Welcome to Day 6 of our UK road trip, a day dedicated to exploring the majestic Snowdonia and the awe-inspiring North Wales. If you’ve just tuned in, or wish to reminisce about our journey from the beginning, then feel free to start from our day in Oxford and Bath. Today, we’re set to immerse ourselves in the natural splendor and cultural richness of Snowdonia, a true gem in the heart of Wales.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Waking up in Bethesda, we were filled with mixed feelings about the day ahead. Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in Snowdonia National Park, the highest mountain in Wales and the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands, loomed in our plans. Standing at 1,085 meters, we knew tackling Snowdon would be a challenge, especially as the weather plays a crucial role in the experience. Known for its colder, wetter, and windier conditions at the summit, we were apprehensive, especially still feeling the after-effects of our recent hike up Pen Y Fan.
In hindsight, scheduling two major hikes so close together wasn’t the best planning on our part. A bit more recovery time would have been wise, as Snowdon is not a mountain to be underestimated. It requires comfort with long distances and steep, rocky slopes. So, with a heavy heart but prioritizing our well-being, we decided to forgo the hike and instead experience Snowdon via the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
If you wish to hike Snowdon, make sure you go through the official website that does a great job in comparing different routes to the summit. We found this very insightful and had picked our route based on the information on the website before we switched our plans to the Mountain Railway.
Leaving our Airbnb at 8 am, we reached Llanberis in about half an hour. A handy tip about parking – Snowdon Mountain Railway has its own parking at Victoria Terrace (postcode LL55 4TU), which is a right turn just after the station. It’s more affordable than other options, with the first half hour free and only about 4 pounds for 4 hours. Just remember, it’s a coin-only parking.
Arriving early gave us time to soak in the mountain air and explore the gift shop, filled with Welsh products and Snowdon souvenirs. The Station Buffet and Platform Grill offered a tempting variety of snacks and drinks. We indulged in some local bakery cakes and hot drinks, enjoying the ambience of Snowdonia before our train journey.
Once on board, the views gradually turned from a video presentation into reality. Described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, the train departs from Llanberis Station. During our visit, it traveled up to Clogwyn Station, about ¾ of the way up Snowdon. Though we felt a twinge of disappointment at not hiking, the breathtaking views from the train and the unsheltered viewing platform at Clogwyn, where we stopped for 30 minutes, were undeniably stunning. The round trip took about 2 hours, including the stop-over. Even though the early morning meant no sunshine, the experience was still incredible. The chilly weather at Clogwyn didn’t take away from the beauty of the views, making our 30-minute stop there a memorable part of our journey. A little tip for future travelers – there are no facilities at Clogwyn or on the train, so be prepared.
Our visit to Snowdonia was indeed unique. It may not have been the hike we initially planned, but it was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the beauty of Snowdonia in a different light.
Town with the longest name
After our mesmerizing experience at Snowdonia, we were back on the road, heading towards a uniquely intriguing destination. Just a short detour from our planned route lay the Welsh town with the record-breaking long name: “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch”. Known more manageably as “Llanfairpwllgwyngyll”, this town is famous primarily for its name.
Interestingly, the lengthy name was actually a marketing ploy from the past, crafted as a bit of a prank to draw tourists. And it has to be said, it worked! The town itself doesn’t have a ton of attractions, but the name alone makes it a worthwhile stop.
According to the local James Pringle Weaver shop, the name translates to “The Church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the Church of Tysilio by the Red Cave”. Quite a mouthful, but certainly memorable!
The highlight for most visitors, us included, is the town’s railway station. Here, you can see the town’s full name proudly displayed on the station boards. It’s a perfect spot for a photo – how often do you get to stand beside a sign with such a lengthy name? We definitely took our time capturing a few pictures as souvenirs of this quirky and unusual stop.
Visiting this town felt like stepping into a small, whimsical chapter of Welsh history, where humor and charm intermingle. It was one of those delightful, unplanned experiences that add an extra layer of fun to a road trip.
Grandeur of Conwy Castle
Continuing our journey, we left the town with the tongue-twisting name and headed towards Conwy to visit the majestic Conwy Castle. This 13th-century fortress stands as one of the most well-preserved medieval structures in the world, and seeing it in person, with its imposing towers and intact architecture, was truly a sight to behold.
Parking in Conwy was convenient, allowing us to easily walk up to the castle. One of the unique features of Conwy Castle is the ability to walk along the outer walls. This path leads you right to the main entrance, offering a chance to appreciate the castle’s formidable presence.
Eager to explore the interior, we approached the ticket counter, hoping to use our English Heritage pass for a discount. Unfortunately, we learned that the pass did not offer discounts for attractions in Wales, including Conwy Castle. This was a bit of a letdown, as we had assumed the pass would have broader benefits. It seemed more suited for heritage sites in England but offered little for those in Wales or Scotland.
Given our tight budget, we decided against paying the full ticket price to tour the inside of the castle. However, even from the outside, Conwy Castle was impressive. Its preservation and historical significance made our stop worthwhile, giving us a glimpse into medieval times.
Here is a highlight video of day 6:
Off to Liverpool
With Conwy Castle marking our last stop for the day, we set off for Liverpool. The day had been filled with new discoveries and experiences, and we were already excited about what Liverpool, the city synonymous with The Beatles, had in store for us. Our UK road trip was proving to be a journey of diverse and rich exploration.
