind on mainland Britain. Wander through the quarry men's houses, call by the blacksmith at work, or take a look at the Hunslett Locomotive.