Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park was opened on October 18th, 1951. It is a living and working area and covers over 823 miles of very diverse landscapes. It is also home to over 26,000 people and is the largest National Park in Wales. It is absolutely steeped in history and culture and half the population speak the local language of Cymraeg.

It is here in North Wales where there are some of the highest peaks south of Scotland. Whilst they are not on the scale of the Alps or the Himalayas, they still provide stunning and dramatic scenery everywhere you walk and 52% of the terrain here is covered by mountains.

As well as the mountains walking here also provides you with lakeland scenery, rushing rivers, woods or forests. It is easy to imagine back in the 13th century when Edward 1 invaded Wales and then built a slew of castles in order to hold on to his reign. The castles here, such as Beaumaris and Harlech and the town walls of Caernarvon and Conwy are considered to be some of the finest examples of military architecture in Europe. A wilder place back then, but even so Snowdonia is still considered to be fairly wild, especially its rugged landcapes of ridges and peaks!

The National Park's aims are to "conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, promote opportunities to understand and enjoy its special qualities; and to foster the economic and social well-being of its communities." Sounds like a great plan!