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I work for a publisher of history books, and spend a lot of my time researching and writing. I write...
I work for a publisher of history books, and spend a lot of my time researching and writing. I write in my spare time too - when I'm not travelling, hiking, camping, skiing or in the pub...
Member since:11.07.2000
Reviews:73
Members who trust:8
Our recent (last year) holiday in the Snowdonia national park turned out to be one of the best we've ever had. The other half and I were both still students, stressed out before finals and in need of a budget getaway before plunging in to the depths of revision in May. After a little bit of research on the internet to look for campsites, we piled our gear into the back of our A reg VW and headed for the hills of Wales.
The first campsite we stayed at, in Waunfawr, near Caernarfon, turned out to be brilliant once we located it. For £4 we could have as big a pitch as we liked (in May, campsites are very quiet!) and best of all, we were allowed to have a proper campfire. Toilets, showers, hot water and fridge space were all included in the price.
From the campsite we went off on day trips. Our ascent of Snowdon coincided with some particularly dull and drizzly weather, despite our having put it off until the last possible day to try and get a good view from the top. Still, the climb was not too bad (up the Pyg Track), and the descent down the Miners' Path included some rather hairy scree-running which impressed the other half no end but left me rather shaken. Hot chocolate at the cafe on our return to the car park made me feel much better.
I really recommend seeing more of Llanberis (small town at foot of Snowdon) when you go to climb the beast. The tourist information place is very helpful. There is a slate museum at the edge of the lake, powered by a huge working water mill, where you can get some idea of the scale of an industry that has declined hugely since its heyday. You can ride the steam train around the edge of the lake and back, and there is a nature reserve half-way along where you can climb up into the woods.
All around the scenery is fantastic, and even in the dull and wet the hills have a kind of brooding majesty. We frequently stopped on our way to places to just look out at the landscape – lakes, hills, mountains. All this is on your doorstep - no need to leave the country!
We also spent an afternoon in Caernarfon, a pleasant coastal town dominated by the huge castle where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales. In the evening we went on a 'ghost tour' with a local history enthusiast, which took us to see underground tunnels leading from the castle into the town, the old town jail and various haunted public houses. Watching the sun set across the water with a pint was a great way to finish the day.
After a week in Snowdonia we got back in the car and headed for Anglesey. The whole week cost us about £50 each, including food and petrol. We mostly took packed lunches as we were on a budget, but there are masses of places to eat and drink. In May all the attractions and campsites are quiet (some are cheaper), and it is entirely possible to camp and have a good time despite the rain! You probably do need your own transport to get around, although it can restrict you too - for example, we couldn't really choose from the various routes up Snowdon as we had to ascend from and return to a spot with a car park. All in all it was a great, cheap holiday, and I would recommend it to anyone.
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