On a visit to Snowdonia you

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1 CAR FREE DAYS OUT

2 Snowdonia - one big adventure and so much more... On a visit to Snowdonia you can experience the best outdoor activities. If cycling, fishing, climbing or water activities are your thing it s all one big adventure, but while you re here why not take the time to enjoy the dramatic views and history of the region. The good news is - you don t need to get in the car to do it. From each of the four one big adventure centres; Antur Stiniog Downhill Mountain Bike Centre, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Prysor Angling, Trawsfynydd, Coed y Brenin Forest Park, Dolgellau and Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-llyn, Llanuwchllyn, Bala you can have great days out using public transport. We have put together five trips, but why not use our central map and to plan your own day. Journey times will vary depending on timetable. It is advisable to check journey times before travelling at Image credits: Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales: Cover, P2a,3,5,6a,7b,8b,9,10a,11b,12a Llechwedd Slate Caverns: P1a,1b (Paul Kay), Stephen Dawson, Geograph: P2b, Rikdom, Flickr: P4a,12b, The Pengwern: P4b, Deadmanjones, Flickr: P6b, Claire Willatt: 7a, Go Ape: P8a, Liz Dawson, Geograph: P10b, Peter Broster, Flickr: P11a

3 Slate of the Nation Huge fortunes were won and lost in the slate trade of the nineteenth century. During this period Llechwedd slate was shipped to destinations all over the world. 1 To start the day, take the X1 Express Motors bus from the Cross Foxes bus stop in Trawsfynydd to the Oakley Terrace bus stop on the A470 about 1½ km north of the Blaenau Ffestiniog town centre. Journey time: 35 minutes. The Slate Trail A visit to the Llechwedd Slate Caverns followed by a trip on the charming Ffestiniog Railway will allow you to trace the Slate Trail from the quarry in Blaenau Ffestiniog to the bustling town of Porthmadog, perched on the edge of the Afon Glaslyn estuary. Accommodation: The Llys Ednowain Hostel is a comfortable, reasonably priced option located in the lakeside village of Trawsfynydd 12km south of Blaenau Ffestiniog and 6km north of the famous Coed y Brenin mountain biking trails. Open all year and sleeping up to 20 people, this thoroughly modern hostel is an ideal base for exploring Snowdonia. Llechwedd Slate Caverns From the bus stop walk back down the main road for 200m, and then follow the entrance road into the Llechwedd Slate Caverns.

4 Llechwedd Slate Caverns: Descend nearly 500 feet underground in Europe s steepest mining cable railway and travel back 170 years to discover what life was like for a young miner. You can then lunch at Llechwedd Caverns Café or head back into Blaenau Ffestiniog. Walk back along the A470 into Blaenau Ffestiniog or alternatively catch the bus again at Tal-ywaenydd, Oakley Terrace, A470 - the X1 Express Motors service will take you down to the town railway station. Journey time: 25/10 mins. Tan y Bwlch Station Ffestiniog Railway: The 22 km train journey from mine to port takes you through some beautiful and spectacular landscape. The railway line clings to the side of the mountain and curves round tight bends (even a complete spiral at one point), allowing you a unique view of Snowdonia. Journey time: from 1hr 10mins. Tan y Bwlch & Woodland Walks: You can break your journey at the Tan y Bwlch station, a delightful stop off situated in the heart of the National Park woodland. Journey time: from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Tan y Bwlch: 30 mins. There are signposted walks accessible from the station, including a circuit that winds its way up through the Maentwrog woodland and a nature trail to the nearby lake of Llyn Mair. Llechwedd Slate Caverns

5 LLyn Mair The Tan y Bwlch Station Café (open from the start of March until the end of October) is the perfect place to refuel. trail wander down to the famous Cob, built to form the deep harbour from where great sailing ships carried the slate mined in Blaenau Ffestiniog to locations all over the world. To return to the Llys Ednowain Hostel, take the T2 bus from Porthmadog Station on the High Street. Journey time: 26mins. Useful Contacts: Llys Ednowain Hostel tel: Llechwedd Slate Caverns tel: Ffestiniog Railway tel: Suitably refreshed continue on your passage to Porthmadog. Journey time: Tan y Bwlch to Porthmadog: 40mins. Porthmadog has a bustling, traditional high street full of independent retailers. If you fancy tea here, there is plenty of quality food on offer from fish and chips to something more elaborate, the choice is yours. To finish your slate Dduallt, Ffestiniog Railway

6 Rhaeadr Cynfal 2 The River Trail Temperate Rain Forest This type of Atlantic woodland is often described as temperate rain forest due to the prevailing damp humid climate and associated abundance of ferns, lichens and rich growth of mosses and liverworts. Hidden away in the peaceful wooded valley of the Ceunant Cynfal National Nature Reserve is a dramatic gorge and waterfall. Spend a few hours exploring this lovely area on the outskirts of Llan Ffestiniog then head down to Dolgellau. Here you can hire a bike and ride along the famous Mawddach Cycle Trail which follows a disused railway along the southern edge of the beautiful Mawddach estuary. Accommodation: Stay at the award winning eco-friendly Bryn Elltyd Eco-Guest House, Tanygrisiau. To start the day, walk down to Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway station car park (3.5km/45mins). Take the X1 bus to Llan Ffestiniog, Peniel bus stop, Blaenau Road. Journey time: 7 minutes. The Cynfal Falls: This walk takes you through the wooded gorge carved by the Cynfal River to the spectacle of the Cynfal Falls. The full circuit is 5km (2-3hrs). A shorter trip to the waterfall and back is possible. Pont Afon Cynfal

7 Ty Siamas Start from The Pengwern in the centre of Llan Ffestiniog. Walk down the hill passing Meirion House on your left. Turn left through a small gate signed Rhaeadr Cynfal Falls and follow the path leftwards through open fields. Once you reach the woods a right hand fork will take you to the waterfall viewpoint. Retrace your steps from here, or for those wanting a longer walk, return to the main path and follow this rightwards down the river and over the bridge. Follow the footpath right through the fields and woodland above the river gorge for 2km. At the road turn right and after 120m turn right at a public footpath sign. Follow the path through woodland then up the hill staying left of the monument. At the main road turn right and follow it back into Llan Ffestiniog. Ceunant Cynfal Use OS Explorer OL 18 (Harlech, Porthmadog & Bala) Once back in Llan Ffestiniog take the X1 bus from the War Memorial bus stop to Dolgellau, Eldon Square. Journey time: 40 mins. Ty Siamas is the home of the National Centre for Welsh Folk Music and has an interactive exhibition on Welsh traditional music. Have lunch in the cafe.

8 Mawddach Estuary Mawddach Cycle Trail: This spectacular but easy ride follows an old railway line between Dolgellau and Barmouth. The 29km return trip takes about 2.5 hours. Hire a bike from Dolgellau Cycles. On Thursdays you can watch the Côr y Brynthoniad male voice choir rehearsing at Ysgol Y Moelwyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog at 7:30pm. On Fridays and Saturdays evenings call in for a drink at CellB Arts Centre in the old Police Building in Park Square (just off the High Street). Walk back to Tanygrisiau 3.5km. Journey time: 45 minutes. Once back in Dolgellau, take the T2 Lloyds coaches bus from Eldon Square to Maentwrog getting off at the Capel bus stop on the A487. Journey time: 33 minutes. Walk 60m along the A487 to the Rectory bus stop and then take the 1B Express Motors bus back to Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway Station. Journey time: 14 minutes. Useful Contacts: Bryn Elltyd Eco-Guest House tel: CellB Arts Centre tel: Dolgellau Cycles tel: Penamaenpool, Mawddach Trail

9 Enchanting Forests The forests and ancient woodland allow us to savour nature in its rawest form these are beautiful, peaceful places, but they are also places where adventure and fun can be had. 3 The Forest Trail The vast, sprawling forest of Coed y Brenin is best known for its mountain bike trails but you can also explore its many treasures on foot. There is an exciting tree top rope course here too. Later on take a stroll through the delightful Glyn Aran woods above Dolgellau. Accommodation: Stay at Gelli Goch Holiday Cottages. These eco-friendly converted farm buildings have full height sloping windows which connect the inside of the property with the beautiful surroundings outside. A light and airy feel prevails throughout the living areas, yet the bedrooms are comfortable and cosy. The location could not be more idyllic: a glade of woodland in a Special Area of Conservation with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. From Gelli Goch it is only a 1.5km walk to the Forestry Commission Visitor Centre at Coed y Brenin. Coed y Brenin Coed y Brenin: Here you can hire bikes and tackle one of the superb bike trails. There are single-track

10 trails and forest road trails to suit all levels of experience and fitness. More fun and excitement can be had on the Go Ape high ropes course take a swing through the trees on courses specifically designed for adults or kids. Those looking for a more relaxing time can explore the forest on one of the many walking trails or test their map reading skills on an orienteering course. For more details on these ask at the Visitor Centre. Take the X35 Express Motors bus to Dolgellau from the Coed y Brenin Car Park. Journey time: 18 mins. Go Ape Lunch in Dolgellau then visit the Quaker Museum at the Information Centre, Eldon Square. In 1657, George Fox, founder of the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends), came to Dolgellau to preach. Learn about the history of Quakerism in the area and their emigration to Pennsylvania. Glyn Aran Walk: This pleasant circular walk, starting in the centre of Dolgellau, takes you along the wooded glen of River Aran and affords scenic views of both the town and the northern slopes of the Cader Idris mountain range. The walk follows a fairly steep track before joining a country road and then descending across fields back into town. This is a 4km walk taking approximately 1-2 hours and is enjoyable at any time of the year. Dolgellau, Glyn Aran & Cadair Idris,

11 Eldon Square, Dolgellau From the centre of Dolgellau, go over Aran Bridge, turn right and follow the stream. Take the right hand fork at the tannery, and follow the rather steep track uphill. an iron gate in a stone wall. The path then leads you back down into Dolgellau, with excellent views of the little market town. Take the T2 bus from Dolgellau Eldon Square back to Gelli Goch cottages, alight at the Bronaber Gelli Goch stop on the A470. Journey time: 15 mins Useful Contacts: Gelli Goch Holiday Cottages Tel: Quaker Museum Tel: Coed y Brenin Tel: At Plas y Brithdir join the metalled road which climbs steeply through the wooded Aran gorge. At the top of the hill, follow the road to the right over the cattle grid. Continue on the metalled road to the stone bridge, then turn immediately right into a field and follow the path down across the field, bearing left to pass through Glyn Aran Use OS Explorer OL 23 (Cadair Idris and Llyn Tegid)

12 Barmouth/Abermaw 4 The Coastal Trail The Mawddach estuary is a sublimely beautiful place where nature can be seen and heard all around. The seaside town of Barmouth, at the mouth of the estuary, provides many pleasing distractions for the curious visitor. Take the 99 Express Motors bus to Porthmadog High Street. Journey time: 7 mins. Walk to the Railway Station and take the Cambrian Line train to Morfa Mawddach. Journey time: 58 mins. Walk 100m along the access road to the station to the entrance of Arthog Bog. Arthog Bog: This small RSPB wetland reserve is a great place to see weird and wonderful plants, flowers, butterflies and birds. The visitor trail crosses the reserve and links in with the Mawddach Cycle Trail. Sturdy footwear is The Coastal Fringe Where the Mawddach River meets the deep blue sea water of Cardigan Bay this is the coastal fringe of Wales, as picturesque and enchanting as you could wish. Accommodation: Greenacres Holiday Park, Black Rock Sands, Morfa Bychan. The park is set in a pretty location between Black Rock Sands and Snowdonia s glorious woods and mountains. It has touring facilities, as well as its own caravans.. Arthog Bog

13 recommended. The site is open all year round, and there are no entrance charges. From the reserve walk along the Mawddach Trail and across the spectacular Barmouth Bridge into Barmouth (1.5km). Barmouth: This delightful seaside town has much to offer. With its charming harbour and expansive beach, it is a splendid place to while away the afternoon. The old town is also well worth a visit, be sure to check out its steep steps and slate-roofed cottages perched on the hillside above. Dragon Theatre Take the train from Barmouth back to Porthmadog. Journey time: 55 mins. Then catch the 99 Express Motors bus back from Porthmadog High Street to Greenacres Holiday Park. Journey time: 8 mins. Useful Contacts Greenacres Holiday Park tel: Arthog Bog tel: Dragon Theatre tel: If you have time, visit the Dragon Theatre; this community centre hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Barmouth Bridge

14 Lakeside ambience Llyn Tegid is the largest natural lake in Wales. Its scale and beauty is much celebrated. At its northern head is Bala, an attractive market town steeped in history and culture. 5 The Lake Trail Take a trip on the Bala Lake Railway and soak up the attractive scenery surrounding Llyn Tegid. Once in Bala go on the Craig y Fron walk, which takes you on an absorbing circuit above the old market town. Accommodation: Stay at Gelli Goch Holiday Cottages. These eco-friendly converted farm buildings have an idyllic location with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Take the x1 Express Motors bus from Bronaber stop on the A470 to Llanelltyd, Cymer Abbey on the A470. Journey time: 11 mins. Then take the x94 Arriva bus to Llanuwchllyn, Station Road. Journey time: 37 mins. Bala Lake Railway: The lakeside journey from Llanuwchllyn to Bala on the 2ft narrow gauge steam train gives excellent views of Llyn Tegid and the surrounding landscape. Llanuwchllyn Station

15 Craig y Fron Walk: 6km / 2-3hrs. This is a fairly easy walk with interesting views of Bala and the mountain ranges beyond. From the station follow the path onto the main road and cross the bridge over the River Dee at the mouth of the lake. Continue along the road then take the left hand fork and shortly after branch off left and trace the lakeside path round to the Llyn Tegid car park. fence and grassy lane back towards the town. Walk down the high street towards the lake but turn left by the cinema and follow a trail out to the lakeside path, retracing your steps to the train station. Take the Bala Lake Railway from Bala back to Llanuwchllyn. Journey time: 25 mins. Then take the Arriva x94 bus back to Dolgellau, Ysgol y Gader, Arran Road (Journey time: 20 mins) and then the T2 Express Motors bus back to Gelli Goch, Bronaber. Journey time: 27 mins Useful Contacts: Gelli Goch Holiday Cottages tel: Bala Lake Railway tel: Turn right and follow the main road towards Bala for 150m and take the left turn towards the Golf Course. Follow the road over the hill, pass the Golf Club entrance, and take the track on the right to Hendre-ddu. Pass a house and kennels keeping to the right of the fence. Continue past a ruin to the disused Craig y Fron quarry. Cross the stile and follow the Craig y Fron Use OS Explorer OL 23 (Cadair Idris and Llyn Tegid)

16 Llys Ednowain Hostel Trawsfynydd Bryn Elltyd Eco-Guest House Tanygrisiau Diwrnodau allan heb y car : Car Free Days Out Llwybr y Llechi Llwybr y Goedwig Llwybr y Llyn The Slate Trail The Forest Trail The Lake Trail Llwybr yr Afon The River Trail Llwybr yr Arfordir The Coastal Trail Gelli Goch Holiday Cottages Trawsfynydd Greenacres Holiday Park Porthmadog Eryri - un antur fawr Antur Stiniog Blaenau Ffestiniog Coed-y-Brenin Dolgellau Pysgota Prysor Trawsfynydd Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-llyn Llanuwchllyn, Bala Snowdonia - one big adventure Antur Stiniog Blaenau Ffestiniog Coed-y-Brenin Dolgellau Prysor Angling Trawsfynydd Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-llyn Llanuwchllyn, Bala Yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth â Chyngor Gwynedd, Partneriaeth Twristiaeth Canolbarth Cymru, Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Cymdeithas Pysgota Prysor, Antur Stiniog, Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri a r Awdurdod Datgomisiynu Niwclear. Working in partnership with Gwynedd Council, Tourism Partnership Mid Wales, Natural Resources Wales, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Prysor Angling Association, Antur Stiniog, Snowdonia National Park Authority and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. TraCC Trafnidiaeth C anolbarth Cymru Mid Wales Transportation

17 Betws y Coed Beddgelert Blaenau Ffestiniog Antur Stiniog Ffestiniog Pwllheli Criccieth Porthmadog Pysgota Prysor Angling Trawsfynydd Bala Harlech Coed y Brenin Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-llyn Bangor Cyffordd Llandudno Junction Abermaw Barmouth Dolgellau Fairbourne