Betws-y-coed

(see also: Llanrwst | Dolwyddelan | Trefriw)

BETWS-Y-COED is North Wales' most popular inland resort, where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the west, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno.

Pont y Pair, Betws-y-coed

The Snowdonia National Park Visitor Centre is at the Old Stables opposite the Royal Oak Hotel. As well as providing tourist information, the centre also has craft units and a spectacular video presentation of a trip by helicopter from Betws-y-Coed to the summit of Snowdon. Nearby is an interesting motor museum featuring a unique collection of vintage and thoroughbred cars.

Betws-y-Coed is situated on the picturesque Conwy Valley Railway line which runs from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog, well worth taking a ride on the train up to Blaenau just for the scenery. At the railway station is the Conwy Valley Railway Museum with a miniature railway, shop and buffet coach restaurant. The old 14th century church of St Michael's is one of the oldest in Wales and has much of interest. At the parish church of St Mary's, look out for performances by Welsh choirs on summer Sunday evenings. Of exceptional interest are the many bridges in the area.

Pont-y-Pair (the bridge of the cauldron), built in 1468, is buffeted by foaming water after heavy rain. A number of sign-posted walks in the surrounding countryside start near this bridge. A mile or so away is the Miner's Bridge, on the road to Capel Curig, where the miners crossed the river on a steep ladder to their work

A mile further on are the famous Swallow Falls, where the Llugwy river hurls itself into a spectacular chasm. Swallow Falls Thomas Telford's iron Waterloo Bridge built in 1815, which carries the A5 across the River Conwy, bears the cast iron inscription "This arch was constructed in the same year the battle of Waterloo was fought". Also worth visiting are the awesome Conwy Falls off the road to Pentrefoelas and the beautiful Fairy Glen off the A470 where the River Conwy flows through a narrow gorge.

Up in the hills at nearby Capel Garmon there is a celebrated cromlech; a 5,000 year old Neolithic burial chamber. There are also spectacular views of the mountains of Snowdonia from Capel Garmon.

Betws-y-Coed is a natural hub from which the roads, river and valleys radiate, making it the ideal base from which to explore the beauty and history of Snowdonia and North Wales. It has a wide choice of accommodation open throughout the year.

Local tourist association in Betws-y-Coed at www.betws-y-coed.co.uk

Capel Curig

At the very heart of the National Park, this rugged mountain village is the mecca for climbing and walking in Snowdonia. Ringed by the Glyders, Moel Siabod and the foothills of the Carneddau range, Capel Curig is the home of Plas-y-Brenin - the national centre for mountain activities. Also at Capel Curig is Ty Hyll (The Ugly House), so named because of the huge uneven boulders in its walls. It is now the home of the Snowdonia Society.