North Wales is home to outstanding beauty and the breath-taking National Park of Eryri. Being the closest and most accessible part of Wales to the North of England it attracts many visitors year round. Filled with undulating hills, mountains and swimmable lakes, it is sure to bring life to your Welsh itinerary.
Aber falls– North Wales
One of my favourite trips this year and it is located in Eryri National Park in North Wales. This was due to the consistent golden aesthetic throughout the whole trail and although consistently autumnal, each twist and turn came with new terrain and eye catching landscape. As you trek towards Aber falls the motivation increases as you begin to see the falls from a distance. From then on the walk becomes magical as the cascading falls get larger, louder and closer.
The main falls are crashing and spectacular and are located next to a solid overhang where you can eat your lunch to the sounds of the water. You can also cross over a little wooden bridge and trail to the smaller waterfall through the fields and spot the distant mountains through the valley.
Flint-North Wales
Castle
A great day out as it starts with free parking, a rare occurrence when visiting sites of interest, and allows you to explore without time restrictions and ticket stress. You can also go inside the castle ruins for free. There are 4 small towers and a grass filled square area inside with short stacked stone remains. This is also the perfect starting point for the Flint Coastal Path.
Coastal Path
Stretching 3 miles you can venture from Flint all the way to Bagillit, but there is no pressure to go all the way as there are plenty of perfect spots to stop and enjoy. On route you will pass estuary’s beaming with wildlife that used to be thriving docks, misshapen banks from stormy erosion and even abandon boats making intriguing shapes in the horizon line.
Colwyn
Colwyn Bay
Driving to discover most parts of North Wales will lead you to the A55, where you will, undoubtedly, cast your eyes on Colwyn bay, I guarantee it. I cannot drive on this road without looking across in awe at the ocean and sand views that make you feel it cannot be the UK! The kind of scene that gives an instant endorphins boost and lures you in. Venture down into the bay and you will find shores of multi coloured rocks, close and distant views of charming Welsh towns and if you’re lucky, some seaside wildlife.
Conwy castle
Embedded within the small Welsh town of Colwyn, Colwyn castle is a great spectacle to gaze at from the walk in or you can buy a ticket to hike the walls and see inside. I opted to explore the quaint shops of the town itself and enjoy its views from the coastal walk there. You will cross a sizable suspension bridge and can then roam around, what used to be the castle grounds, to see smaller ruins and enjoy the sun.
Penrhyn Quarry
Once one of the largest slate quarries in the world and can offer quite the spectacle for the eyes. Situated on the outskirts of Eryri National Park and is now home to Zip world, where you can race down the quarry on gravity trikes or zipline 1555m over the 1.6km open-pit mine.
Anglesey-North Wales
South Stack- Holyhead
South stack is the picturesque lighthouse often used in promotions for Anglesey. This is for good reason as it is truly breathtaking and I’m not just referring to the strong sea winds. Taking Note of this, be careful visiting in the Winter as the wind is strong enough to make you stumble.
Right, back to the views! Scramble down the paths to reach the cliff’s edge where you can watch the turquoise waves crash against the rumble and rocks. Talk a stroll along the overhang and watch the crimson sunset merge with the distant clouds along the horizon. If you are feeling adventurous, amble down the 365 steps to get a closer look at the lighthouse itself or even purchase a ticket to explore the inside (closed in the winter).
Beach walks
As Anglesey is an island, there is ample opportunity for coastal strolls and beach days. I found that often along your track you may find other points of interest such as castle remnants and forests.
Longest town name in North Wales
This little Welsh Town is celebrated for its immensely long name of ‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch’ or known by the residents as ‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyll’. Have fun attempting to pronounce or ask the locals in the shops to help out. You can also get a fun picture near the signs at the train station.
Shanni’s Top Tips
1. Aber Falls has a lower and upper carpark. If you are paying via card, you will need to park in the upper car park or walk up there to get your ticket. There is a toilet.
2. Colwyn bay– The ocean will call you like it calls moana, but you cannot drive directly to the bay. Head for the town or marine to park and walk down.
3. Flint Castle– The towers are not always open. Check the website for up to date information.
4. When visiting these places I had a car, I do believe it would be rather difficult to access most of these places via public transport. However, you can get trains from Liverpool to Holyhead to see Anglesey.
5. South Stack lighthouse is closed for visitors in the winter, but you can still walk down most of the steps and take in the view. This was the case when I visited and it was still 10/10.
Read the best hike in Brecon Beacons (South Wales) HERE!
Read more blogs about the United Kingdom HERE!