Llanberis & Beddgelert Tourist Information

Beddgelert in Wales UK

Beddgelert is a charming village with an interesting legend that gives it its name. Legend has it that in the 13th century Prince Llewellyn of North Wales had a palace at Beddgelert and one day went out hunting without Gelert, his faithful hound. On his return Gelert was unaccountably absent but then appeared smeared in blood as he joyfully greeted his master. Concerned the Prince looked in on his son and found his cot empty with the clothes and floor covered with blood. Frantic the Prince thrust his sword into the hound s side thinking he'd killed his heir. The dying yelp from Gelert was answered by a child's cry, Llewellyn searched and found his son unharmed but near him lay a wolf which Gelert had slain. The Prince is said never to have smiled again and buried Gelert in a grave which gives the village its name, Beddgelert. A charming legend, but there are suspicions this was borrowed by a local hotelier to up the image of Beddgelert! Either way, there is a nice stroll along the river and up to the grave with a ruined house with a statue of Gelert nearby.

Beddgelert claims to be the most beautiful village in Snowdonia and it certainly is pretty. The rhododendron has got away up the slopes of the mountain, but if you're not into conservation it makes a pretty spectacle when in flower. If you're not feeling like a hike up the many mountains in the area there are easy, paved walks alongside the river where you can see wagtails and dippers bouncing around the river. There are pubs, cafes, shops including art galleries and craft shops and a range of hotel and B&B accommodation.

An incredibly picturesque route from Beddgelert is down the Aberglaslyn Pass. This is a steep gorge with a fantastic rocky river flowing through the ancient wooded slopes. The bridge on the A4085 junction has a gorgeous, much photographed, view.

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Llanberis - Welsh Mining History

Llanberis is the veritable centre for Snowdon with some of the most popular paths leaving from here and the Snowdon Mountain Railway station just outside the town centre. At Padarn just outside the town of Llanberis, is a complex of visitor attractions including the Llanberis Lake Railway, Llyn Padarn, the National Slate Museum, Dolbadarn Castle and Padarn Country Park. Nearby you can explore Dinorwig Pumped Storage Hydro Station via the tour "Electric Mountain". Call 01286 870636 for booking information.

The Slate Museum is housed in impressive buildings that show what a fantastic material slate is with its mix of purple and grey colours. These were the workshops for Dinorwig Slate Quarries that was once the largest slate quarries in Europe. Machinery that was once part of everyday work here now punctuates the paths that link the terraces chiselled out of the hillside. You can hear the regular crowing of ravens that are now using the quarry as their home. There is a row of four quarrymen's houses that were rescued from demolition at Blaenau Ffestiniog and were reassembled stone by stone here. These have been decorated to reflect different periods of slate mining life.

Entrance is free!

Padarn Country Park has several walks all over the former quarry including lakeside walks through oak woodland that are now recolonising the discarded workings. Leaflets are available from the kiosk on site and there are a variety of interpretation boards with information about the area and its wildlife. Boat trips and watersports can be taken on Llyn Padarn. Both the lake and Coed Allt Wen, an ancient oak woodland, are protected wildlife sites. The Llanberis Lake Railway runs alongside the lake and can be taken from the Padarn complex. Nearby is Dolbadarn Castle, a very picturesque 13th century castle ruin that sits on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking Llyn Peris that has been painted by both Richard Wilson and Turner. There is open access to the castle across the road from a big car park before you reach the Slate Museum complex.

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Blaenau Ffestiniog - Slate Industrial Heritage

Blaenau Ffestiniog is not actually in the Snowdonia National Park which seems a bit of cultural snub. It was once the capital of the slate quarrying industry and the huge spoil mounds that are strangely awe-inspiring lay testament to that past industry. In contrast to the industrial feel to the town and its history, the area lies within the beautiful lush Vale of Ffestiniog cloaked in gorgeous moss-rich woodlands. The narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway links Blaenau Ffestiniog with Porthmadog on the coast. This is a spectacular ride as the line twists and turns its way through the countryside. At Tanybwlch Halt there is a nature trail through Coed Llyn Mair National Nature Reserve where there are fantastic views over the Vale of Ffestiniog and the woodlands that cover the steep hillsides in this area.

About a mile down the railway track from Blaenau Ffestiniog is Ffestiniog Power Station at Tanygrisiau. This was the first pumped storage station built for the CEGB and you can take an hour long tour to find out all about it. If you re there under your own steam, you can also drive up to Stwlan Dam visible throughout the Vale of Ffestiniog that holds back the upper reservoir. Check the website for up-to-date information.

Like the steam heritage railway, the main attractions at Blaenau Ffestiniog are all to do with the past slate mining. Llechwedd Slate Caverns is a major family tourist attraction where you can take the Miner's Tramway into the side of the mountain or the Deep Mine tour on Britain's steepest passenger railway. You're accompanied by an audio tour of a miner describing the working of the mine. There is also a reconstructed Victorian mining village with shops of the era and the Miners Arms pub. You can even buy slate based products as gifts. Llechwedd Slate Caverns are situated on the A470 between Blaenau Ffestiniog & Dolwyddelan.

The Mines are open every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Last tours into the Mines are 5.15 pm (March to September) and 4.15 pm (October to February).

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