Dolwyddelan

(see also: Betws-y-coed | Llanrwst | Trefriw)

Another village famous for its castle. Dolwyddelan Castle, a mountain stronghold of the Welsh princes, stands in a magnificent location deep in Snowdonia. 

It was built between about 1210 and 1240 by Llywelyn the Great, ruler of Snowdonia, to control a strategic pass through his mountainous kingdom. The core of the castle, the rectangular stone tower, was restored in Victorian times. It can be seen for miles around, standing proud on a ridge against the rugged backdrop of Moel Siabod. A visit to this solitary sentinel is worth it for the views alone - the sweeping mountain vistas visible from its battlements are truly stunning.