THE ADVERTISERTRAVEL SECTION -VISITING SNOWDONIA There’s plenty of things to do in Snowdonia!


Our travel editor, visits spectacular Snowdonia....


ANAREA OF OUTSTANDING BEAUTY I recently visited Snowdonia inNorthWales to experience some of themany attractions this amazing area has to offer.


Covering approximately 840 square miles, the Snowdonia National Park is truly an area of outstanding natural beauty. There are unsurpassed views with Snowdon itself peaking at 1085metres,mountain railways, historic castles galore, pretty coastal towns to explore, wonderfully restored steam trains, woodland parks and Snowdonia’s slate heritage. For the more adventurous there’s pursuits such as rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking. Here are just a few of the attractions I visited ...


PORTMIERION VILLAGE


The famous Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis certainly picked a fabulous spot in 1925 when he embarked on creating the inspirational village and gardens known as Portmeirion. The Italianate village was finally completed in 1976 and is testimony to how a naturally beautiful landscape could be developed without spoiling it. Built on its own private peninsular with sensational views across the estuary, I was able to wander and experience a charming, quirky world of meandering streets and cliff top towers. Youmay recall the cult television series The Prisoner starring the late Patrick McGoohan. The series was filmed at Portmeirion in 1967 and was subsequently instrumental in bringing many more visitors to this unique village resort. There’s a dedicated Prisoner shop sellingmemorabilia and the village is still verymuch a focus for Prisoner fans. There are over 50 buildings of various styles and character. There are shops, cafés, an ice cream parlour and a lovely luxury hotel with a fine dining restaurant. The cottages are let as self-catering accommodation. The village is surrounded by over 70 acres of sub-tropical gardens andwoodlands and there are lakes andmiles of pathways with set routes to discover. Portmeirion is also licensed for civil weddings and the village and hotel provide a romantic setting.


The estuary and hotel viewed from Portmeirion Village


CASTLES AND CULTURE There are castles galore inWales and Snowdonia has its fair share. Probably one of the best known is Harlech Castle. Spectacularly located, Harlech Castle was built by Edward I and now keeps a watchful eye over Snowdonia with panoramic views of the sea and mountains from its lofty battlements. The longest siege in British history (1461 – 1468) took place here during theWar of the Roses.


The structure boasts two rings of walls and towers with an immensely strong east gatehouse. It was impregnable from almost every angle and its secret weapon was a 61 metre long stairway, which still leads from the castle to the cliff base. Today a visit toHarlechCastle is a great day out. A newly installed ‘floating’ bridge connects the castle with the brand new visitor centre, which is now an integral part of the whole experience. Included within the visitor centre is a gift shop and café. This latest development also includes luxury apartments let byMenai Holiday Cottages.


Harlech Castle


 1.The highpoint of a visit is to climb to the top of the south west turret of the gatehouse


2.Walk the wall – coastal views or mountain panoramas, you won’t be disappointed.


PAGE76 ASHFORDADVERTISER EMAIL: theadvertiser@aol.com


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