Discovering the vertiginous landscape of Snowdonia

Starting in lush pastures

This itinerary began in the tranquil and rolling landscape of the Berwyn hills, at the rural Affiliated Site of Gaer Hyfryd. It's a stone throw from the A5 trunk road, yet a world apart from the stress and strains for 21st century life.

It's easy to acclimatise to a slower pace of life, in the lush surroundings of this idyllic location. There's a lovely farm shop and bistro that you must try called the Rhug Estate Organic Farm, just a short walk from the site. This is one for the largest organic farms in the UK, if your trip leads you here you'll be bound to enjoy a memorable foodie experience with fresh, organic, local Welsh products.

Snow wonder

Climbing steadily north east is the superb CL at Tyn Rhos Farm which is at an elevated position for panoramic views of Snowdonia.

A ride on the mountain railway is a must for steam train enthusiasts. The area is also establishing something of a reputation for adrenaline junkies. Here you’ll find downhill mountain bike trails at the Antur Stiniog centre, as well as vertiginous zip wire rides and an amazing underground trampolining experience at Zip World.

Grab some tapas at Betws

Riverside Touring Park is an immaculate site in the superb location just a short walk from the centre of the busting Snowdonia town of Betws-y-Coed.

Betws is the self-styled gateway to Snowdonia; a pleasant little town and busy year-round, largely because it’s simply a great base from which to explore the whole of the National Park. Betws itself is replete with shops and eateries, including OLIF which is a beautiful tapas bar overlooking the river in the centre of Betws.

Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls

Eirianws Farm Certificate Location sits on an elevated perch, a few miles outside the atmospheric old port of Conwy. Picturesque waterfalls are plentiful in this area, with fairy Glen, Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls some of the prettiest. Explore the woodland footpaths and you’ll discover more delightful cascades and prime picnic locations.

Enjoy a lovely rural location just a few minutes’ drive form the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden – a beautiful attraction boasting lawns, wildflower meadows and a multitude of plants from all over the world.

Beaumaris Castle at Conwy

Cae Mawr Club Site is a quiet and relaxed site, a perfect break away from the hustle and bustle. Explore the grounds by foot or on a bike and get back to nature at this spacious, basic-facility site by the popular eastern coast of Anglesey and look out for rare red squirrels!

Conwy and Llandudno, the Victorian resort on the other side of the estuary is both glorious and worthy of an extended stay in the area. The huge Beaumaris Castle at Conwy takes at least half a day to explore and then there are the delights of the town itself.

Rare bird watching sights at Puffin Island

Penrhos Club Site is an intimate site near the resort of Benllech with some elevated pitches offering amazing views of Snowdonia.

The stunning castle of Beaumaris is five miles along Anglesey’s south east coast, while further on is the evocative Trwyn Du Lighthouse on an outcrop of headland. Just a few hundred yards offshore lies Puffin Island. As a Special Protection Area, the island is a safe home to the likes of great cormorants, razorbills and kittiwakes as we as around 300 eponymous puffins.

Ending at the sandy seaside town of Lon Eifion

Rhosboeth is another top CL with a choice of grass and hardstanding pitches, plus a shower and toilet block within easy walking distance to the beach.

There’s an abundance of welcoming pubs and country inns serving superb local produce. A beautiful cycling route runs from Lon Eifion to Caernafon which is the perfect way to explore this lovely seaside town. Starting near spectacular Caenarfon Castle, Caernarfon to Bryncir runs beside the Welsh Highland Railway and offers scenic views of the coast and Snowdonia.