Snowdonia and the Snowdonia National Park is a big draw with over 40,000 walkers summiting the 1085m-high mountain each year. Mountain bikers also flock to the trail centre at Coed y Brenin, where they can ride over 140km of single-track trails through thick spruce and pine forest. On the Llŷn Peninsula, the country's most westerly point, also an AONB, you'll find some of the best sailing and surfing beaches in North Wales. Follow the 84-mile long Llŷn Coastal Path and you'll be walking in the footsteps of the early pilgrims, stumbling across hidden coves and taking in spectacular scenery. Ninety-five per cent of the Isle of Anglesey is an AONB and hosts a large section of the new All-Wales Coastal Path where you'll come across little bays, rocky coves, and rugged cliffs. Horse riders can indulge in a fast, furious, gallop along the long sandy beaches, when the tide is out. Wind and kite surfers love Rhosneigr, and Hollyhead Harbour is a popular sailing spot, especially for beginners. Towards the English border, the Clwydian Range, in the North Wales Borderlands is the third AONB. Offa's Dyke National Trail follows the 35-km long range south and is a must do for many walkers. Cycle route five of the national cycle network skirts the North Wales coast and a drive along the huge, flat, expanse of Talacre beach is another popular activity.
North Wales
North Wales is a magnet for outdoor travellers with climbers, walkers, sailors and surfers all making the long, but worthwhile, journey to Wales's north shore. Visitors are rewarded with high mountains, sheltered coves, dense woodland and no less than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
- Written by: David
