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Content

Information Centres 4-5

Enjoying Snowdonia Safely 6-8

Discovering Snowdonia 9-22

SNPA Contact Details 23-27

Things to Do 28-33

Caring for Snowdonia 34-40

Kids Corner 41-44

Events 45-48

Questionnaire 49-51

For a large print version or audio CD of this magazine contact our

Headquarters at Penrhyndeudraeth or one of our Information

Centres. It is also available in large print on our website.

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Welcome

I’m sure many of you are looking forward to getting out and about this

summer after one of our coldest winters for some time. The focus in

this edition of Eryri 2010-11 is about how you can enjoy the beauty of

Eryri in such a way that you do not damage the special qualities that

attract visitors to the Park in the first place.

Each year we become more aware that our climate is changing and

how much this will affect the native plants and animals that we see all

around us. Eryri attracts millions of visitors each year. Most visitors

come to Eryri by car and then travel around by car. What we’d like

you to consider is to leave your car at your hotel or camp site and use

the railway, bus service or your bike to travel to and from your

destination. To help you to consider the options available you’ll find

inside Eryri 2010-11 information about more sustainable travel

arrangements. Eryri 2010-11 also includes information about the

paths that are accessible to wheelchair users.

Last year was a very special year. The Authority opened Hafod Eryri -

its new visitor centre on the summit of Snowdon. In this edition we

have information about this new building as well as the attractions

you will discover in the important historic town of Dolgellau which

nestles at the foot of Cader Idris.

Aneurin Phillips, SNPA Chief Executive

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Information Centres

Just arrived and no idea where to stay, what to do or where to

go? Why don’t you call in at one of our Information Centres?

You are sure to receive all the information you will need to enjoy

Snowdonia to the full.

Our friendly staff have excellent local knowledge – they can help you

find accommodation, things to do, places to eat and shop as well as

advise you on leisure opportunities in the area. We also stock a wide

range of maps and books, as well as locally produced souvenirs.

Beddgelert

• A picturesque village in the heart of the National Park

• Home of the famous tale of Gelert the Loyal Dog

Harlech

• One of Wales’ most beautiful beaches

• Magnificent castle

Aberdyfi

• Picturesque seaside village

• Beautiful beach and plenty of watersports

Betws y Coed

• Plenty of walks and mountain bike routes

• A historic stage coach stop on the journey from London to

Holyhead

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Dolgellau

• An historic market town in the foothills of Cader Idris

• Coed y Brenin Mountain Bike Centre nearby

Looking for gifts and souvenirs with a difference? Support small

businesses and buy locally produced art and crafts. Our Information

Centres in Betws y Coed and Beddgelert stock a wide range of crafts

of all shapes and forms…

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Safety

Snowdon Guides

It was Thomas Pennants’ ‘Journey to Snowdon’ published in 1781

that inspired the tourism industry in Snowdonia. As more and more

people visited the area local men realised that they could earn a few

pennies by guiding visitors up Snowdon and other mountains in

Snowdonia.

Most of the guides were quarrymen or miners who undertook their

work as guides on a part time basis - many of whom had moved to

the area to work and therefore had quite limited local knowledge.

However, there were many guides who were specialists on subjects

such as botany, geology and local history and their service was very

much sought after.

The golden age of the Snowdon guides slowly came to an end when

the Snowdon Mountain Railway started taking visitors up the

mountain. And as guidebooks and maps became more available the

demand for the services of a guide by those who wanted to walk up

the mountain became less and less.

In an ever changing world…the mountains are as dangerous as

ever…

Today, the guidebooks are slowly gathering dust on the shelves while

everyone turns to the internet for advice. As the highways and

motorways develop, the enticing mountains of Snowdonia become

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closer, and more and more people come to venture up its highest

peaks; and in the midst of all the pre-ascent rush and excitement

more often than not, all sense and reason goes out of the window.

Climbing Snowdonia’s high peaks is not child’s play. The mountains

may look beautiful, but they are extremely dangerous. Follow the

advice below before venturing out:

Wear strong walking boots with a good tread. You should wear warm

clothes and take an extra layer of clothing, and a waterproof and

windproof coat with you.

Carry a pair of gloves and a hat, a torch and whistle, and a survival

bag and first aid kit. Take a fully charged mobile phone and a map

and compass and know how to use them. You should take plenty of

food and drink – if you get into trouble in the mountains it could take

hours for help to arrive.

Plan your route carefully – remember that reaching the summit is

only half the battle – coming down can be more difficult than going

up. Make sure that the route suits the fitness of the weakest member

of your group.

Check the weather forecast before you set out – weather in the

mountains is far more extreme than the valleys below. Winds can

reach hurricane force, and temperatures can plummet below

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freezing. If the weather worsens – don’t be afraid to turn back – the

mountain isn’t going anywhere!

Tell a responsible person about your plans – which route you plan to

walk and what time you expect to be back. Remember to let that

person know as soon as possible that you are back safely, or if your

plans change.

Snowdonia’s Voluntary Wardens

The SNPA Warden and Access Service has a dedicated team of

individuals who give their time to patrol footpaths and advise

walkers in the National Park.

John Lloyd Roberts MBE has been a voluntary warden with the

Snowdonia National Park Authority for 45 years, and turning 95 years

old this summer he continues to patrol his patch in the north east

area of the Carneddau. He is known locally as the ‘mountain police’

and by working closely with the North Wales Police John has

prevented hundreds of scramblers from destroying the landscape and

the tranquillity of the countryside in his area. John knows his area like

the back of his hand and is always willing to share with walkers his

vast knowledge about the paths, wildlife and history of his area – he

truly is a valuable asset to the Authority. Thank you John and keep

up the good work!

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Discovering Snowdonia

Foel Ispri Path

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mawddach estuary from one of

Wales’ highest vantage points which is accessible to

wheelchairs.

The path

Location: Foel Ispri (near Llanelltyd, Dolgellau)

Relevant map: OS Explorer OL 18

Grid reference: SH 698 200

Facilities: Limited parking, accessible picnic bench, bench

Access: Approx. 300m of path suitable for wheelchair

users. The path continues from the end of the

accessible path but it is not suitable for

wheelchairs. Use the relevant OS map if you are

intending to go further.

Friendly advice: The road from the main road to Foel Ispri is

extremely narrow with steep slopes in places. There are very few

passing places, so you need to be a confident enough driver to

reverse along very narrow lengths of road should you need to do so.

Local Access Forums in Snowdonia

In May 2005 Part One of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act

2000 was implemented in Wales. It gave the public the right to walk

on land designated as “Open Country”*.

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The act required the Snowdonia National Park Authority to establish

at least one Local Access Forum to advise the Authority and other

organisations on how to improve access in Snowdonia. In April 2002

the Authority established two Local Access Forums – one to cover

the north of the Park and the other (jointly with Gwynedd Council) to

cover the south.

Over the years the Forums have advised on numerous initiatives and

projects which have improved access to Snowdonia’s countryside -

accessible paths, cycle paths and public footpath improvements to

name but a few. One of the most recent projects in which the

Southern Forum has been involved is the development of part of this

path on Foel Ispri for wheelchair users.

*You can check which land has been designated as “Open Country”

by looking at an OS Explorer map or by visiting the CCW’s website

www.ccw.gov.uk .

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Bryn y Castell, Ffestiniog

How about a walk to see the remains of an Iron Age Hill Fort?

From there you can enjoy stunning views of the Dwyryd valley

and the Moelwynion, or take a step back in time and imagine

how life would have been here almost 2000 years ago…

The walk

Starting point: Rhaeadr y Cwm Car Park, off the B4391

Relevant map: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL 18

Grid reference: SH 735 418

Length of walk: Approx. 3 miles/5 kilometres

Time: Approx 3-4 hours

Facilities: Car park

Standard of path

• Some steep sections.

• The walk leads over marsh land.

• There are bridgeless streams to cross.

• Parts of the walk lead over open country.

• Some sections with no path definition.

Useful information

• Wear comfortable walking boots with a good tread and ankle

support. For your own comfort during the walk you should wear

waterproof shoes.

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• Wear warm and comfortable clothes. Take a waterproof coat with

you if there is any chance of rain, or sunscreen and plenty of water

if it is a sunny day.

• Take the relevant OS map and a compass with you on your walk

and know how to use them.

• This area is renowned for its fog! You are advised not to walk the

route if it is foggy as you could quite easily get lost.

• For more detailed information about this walk go to the Enjoying,

Walking section of our website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

• Public transport – there is no public transport to the start of the

walk. You can take the bus to the village of Llan Ffestiniog which is

around 2.5 miles away. The bus service numbers which pass

through the village are 1B, 3, 35, X1. To find out where you can

obtain bus timetables go to page 36.

Bryn y Castell

This little hill-fort in the Ffestiniog area dates back to the late Iron Age

in Britain, almost 2000 years ago!

Between 1979 and 1985 students from Plas Tan y Bwlch – the

National Park’s Environmental Studies Centre at Maentwrog, spent

four or five weeks each year excavating this little fort, which was then

partially reconstructed. A great deal was learnt about the site as a

result of the excavation work.

The main activity at this site was the production of iron from bog ore –

more than a ton of slag waste was discovered at the site. A smelting

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furnace was also found, and a variety of stone tools for working the

iron – tools such as an anvil, hammers and sharpening and polishing

tools. Other items were also found – decorated glass bangles, game

boards and black and white game pieces. Items from the site are

today on display at Plas Tan y Bwlch.

The remains of two hut circles were excavated within the fort, the

walls of which would have been built from stakes, woven together

with wicker. This was an important discovery as they were the first of

their kind to be discovered in Snowdonia. Also within the fort you will

see a snail-shaped structure. This was the smithy where the iron was

refined – it is thought that the snail-shape improved ventilation within

the building.

Want to know more about this special site? Go to the Visiting section

on our website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk , and click on Walking.

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The “Old A5”, Capel Curig

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of

Dyffryn Ogwen and its diverse landscape - from striking views of

Tryfan and Pen yr Ole Wen towering over Llyn Ogwen, to the

bare hills of Moel Eilio and Moel Siabod.

Useful information

Starting point: Capel Curig car park (off the A4086)

Relevant map: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL 17

Grid reference: SH 720 583

Length of path: Approx. 3.7 miles/6 kilometers (one way)

Facilities: Car park, public toilet, shops and café

nearby.

Public transport: Bus service no S2 and S6 go through the

village of Capel Curig. To find out where

you can obtain bus timetables go to page

25.

Standard of path

• A former coach road with some slopes along the way.

• The path surface varies from crushed slate to a grass track.

• The path can become wet and muddy in places.

• The path is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

• The path is not promoted as an accessible path, but some mobility

scooters are able to follow the path without much difficulty – at the

discretion of the user.

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Revival of the old A5 road

When Thomas Telford built the A5 through Snowdonia to link London

with Holyhead, and Ireland, the old coach road from Capel Curig

through Dyffryn Ogwen became redundant. For many years it was

used by off-road vehicles, and gradually became water logged,

potholed, and difficult to use.

In 2006 the National Park Authority brought together a number of

organisations involved in access and conservation, and agreement

was reached to drain and resurface the track. Six kilometres of the

route is now available for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders

only. It runs between the National Park car park in Capel Curig and

Glan Dena in the Ogwen valley.

The high conservation value of the surrounding land meant that the

work had to be done very sensitively. A local contractor and the

Authority’s own footpath teams took care that the land was not

damaged and that the path kept its character: look out for the original

bridges, which were carefully put back together…

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The old Rhosydd Slate Quarry

Wandering around this old quarry can be quite an eerie

experience, but can also be quite enlightening. At one time the

sound of hammers and chisels echoed through the place, but

today there is nothing but silence, broken now and then by the

cry of a raven, buzzard or chough.

How to get there:

From Croesor (near Llanfrothen)

Starting point: Croesor car park

Grid reference: SH 631 446

Length of walk: Approx 5 miles/8 kilometres (there and back)

Tine: Approx. 4-5 hours (there and back)

Facilities: Car park with one unisex portaloo. Café nearby.

Path details

• Parts of the path are rocky and wet.

• Some sections with no path definition.

• Gradual ascent all the way.

From Tanygrisiau (near Blaenau Ffestiniog)

Starting point: Dolrhedyn car park

Grid reference: SH 683 454

Length of walk: Approx. 4 miles/6 kilometres (there and back)

Time: Approx. 3-4 hours (there and back)

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Facilities: Car park. Café near Tanygrisiau lake

Path details

• Quarry track with some rocky and wet sections.

• Some steep sections.

• Good path definition.

Useful information

• Wear comfortable walking boots with a good tread and ankle

support.

• Wear warm and comfortable clothes. Take a waterproof coat with

you if there is any chance of rain, or sunscreen and plenty of water

if it is a sunny day

• Take the relevant OS maps (OS Explorer 17 and 18), and a

compass with you and know how to use them.

• For information about the history of the area and its slate industry

go to the Heritage section of our website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

• Public transport – a bus service (a very limited timetable) goes to

the village of Croesor. Blaenau Ffestiniog can be reached by train

or by bus, (and then by bus or on foot to Tanygrisiau). To find out

where you can obtain bus timetables go to page 36.

Slate

Over the centuries, slate quarries have been an integral part of

Snowdonia’s culture and heritage, and have shaped and influenced

the landscape. Little villages such as Croesor and Rhyd Ddu, and

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larger towns like Blaenau Ffestiniog were developed to provide

homes for the quarrymen and their families. The blue-grey slate

heaps in the Ffestiniog area are just as characteristic of the area as

the Moelwynion mountains, and the ruins of the quarry sheds and

barracks stand testament to very different times in Snowdonia.

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Dolgellau

Nestling in the foothills of Cader Idris and on the bank of the

river Wnion, this little market town in the south of the National

Park is full of history and culture.

An ancient town

The site upon which the town of Dolgellau stands once formed the

territory of the Ordovices, before they were conquered by the

Romans around 77-78 AD. The site of the town itself was not

inhabited until the end of the eleventh century when it was

established as a ‘serf village’, probably by the prince Cadwgan ap

Bleddyn – and that is how it remained until the reign of King Henry VII

of England in 1485.

The Quaker Movement

In 1657, following a visit by George Fox, many of Dolgellau’s

inhabitants turned to Quakerism. As the Quakers refused to swear an

oath of loyalty to the king they were fiercely persecuted, and the

threat of imprisonment was a constant weight on their shoulders. In

1686, owing to the continuous persecution many of the Dolgellau

Quakers emigrated to Pennsylvania under the leadership of a local

farmer. There, they would be left in peace to follow their religion

together on their own land – but that’s a different story…

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Wool, Ships and Gold

Dolgellau has had its fair share of industries over the centuries. In the

eighteenth century it had a thriving woollen industry – and as a result

the estuary of the river Mawddach, which flows out to sea to the west

of Dolgellau, was busy with ships exporting woollen produce as well

as livestock and slate. Ships were being built from the nearby oak

trees in the creeks along the estuary, and oak bark was used for the

area’s other industry – tanning.

In the nineteenth century Dolgellau was at the centre of a minor gold

rush when gold was discovered in the hills – at one point the industry

employed 500 miners. The most notable mine is the Clogau gold

mine in Bontddu – since 1923 gold from this mine has been used to

make royal wedding rings. But Clogau gold is not just for royalty –

jewellery made from this gold are still being produced today and are

available in jewellery shops across the country.

Leisure

Today, tourism is the area’s main economy – and that’s no wonder as

the area has endless recreational opportunities…

Cader Idris

One of Snowdonia’s most notable mountains, Cader Idris stands

893metres above sea level to the south west of Dolgellau. Three

main paths lead to the summit – each varying in length, gradient and

terrain. For information about these paths, or other paths in the area,

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go to our website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk or call in at the local

Information Centre. Remember, if you are planning on climbing

Cader Idris – be responsible and follow the advice on pages 8 and 9.

Mawddach Trail

This path leads over the former track bed of the Great Western

railway between Dolgellau and Morfa Mawddach – linking with the

Barmouth railway bridge. The path is owned and managed by the

Snowdonia National Park Authority and is popular amongst cyclists,

walkers and wheelchair users. Visit the local Information Centre or go

to our website for more details.

Mountain Biking

Coed y Brenin, a world class mountain biking centre is a few miles

north of Dolgellau. As well as mountain bike trails there are plenty of

outdoor activities for all the family – from walking paths to a rope

course high up in the trees.

Dolgellau Townscape Heritage Initiative

A prominent characteristic of Dolgellau is its tall buildings of grey

stone and slate, and its web of narrow streets. Over 200 of the town’s

buildings are listed, but many of the town’s historical buildings, mainly

commercial properties, are now empty and in a poor state of repair.

To assist with the regeneration of the town the Dolgellau Townscape

Heritage Initiative, a partnership between the Snowdonia National

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Park Authority and CADW – the Welsh Assembly’s

historic/archaeological body, was established. With financial

assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund the initiative will offer

property owners grants to repair the buildings, restore their character,

and bring empty floors back to use. It’s not only buildings that will

receive a makeover – historical features in public areas such as

railings and cobbles will also be restored under the initiative. Another

objective is to promote awareness of the town’s heritage and

encourage the community and visitors to become more involved in

their cultural heritage.

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SNPA Contact Details

Snowdonia National Park Authority Headquarters

Penrhyndeudraeth

Gwynedd

Ll48 6LF

�01766 770 274

�01766 771 211

e-mail: parc@eryri-npa.gov.uk

website: www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

Plas Tan y Bwlch

Snowdonia National Park Centre

Maentwrog

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Gwynedd

LL41 3YU

�01766 772 600

�01766 772 609

e-mail: plas@eryri-npa.gov.uk

website: www.plastanybwlch.com

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SNPA Information Centres

Aberdyfi

� 01654 767 321

� 01654 767 321

e-mail: tic.aberdyfi@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Harlech

� 01766 780 658

� 01766 780 658

e-mail: tic.harlech@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Betws y Coed

� 01690 710 426

� 01690 710 665

e-mail: tic.byc@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Dolgellau

� 01341 422 888

� 01341 422 576

e-mail: tic.dolgellau@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Beddgelert

� 01766 890 615

� 01766 890 615

e-mail: tic.beddgelert@eryri-npa.gov.uk

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Other Information Centres

Barmouth ����01341 280 787

Aberystwyth ����01970 612 125 ����01970 612 125

Borth ����01970 871 174 ����01970 871 365

Holyhead ����01407 762 622

Caernarfon ����01286 672232 ����01286 678 209

Conwy ����01492 592 248

Llanberis ����01286 870 765 ����01286 872 141

Llandudno ����01492 876413 ����01492 872 722

Llanfairpwll ����01248 713177 ����01248 715 711

Llanidloes ����01686 412 605 ����01686 413 884

Porthmadog ����01766 512 981 ����01766 515 312

Pwllheli ����01758 613 000

Y Bala ����01678 521 021 ����01678 521 021

Park Wardens

Sam Roberts

Senior Warden - North

Pen y Pass 01286 872 555

Aled Taylor

Area Warden

Pen y Pass 01286 872 555

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Brian Jones

Area Warden

Betws y Coed 01690 710 022

Ioan Davies

Area Warden

Betws y Coed 01690 710 022

Alan Pritchard

Area Warden

Ogwen 01248 602 080

Ifan Eryl Jones

Area Warden

Penrhyndeudraeth 01766 770 965

Dave Williams

Senior Warden - South

Dolgellau 01341 422 878

Gethin Corps

Area Warden

Dolgellau 01341 422 878

Rhys Gwynn

Area Warden

Dolgellau 01341 422 878

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Joseph Jones

Area Warden

Dolgellau 01341 422 878

Islwyn Pritchard-Jones

Area Warden

Y Bala 01678 520 626

Arwel Morris

Area Warden

Y Bala 01678 520 626

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Things to do

Hafod Eryri

On 12th

June 2009 the new visitor centre on the summit of

Snowdon, Hafod Eryri, opened its doors to the public for the

first time.

Over 200 people were carried to the summit on trains to celebrate the

special occasion – politicians and staff, and individuals who had

played a part in this unique project. The centre was officially opened

by the then Welsh First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, who had walked up

the mountain that morning.

A unique project

Because the building was to be built on the summit of Wales’ highest

mountain there were many factors to take into account in its design,

as well as in the demolition and rebuilding process. The design itself

was quite a challenge for the architect, Ray Hole, who was asked to

create a building that would not only blend into the landscape, but

could also withstand winds of up to 150mph (twice the force of a

hurricane), over 5 metres of rain per year, and temperatures well

below freezing. The Snowdonia National Park Authority was also

eager for the vision of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect of the

former building, to be incorporated into the design of the new – that it

would be “a window on the world”.

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A green building

The Park Authority wanted a building that would be as sustainable as

possible – the roof was designed to collect rainwater to flush the

toilets, and the large windows to the front and rear of the building

mean that less energy is used for lighting. Over 60% of the material

and labour came from Wales, and rubble from the old building was

used in the foundations of the new. Unfortunately, the use of solar or

wind energy to power the building was not possible owing to the

mountain’s extreme weather and risk of vandalism.

Why is there a building there at all?

A building of some sort has been on the summit of Snowdon since

1820 to offer shelter and refreshments for the early visitors who

climbed Snowdon. Since then the tourist industry has gone from

strength to strength in Llanberis and today the Snowdon Mountain

Railway Company, who runs the railway and is the tenant at Hafod

Eryri, is one of the areas’ main attractions and generates

approximately £2.5 million each year – a substantial proportion of the

local tourism industry.

During discussions about the future of the old summit building, as the

owner the Park Authority decided that local economic conditions

would be damaged if substantial renovation work or redevelopment

was not undertaken on the summit. It was decided that the way

forward was to erect a new building which would be worthy of its

unique location, but without drawing away from the icon itself – the

mountain.

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A big thank you!

This ambitious project would not have been possible without the

support and dedication of many individuals and organisations. Thank

you to the funders – the European Commission through the Wales

European Funding Office, Welsh Assembly Government, Snowdon

Mountain Railway Company, to all the sponsors and of course to the

public who contributed through the Public Appeal. Thank you also to

the design team, the builders and the craftsmen for their dedication

and perseverance throughout the building process which, at times,

proved to be very difficult and challenging in an unforgiving location.

Want to visit the new Centre?

The Snowdon Mountain Railway Company has been carrying visitors

to the summit since 1896 on the only public rack and pinion in the UK

– for more information go to their website www.snowdonrailway.co.uk

If you’d prefer to walk up the mountain – there are 6 main routes to

the summit of Snowdon, each of them varying in length, gradient and

terrain. For information about the routes go to the Visiting, then

Walking section on our website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk or pamphlets

are available for a small price in local Information Centres.

Remember that mountain walking can be very dangerous so it is vital

that you thoroughly prepare for your journey before setting off – go to

page 7 and 8 for information about how to enjoy Snowdonia’s

mountains safely.

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Snowdonia’s Narrow Gauge Railways

As the slate industry flourished in the nineteenth century many

railway lines were built across Snowdonia to transport slate from the

quarries to the ports to be exported to the four corners of the earth.

Most of these slate quarries have now closed with Blaenau

Ffestiniog, Dyffryn Nantlle and Bethesda being the only remaining

working sites – but that is not the case with the railways that hauled

slate through Snowdonia’s countryside. Today, these railways are

part of a completely different industry in Snowdonia – tourism.

Ffestiniog Railway

The railway was established in 1832 to transport slate from the

quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog to the port in Porthmadog. The railway

is 13½ miles long and climbs 700 feet above sea level. The train’s

journey leads through diverse landscapes – from green pastures to

native woodlands, lakes and waterfalls, plummeting through black

tunnels and clinging to the mountainside. For more information go to

www.ffestiniograilway.co.uk

Welsh Highland Railway

The restoration of this old railway between Caernarfon and

Porthmadog is Ffestiniog Railway’s most recent initiative. Although

the restoration work is not yet complete, trains are travelling the 19½

miles from Caernarfon to Hafod y Llyn which is beyond Beddgelert.

The railway skirts the foothills of Snowdon and then zigzags down to

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Beddgelert in preparation for a dramatic finale through Aberglaslyn

pass. For more information go to www.ffestiniograilway.co.uk

Llyn Padarn Railway

This railway was used to carry slate from Dinorwig slate quarry in

Llanberis to the port near Felinheli. It wasn’t just slate that was

transported along the rails - the quarry had rail vehicles known as

‘ceir gwyllt’ (‘wild cars’) to transport some of the quarrymen to and

from work. Today, the Llanberis Lake Railway runs for 2½ miles

along the north east shore of Llyn Padarn before returning to

Llanberis. The journey affords fantastic views of Llyn Padarn and

Snowdon. For more information go to www.lake-railway.co.uk

Talyllyn Railway

The railway was built in 1865 to transport slate from Bryn Eglwys

quarry in Abergynolwyn to Tywyn. From Tywyn, the slate was then

taken along the coast railway to link with the national railway network.

On the 7 mile journey between Tywyn and Nant Gwernol you can

enjoy beautiful scenery of the more gentle landscape of the south

west of the National Park. For more information go to

www.talyllyn.co.uk

Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) Railway

This railway wasn’t built to serve slate quarries – it formed part of a

branch of the Great Western standard gauge railway from Ruabon to

Barmouth. Despite this, the railway was used to carry slate and

copper from mines and quarries in the Dolgellau area. The Bala Lake

33

Railway was built over part of the old track bed between Bala and

Llanuwchllyn and opened in 1972. The railway, which is now narrow

gauge, runs for 4½ miles along the shore of Llyn Tegid with striking

views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For more information

go to www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Recreation and Railways

The track bed of old, disused railways are perfect traffic free

cycling/recreational routes accessible to people of all abilities, which

often link villages and towns. The Snowdonia National Park Authority

owns a stretch of around 7 miles of the former track bed of the Great

Western railway between Dolgellau and Morfa Mawddach (which was

part of the same former railway as the Llyn Tegid railway above), and

is managed as a multi-use recreational route. Go to the ‘Visiting’

section of our website for more information about the Mawddach

Trail, or other traffic-free cycle routes in the area which lead over old

railway track beds.

34

Caring for Snowdonia

Dyfi Biosphere

We believe the Dyfi Valley is a beautiful and inspiring place. This

corner of Wales specialises in all things green. The mountains

framing the valley are green. The fields are too, of course. And the

people here care for the place they love.

That’s one reason why UNESCO has made it one of their ‘Biosphere

Reserves’. There are 553 such areas in the world, but the Dyfi is the

only one in Wales and only the second in the whole of the UK.

Another reason for this prestigious status is the wildlife value of the

estuary, of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve and of the many other

habitats found throughout the area, including the sea itself.

Biosphere Areas explore how local people can benefit from protecting

the things they value – local knowledge, language and culture as well

as the local and global environment. This includes the Welsh

language, which still thrives here.

Come and experience the diversity of the area’s natural beauty,

heritage and wildlife, using local accommodation as your base to

explore the whole of the area on the map below.

35

For more information visit www.dyfibiosphere.org.uk and

www.lyfidyfi.com.

36

Green Getaway

Planning a holiday or a visit to Snowdonia? Want your holiday

to start from the moment you shut the door behind you? Come

to Snowdonia by bus or train and you can sit back and relax,

without having to worry about parking or driving for hours on

end…

Once you are here, you can use public transport to explore

Snowdonia – all main towns and villages within the Park are linked to

the network, and Sherpa buses travel around Snowdon all year-round

and stop at the bottom of all six footpaths to the summit.

For bus and train times go to www.traveline-cymru.org.uk, or phone

0871 200 22 33. Traveline Cymru can send bus times directly to your

mobile phone too – visit their website to learn more…

If you prefer a hard copy of bus and train timetables you can pick up

a timetable booklet from any local Information Centre or most

accommodation and campsites.

Experience green

Being green means that you can truly experience what Snowdonia

has to offer while supporting local businesses at the same time.

Reduce your carbon footprint by eating local produce, and you will be

rewarded with a wide range of food of the highest quality. Buy locally

37

produced gifts and souvenirs made from natural materials – they are

unique and special, the kind of thing that you will treasure forever.

On your bike!

Why don’t you enjoy Snowdonia from the saddle? You can enjoy

spectacular scenery and keep fit at the same time! There are plenty

of cycling opportunities in Snowdonia – from mountain biking that

gets your heart pumping, to more leisurely rides along traffic-free

routes. For more information visit our website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

For more information about how you can make your visit to

Snowdonia as green as possible go to www.green-snowdonia.co.uk

or www.snowdoniagreenkey.co.uk

38

Campaign for National Parks

If like me you treasure the National Parks of England and Wales and

want to see them protected then please join us at the Campaign for

National Parks (CNP). With over 70 years of experience, we were

there at the beginning, helping to establish the National Park

movement, and today we continue to work hard to protect and

promote the Parks for the benefit of everyone.

In the last year we have successfully influenced the Government’s

decision to give the green light to the South Downs National Park.

We also helped to safeguard the Peak District National Park from

destructive road building and quarrying and fought alongside our

many partners to increase awareness of the challenges facing the

Parks.

By becoming a Friend of CNP you can make a real difference, giving

us much needed income and strengthening our voice to influence the

decisions that affect all of the Parks. Please join us.

Call us on 020 7924 4077 or log onto www.cnp.org.uk to find out how

you can become a Friend of CNP. Thank you.

Ben Fogle

CNP President

39

Snowdonia Society

The Snowdonia Society is a registered charity concerned with all

aspects of the Snowdonia National Park. Anyone with an interest in

this very special corner of Wales is most welcome to join the Society.

Membership allows you to take part in the Society’s varied

programme of events including recreational walks, presentations by

expert speakers and social events. It also allows access to a

programme of discounts with local businesses such as outdoor shops

and accommodation providers. Most importantly, the membership

subscription helps support the charity’s policy work including

campaigns and scrutinising the work of public bodies. We also run a

busy volunteering programme for people who like to get involved in

practical activities such as footpath work and hedge laying.

The Society has a comprehensive website at www.snowdonia-

society.org.uk which details the current work of the charity. If you

would like to be part of an organisation working to protect and

enhance Snowdonia do please join us! It is possible to join on-line

with any bank or credit card.

40

North Wales Bird Atlas

Have you seen one these birds?

House Sparrow Spotted Flycatcher

Green Woodpecker Curlew

Cuckoo Dipper

Kestrel Tawny Owl

Skylark Barn Owl

The British Trust for Ornithology is mapping the distribution of

Britain's birds over 4 years, finishing in 2011. At the same time, it is

hoped to be able to produce maps for North Wales at a higher

resolution. The resulting Atlas will be very helpful for updating our

species Biodiversity plans for the Park and directing future

conservation work.

Could you help us by looking out for these featured species, during

the period April - July 2010 and 2011? If you think they might be

nesting (you might see a bird flying up to a box carrying food, or hear

anxiety calls), please note this also.

If you would like to be sent a recording sheet and more detailed

information about the survey, please contact Kate Williamson at the

SNPA Headquarters in Penrhyndeudraeth on 01766 770 274.

41

Kids Corner

Why don’t you have a go at completing this crossword? Read

the magazine carefully and you may come across some of the

answers…

Important: The Welsh and English questions are not exactly the

same – choose the language you wish to use and keep to that

language.

42

Across

1. The former First Minister who officially opened the new visitor

centre on the summit of Snowdon. (6,6)

5. An insect with wings. (3)

6. A green semiprecious stone. (4)

9. A pledge to tell the truth. (4)

10. Capital of the Republic of Ireland. (6)

14. A curved bridging structure. (4)

16. A path suitable for wheelchairs has been developed on this hill

in the Dolgellau Area. (4,5)

17. An insect that produces honey. (3)

18. An amphibian that hops. (4)

23. An ancient fort in the Ffestiniog Area. (4,1,7)

Down

1. An old quarry above Cwm Orthin and in the foothills of the

Moelwynion mountains. (7)

2. The architecture of this town in the south of the National Park is

benefiting from funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund. (9)

3. A structure built by birds to rear their young. (4)

4. The new visitor centre on the summit of Snowdon. (5,5)

7. The seed of an oak tree. (5)

8. A kind of sparkling water. (5)

11. The bus service that circulates Snowdon. (6)

12. Capel _____, a village to the north west of Betws y Coed. (5)

13. This little village sits in the foothills of the Cnicht mountain. (7)

43

15. Limb. (3)

19. ___ Hole, the architect who designed the new building on the

summit of Snowdon. (3)

20. A mammal that can fly. (3)

21. A bird of the night. (3)

For a chance to win a Snowdonia National Park goody bag complete

the crossword and return it to us at the above address by 29 October

2010. Every correct crossword will be entered into a draw and the

first three names drawn will receive a prize. Good Luck!

Colouring Competition

Do you want a chance to win a Snowdonia National Park goody

bag?

All you need to do is colour in the picture and send it in to

Competition, Snowdonia National Park Office, Penrhyndeudraeth,

Gwynedd, LL48 6LF with your Name, Address and Age.

Competition closing date: 29 October 2010.

There are three age categories: Under 6 years old, 7-9 years old, 10-

12 years old

The winners of the 2009 colouring competition were:

Rowan Pawsey

Ellie Upton-Louch

Naomi Poole

44

Name: _________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Age: __________________________________________________

45

2010 Events

May

15 National Moth Night – details at www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

22 International Biodiversity Day guided walks (participants must

book a place – details available from Kate Williamson 01766 770

274)

29 Cader Idris Race www.cader-race.co.uk

June

5-13 Biodiversity Week – details at www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

6 Botanical Beat – Treborth Botanical Gardens

www.treborthbotanicgarden.org

12 Nature’s Big Day (biodiversity activity day – details available from

Kate Williamson 01766 770 274)

13 Bala Middle Distance Triathlon www.wrecsamtri.org.uk

July

1-8 Conwy Walking Week www.conwy.gov.uk

4 Caernarfon Show www.caernarfonshow.com

24 Snowdon Race www.snowdonrace.com

26-30 National Parks Week – events details at www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

August

21 Llanrwst Show www.sioe-llanrwst-show.com

25 Meirion County Show, Harlech www.sioesir.co.uk

46

September

4 Cerrig Show, Cerrigydrudion www.cerrigshow.co.uk

12 Bala Standard Distance Triathlon www.wrecsamtri.org.uk

13 Conwy Honey Fair, Conwy www.conwybeekeepers.org.uk

17-18 Wa! Bala (music festival) www.wabala.co.uk

18-27 Barmouth Walking Festival

www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk

October

13-17 Snowdonia Walking Festival

www.snowdoniawalkingfestival.co.uk

23-24 Conwy Feast (food and drink festival) www.conwyfeast.co.uk

30 Snowdonia Marathon www.snowdoniamarathon.com

47

Wheelchair Users Countryside Walks 2010

Do you, a family member or a friend use a wheelchair? This is an

opportunity for you to visit rural sites – places where you might not

feel like visiting on your own…

Every year the SNPA, along with other organisations, arrange a

programme of countryside wheelchair walks. If you would like to book

a place on one of the walks below contact the relevant leader.

10 April – The Dingle Nature Reserve, Anglesey

Leader: Gareth Evans

� jgepl@anglesey.gov.uk ℡ 01248 752 139

14 May – Bardsey Island (off the Llŷn Peninsula)

Leader: Haydn Hughes

� HaydnEHughes@gwynedd.gov.uk ℡ 01286 679 841

2 June – Coedydd Aber Nature Reserve, Abergwyngregyn

Leader: Hywel Roberts

� h.roberts@ccw.gov.uk ℡ 01248 672 500

18 June – Y Lôn Goed, Eifionydd

Leader: Haydn Hughes

� HaydnEHughes@gwynedd.gov.uk ℡ 01286 679 841

48

3 July – Morfa Madryn Reserve, Conwy

Leader: Alun Jones

� alun.rhys.jones@conwy.gov.uk ℡ 01492 575 200

17 July – Morfa Mawddach, Dolgellau

Leader: Dave Williams

� dave.williams@eryri-npa.gov.uk ℡ 01341 422 878

1 August – RSPB Conwy

Leader: Julian Hughes

� Charlotte.Stretton@rspb.org.uk ℡ 01492 584 091

25 August – Ynys Llanddwyn, Anglesey

Leader: Graham Williams

� gr.williams@ccw.gov.uk ℡ 01248 672 500

1 September – Dinorwig, Llanberis

Leader: Sam Roberts

� wardenpenypass@hotmail.com ℡ 01286 872 555

11 September – Holyhead Breakwater Country Park

Leader: Gareth Evans

� jgepl@anglesey.gov.uk ℡ 01248 752 139

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A chance to win a Snowdonia National Park goody bag

We want to make sure that you are getting the information you want

and need in Eryri/Snowdonia. To help us do this, we would be very

grateful if you could spare a few minutes to complete this short

questionnaire. Every questionnaire returned to the FREEPOST

address below will be entered into a draw, and the first three names

drawn will receive a National Park goody bag.

Closing date: 19 November 2010

Thank you very much for your time. Send your questionnaire to:

SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

FREEPOST NWW3814A

PENRHYNDEUDRAETH

GWYNEDD

LL48 6ZZ

Name: _________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

What is your age?

15 or under � 16-30 � 31-45 �

46-59 � 60+ �

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Are you…

A resident of the National Park �

A day visitor to the National Park �

On holiday in the National Park �

What is the purpose of your visit to the National Park?

Relaxing break �

Outdoor activities �

History and culture of the area �

To enjoy the landscape and scenery �

Other (what?) �

What information do you consider to be the most useful in this

magazine?

_______________________________________________________

Did you feel that there was something missing in this magazine

that would have been helpful during your visit? If so, what?

_______________________________________________________

Have you visited, or are you intending to visit any of the places

featured in the Discovering Snowdonia and Things to Do

sections of this magazine? If so, where?

_______________________________________________________

51

Where did you pick up your copy of Eryri/Snowdonia 2010-2011?

_______________________________________________________

How satisfied are you with Eryri/Snowdonia 2010-2011?

Very satisfied �

Satisfied �

Dissatisfied �

Any other comments?

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________