hello@plascolwyn.co.uk

01766 890 458

hello@plascolwyn.co.uk

01766 890 458

7 reasons why you should visit Beddgelert

The scenic village of Beddgelert is found at the heart of the Snowdonia area of Gwynedd, North Wales. Bordered by dramatic mountain landscapes, Beddgelert stands in a valley at the confluence of River Glaslyn and River Colwyn with the village centre just above. Despite being small, this idyllic village is full of character and is rich in history; no wonder it is becoming a popular destination amongst tourists! If that alone isn’t enough for you to rush and book your trip, here are 7 more reasons why you should visit Beddgelert.

1) WALKING

There are an exceptional 90 mountain peaks in the Snowdonia range and Snowdon itself has the highest point in England and Wales at a massive 1085m. Within 2 to 3 miles of Beddgelert, there are 6 routes up Snowdon as well as a vast variety of other incredible mountain walks. It is also within easy driving distance of Anglesey where magnificent coastlines and sandy beaches can be enjoyed if the striking mountains don’t take your fancy. There is no doubt that wherever you end up, you are guaranteed to be met with breath-taking scenery like nowhere else. So, whether you are a pro-hiker searching for a new challenge, or a family simply looking for a leisurely afternoon walk, you can be sure to find the perfect path for you when staying in Beddgelert.

2) Pubs, restaurants and cafes

After a long morning out in the countryside, there is not much better than stopping off at a great pub or café for a drink and delicious food. Snowdonia is renowned for its incredible pubs and you certainly won’t be short of options around Beddgelert. One place highly recommended is ‘Caffi Gwynant’ which serves incredible food with friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. As well as that, ‘Hebog Cafe & Bistro’ has an amazing menu and wonderful outdoor seating area, perfect when the sun’s out. Even better, it’s just seconds away from Plas Colwyn.

3) Adventure & Adrenaline

If you thrive off the dangerous, Snowdonia is packed full of activities that will set your soul on fire, there is no question of why it is recognised as the Adventure Capital of Europe. Deep in Snowdonia, just a drive away from Beddgelert, is the internationally acclaimed ‘Zip World Velocity’- The worlds fastest zipline that stretches over a rocky valley and above a crystal-clear lake. It includes a pair of zip lines a mile long, where riders can exceed 100mph, 500ft high and experience the nearest thing to flying. Zip World Titan opened in June 2014 at Llechwedd Slate Caverns, near the historic slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. This is the first 4 person zip line in Europe and the combination of Velocity and Titan makes North Wales the zip line capital of the world. Bounce below, junior bounce and Zip world caverns, three incredible underground adventures, are also located at Llechwedd Slate Caverns. 2016 brings an additional Zip World location to the map with the acquisition of Tree Top Adventure, now to be known as Zip world forest. With more adventures in the pipeline, Zip World is most definitely the ultimate destination for the Year of Adventure.

4) The Legend of Gelert

The folk tale of the faithful hound “Gelert” is often associated with the village of Beddgelert. According to legend, the stone monument in the field marks the resting place of Gelert, the faithful hound of the medieval Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Great. The story, as written on the tombstone reads: “In the 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without Gelert, ‘The Faithful Hound’, who was unaccountably absent. On Llewelyn’s return the truant, stained and smeared with blood, joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son, and saw the infant’s cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood. The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound’s side, thinking it had killed his heir. The dog’s dying yell was answered by a child’s cry. Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but nearby lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain. The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here“.  The site of Gelert’s grave has become a popular tourist attraction, visited by many each year. At just a short walk south of the village, you too could go and visit this legendary site.

5) Water Sport

With numerous inland lakes, and just a drive away from the spectacular coastline, Snowdonia provides endless opportunities for anyone who takes an interest in water sports. White water kayakers flock to the River Glaslyn for exhilarating white water adventure and gorgeous views. But, for a more peaceful ride, there are plenty of inland lakes, such as Llyn Gwynant where paddling and wild swimming can be enjoyed. Whatever it is you enjoy the most, if the water takes your fancy, you won’t have to look far here.

6) Wildlife & Nature

Immerse yourself in the rich nature found across the entirety of the North Welsh countryside. The Snowdonia countryside abounds in flora and fauna and is scattered with a variety of rare flowers such as the Snowdon Lily. Plas Colwyn is at the heart of this natural paradise so if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life in your town or city then this is the place for you

7) Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. But for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands alone. Here Edward and his military architect Master James of St George erected a castle, town walls and a quay all at the same time. The castle was born out of bitter war with Welsh princes. So of course its immense curtain walls and daunting King’s Gate were designed to withstand assault. But the polygonal towers, eagle statues and multi-coloured masonry sent a more subtle message. These echoed imperial Roman architecture, especially the walls of Constantinople. They also recalled the Welsh myth of Macsen Wledig, who dreamed of a great fort at the mouth of a river – ‘the fairest that man ever saw’. So Caernarfon is a castle of dreams. A legend brought to life. Even after 700 years it still stirs the imagination like no other Welsh castle. Along with a variety of other castles, Caernarfon is within a short drive away from the village of Beddgelert. If you’re looking to dive back into one of the most exciting periods of history, then this is certainly worth a visit.

As you can see, there are countless exciting trips and delicious places to eat, along with fascinating history and awe-inspiring landscapes all within, or just a drive away from Beddgelert. Staying in Plas Colwyn means you will be right in the midst of all the excitement yet simultaneously at the heart of the peaceful sanctuary of North Wales.

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