snowdon
SNOWDON
YOUR WAY
We all know that whether climbing Snowdon, surfing in Cornwall’s sparkling waters, getting pampered in a luxurious spa or just kicking back in the countryside, UK staycations are perfect for making lifelong memories. But wind the clock back just a few generations, and the nation’s getaways looked drastically different. Join us on a tour of the UK’s holiday history from woollen cozzies to knobbly knees contests. But Snowdon isn’t just of interest for its magnificent panoramas. The highest mountain in Wales and England, Snowdon (or Yr Wyddfa) is steeped in history and legend. Travel back 500 million years and you’d find the mountain on the seabed, but in more
recent centuries Snowdon is said to have been home to dragons, monsters and giants – legend tells that the mountain even played host to the adventures of King Arthur! But though dragons and the like seem rather thin on the Snowdonian ground these days, millions of visitors are nonetheless attracted to the landmark each year - whether seeking the awe-inspiring views of Snowdonia, Anglesey, Ireland and Pembrokeshire or the achievement of reaching the summit. Walking to the top of Snowdon is an impressive physical feat, but it isn’t the only way to reach those incredible views – by foot, bike, pony or rail, there’s an exciting choice of ways to surmount Snowdon.
TOP T I P S
FOR TACKLING SNOWDON
WALK IT A choice of six official routes up the mountain allow visitors to choose a path most suited to their abilities, from the challenging Snowdon Horseshoe to the more sedate Miner’s Track.
CYCLE IT For the thrill-seekers among you, mountain biking is an exhilarating but physically demanding way up Snowdon. Cyclists are only permitted to use certain routes, but you’ll find tough climbs, exciting descents and fun terrain.
RIDE IT
In previous centuries visitors were carried up the Llanberis Path by mules and ponies, and the tradition lives on to this day with frequent pony-trekking outings up the mountain.
R A I L IT
If you simply want to enjoy the views without the physicality, the Snowdon Mountain Railway is the perfect option. Climbing through the clouds since 1896, the train leaves Llanberis station to begin its ascent over viaducts, past waterfalls and above the wonders below.
Snowdon may be one of the smaller mountains in the world, but it can still be dangerous. Here are a few tips for keeping your Snowdonian adventure safe and enjoyable: 4 T he weather in this area can change quickly, so always check the Snowdon Summit weather forecast before setting off. 4 W ear strong boots with good ankle support. 4 T ake a waterproof map and compass, as smartphone signal is limited up the mountain. 4 Wear sunblock and stay hydrated.
AT
52
www.parkleisure.co.uk
LEISURE SPRING SUMMER 2017
53
YOUR WAY
We all know that whether climbing Snowdon, surfing in Cornwall’s sparkling waters, getting pampered in a luxurious spa or just kicking back in the countryside, UK staycations are perfect for making lifelong memories. But wind the clock back just a few generations, and the nation’s getaways looked drastically different. Join us on a tour of the UK’s holiday history from woollen cozzies to knobbly knees contests. But Snowdon isn’t just of interest for its magnificent panoramas. The highest mountain in Wales and England, Snowdon (or Yr Wyddfa) is steeped in history and legend. Travel back 500 million years and you’d find the mountain on the seabed, but in more
recent centuries Snowdon is said to have been home to dragons, monsters and giants – legend tells that the mountain even played host to the adventures of King Arthur! But though dragons and the like seem rather thin on the Snowdonian ground these days, millions of visitors are nonetheless attracted to the landmark each year - whether seeking the awe-inspiring views of Snowdonia, Anglesey, Ireland and Pembrokeshire or the achievement of reaching the summit. Walking to the top of Snowdon is an impressive physical feat, but it isn’t the only way to reach those incredible views – by foot, bike, pony or rail, there’s an exciting choice of ways to surmount Snowdon.
TOP T I P S
FOR TACKLING SNOWDON
WALK IT A choice of six official routes up the mountain allow visitors to choose a path most suited to their abilities, from the challenging Snowdon Horseshoe to the more sedate Miner’s Track.
CYCLE IT For the thrill-seekers among you, mountain biking is an exhilarating but physically demanding way up Snowdon. Cyclists are only permitted to use certain routes, but you’ll find tough climbs, exciting descents and fun terrain.
RIDE IT
In previous centuries visitors were carried up the Llanberis Path by mules and ponies, and the tradition lives on to this day with frequent pony-trekking outings up the mountain.
R A I L IT
If you simply want to enjoy the views without the physicality, the Snowdon Mountain Railway is the perfect option. Climbing through the clouds since 1896, the train leaves Llanberis station to begin its ascent over viaducts, past waterfalls and above the wonders below.
Snowdon may be one of the smaller mountains in the world, but it can still be dangerous. Here are a few tips for keeping your Snowdonian adventure safe and enjoyable: 4 T he weather in this area can change quickly, so always check the Snowdon Summit weather forecast before setting off. 4 W ear strong boots with good ankle support. 4 T ake a waterproof map and compass, as smartphone signal is limited up the mountain. 4 Wear sunblock and stay hydrated.
AT
52
www.parkleisure.co.uk
LEISURE SPRING SUMMER 2017
53
