#Coffee Shops snowdonia

[acrossthearctic]

Manchester to Manchester

A very long but enjoyable day as I travelled to North Wales through Snowdonia National Park and then to Chester before reurning back to Manchester.

An early start in drizzle but by the time (about 45 minutes later )when we crossed the border into Wales it was sunny. A coffee plus a flat croissant ! was needed before my tour of Conwy Castle.

This shop had the most amazing sweet and savoury pastries and had the largest meringues I have ever seen.

Conwy Castle does not disappoint. It is possible to walk a complete circuit around the battlements of the castle and from the eight towers you get a great view over the harbour and the town - not to mention the suspension and tubular railway bridges .

The next stop was Llaneris, a pretty town where the mining of slate was a big industry. You can still see the remains of the quarries. There is also a sculpture commemorating ?the myth of King Arthur pulling the sword out of the stone

A fabulous drive through the beautiful Snowdonia National Park.

It was then onto Betws-y- Coed for a lunch stop. This cute town has a railway museum which attracts many visitors and is often called the entrance to Snowdonia.

I founds it quite amusing as it was 18degrees and "locals" were in sleveless tops and having their summer ice creams. We had 4 Australians among the 14 on the tours and we all were wearing sweaters / jackets .

A lovely drive through the rolling hills of Wales and then back into England and a visit to Chester.

Therev was ample time to visit The Rows with its covered arcades and half timbered Tidor style buildings as well walk the walls and visit the Cathedral.The Cathedral is lovely but I was not too taken with its Hornby Train Exhibition . It did not allow one to sit and reflect which I usually like to do in a church.

Then it was time to return to Manchester after a very long but enjoyable day.

[aradxan]

COVERED WALKWAY AT SHOPS by gaskin179 Still walking and looking at all the shops. There are a lot of places to eat there too. Pizza, Ice cream, fish n chips, coffee, tea, cakes and lots more to choose. Betws-y-coed is a village and community in the Conwy valley in Conwy County Borough, Wales, located in the historic county of Caernarfonshire, right on the boundary with Denbighshire, in the Gwydir Forest. It is now a very popular visitor destination in the Snowdonia National Park. https://flic.kr/p/2o4YQiM

[justdrivee]

tagged by @eight-hearts and @ultravioletsunshine, thanks loves 💕

NO CHEATING: you’re starring in a movie with the last person saved in your camera roll and the last song you listened to is the title. Who/what is it?

the vibes are impeccable 🌼🍷

I will tag @sunshine-ricciardo @jeeperslatifi @calumsthood if u wanna 💞

[seatosomert]

A trip to North Wales.

A couple of weeks ago, My Wife and I went on a weekend to Anglesey, North Wales, UK.

If you've not been, I would highly recommend it. It's one of those unspoiled corners of the British Isles and not very often spoken of as a holiday destination (probably so as not to attract the wrong people who may ruin it for others.

We stayed at a place called Benllech on the East Coast of Angelsey.

These are all shots from the beach area of Benllech, as i didn't grab some from the main town. It's a great little town with the main amenities, a few good places to eat and the beach is just so peaceful and stunning.

We stayed in a 1 bedroomed apartment in the main town, which we booked through Air BnB and it was absolutely spot on to be fair. Beautiful views out to the sea and all the feeling of a home from home (Big shoutout to Beth and Tom who host 'Island View', apartment at Benllech, Anglesey).

This was our morning view that we awoke to!!!

Whilst we were in Wales we visited a couple of recommended beaches and towns.

Penmon beach was on of those locations, where we had breakfast at the Pilot House Cafe, which was pretty decent.

Just be aware that there is a £3.50 toll charge just to get through to the beach and cafe.

(One of the views from Penmon Beach above).

We got a trip in to see Llandonna Beach, which is just beautiful. Although on this day it was really windy. I decided to fly my Flexifoil Big Buzz kite. I was almost dragged off down the beach and had a fight with the kite for about 30 minutes before I'd had enough.

Brilliant, but it was probably just a little too windy! Check out the short video my wife shot below:-

On our way back on the Sunday, we called to Betswy-Co-Ed in the Snowdonia National Park. Just the drive there was lovely.

Parking was cheap, there were plenty of eating places and coffee shops/cafes to choose from and if you're into Mountain Biking, this is somewhat of a mecca for that. We mooched about, put in a short woodland walk, had a bite to eat then headed on to Llanberis, the town at the foot of Mount Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain.

The views surrounding Llanberis are simply stunning. If you visit the old slate mine, there is both a museum there and a Country Park, with a lake and little spots in the woodland to have a picnic. There were paddleboard activities, there was a go ape type adventure thing and a cafe or two.

If you walk 10 minutes back towards the train station you can catch the train up Mount Snowdon and a return trip is around £35 per person. Expensive, but I've done it before and I'd say it's worth doing at least once.

So, all in all a really great trip and we crammed a lot in over that weekend. We will probably look to do a week there next time as there is so much to do and we want to Hike Snowdon next time.

Hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any questions, as usual, fire a comment in or contact me if you're a bit shy and don't want your comments seen.

I'm happy to give my opinion on the locations we visited, to share photo tips etc.

All the best and speak soon.

Regards,

Neil.

[snakeinthestacks]

Date: 6 November 2027 

Starter: Open

Location: Diagon Alley

Albus groaned as he stepped out of his favorite coffee shop in the Alley, looking up at the beginnings of a November rain shower.  He'd not even made it home yet and already England was welcoming him back in proper fashion.  Fingers curled around his cup as he debated how best to proceed, an exceedingly slow process after the last seventy-two hours traveling like a muggle.

He'd been ensconced out in a dank old manor house, rendered unplottable and wrapped in anti-apparation charms to better obscure it's function.  He'd not even had mobile signal while he'd been out there in the middle of no where in Snowdonia.  At least he'd read a lot, though very little of it was for pleasure.  Sensitive Ministry documents, old intelligence documents from the muggle government, dispatches from old warriors and older sources.  A comb through old things trying to see if they could shake out anything new.  

Honestly, the most interesting part were his counterparts from His Majesty's government.  Spooks or whatever, though they shared little in common with actual ghosts.  

He'd done so little magic over his two week sabbatical.  Only when safely on the manor grounds had it been advisable.  He'd even traveled like a muggle, and if he never had to take the train from Cardiff to London again, Albus would be very happy indeed.  

“At least it's English rain,” he grumbled, pulling at his collar and turning it up against the beginnings of the storm.  He stepped to the side, letting someone join him under the awning.  “Just felt a little odd in Wales.  All open.  And woolen.”

[whatson-northwales]

The sun has finally broken through the clouds here in north Wales, and the temptation to get into the Snowdonia hills, got to much to handle. There has been a dusting of snow from 650m up in the northern hills in Snowdonia for a week. So before the winter disappears into the distance I’m out to get some winter hill walking training in.

Breaking back into winter fitness with pack weight takes me some time, so I tend to get a few mid range walks in to create some stamina and get my body, legs and engine used to the different fitness that winter walking has to offer. With the day in question being Saturday, I had been asked by a colleague to go and do the north ridge of Tryfan, which in winter has been on my hit list. Without real fitness, iced up and on a weekend, I decided to get some hill fitness time on Carnedd y filiast instead and leave him to his busy and frozen north ridge. Good job Rob.

A wintery looking north ridge of Tryfan in the distance 

The Ogwen valley can get a tad busy at weekends in winter and if you are really serious about bagging peaks, its almost best of you get there at 6am to find parking and begin in the dark. The cars at Cwm idwal, when I got there at 9 am, where already taling back for 400m in either direction from Ogwen cottage! So with that said, I use a bit of discretion and common sense. I head to a quitter part of the Snowdonia range. Now initially I had though about doing some hill repeats, on the steeper sections on Y Garn or Pen Yr Olwen, but with Cwm Idwal being rammed, I chose to opt for the quieter parts of the Carendd y Filiast area and doing some nav with some fitness training with 15kg pack weight.

Why the pack weight you ask? Well winter climbing is what I’m actually getting fitness for, we have to drag up a fair amount of climbing kit with us and it weighs a fair bit so, its always good to get the body accustomed to some extra weight, so when the snow and ice arrives its not too much of a shock to the system.

With all the pack weight comes more frequent water drinking stops

So Carnedd y Filiast is a nice steep peak, its quite and its remote and I like to practice nav there. The peaks where I can go straight up hard and fast are excellent for the fitness curve, even if I am slow and steady at this point in the year, the diesel engine slowly builds up momentum. I park on the old roman road in a lay-by, don’t obstruct traffic if your going to the same and be considerate to there road users in the valley.  There are two access points to the beginning of the walking route, one stile which is near the house on the roman road and there is a wooden gate further up the old slate quarry man track.

Stile access near the house, be warned its wet here.

The route winds its way up the grassy sections up into the valley above where at about 650m, where it steepens and then moves into the scree sections up towards the summit. The parking spot for the car starts at 200m and the peak is at 820m and its fairly steep but quite enjoyable indeed. The sun will be on you this time of year from 9am over the top of tryfan and as long as you stick to the outer right section, the sun will grace you with its warming rays up until the scree slopes. I like to break right at the scree slopes and make my summit bit from there. This its around I hiked to 700m, did some hill repeats from 600m-700m on the steep stuff and avoided the scree. The idea of hill repeats comes from my running days where I would practice hills over and over in preparation for the snowdonia marathon. 3-6 sets of South stack hills and steps would be run with a optional 6 mile run bolted on for friendliness.  I wonder how I would cope with that now a decade on..

The training worked out well and at 700m I did some relocation nav and had a well deserved Organic warm cocoa, no food for these shorter ones in the sun. Just plenty of stream water from the fast running sections of the streams. Its worth taking a half hour sometimes juts high up to sit and take it all in, I often find that altitude I can get much clearer thinking and things that seemed to bother me, kind of melt away in the midday sun, surrounded by all the beauty that we take so for granted on our door step. Not a soul came by in 3 hours, not even a bird in fact, these was nothing to really mark the barren landscape other than this one lonely sole tree in the distance a 1000m from where I was sitting.

Taking time to readjust our senses to being present and becoming ever conscious of the present moment and giving some gratitude for the blessing and faculties that we have in life is so important. With the world feeling kind of heavy for some many people, I urge you to find solace from a crazy world by finning inner solace in nature, it works for me every time. Nature is the best healer there ever was and is. After lying down on my sack for the best part of thirty minutes, it was time to head down to finish the training off, I like to take a different route down and this time I feathered off tot he left into the valley below, where I found the original path I had been looking for on the ascent. oh well, its nice to go off the beaten track sometime and the beautiful flora, fauna and geology when I go off piste never ceases to amaze me. Some examples of the wild and beautiful plant life of Snowdonia below.

  What can me these small walks more significant is the amazing views you get on a blue sky days. Looking over towards Carnedd Daffydd and Llywelyn the white snow line looked especially beautiful with he blue back drop and then over the north west the Menai Strait and Penmon all looked as if they where but a stones throw away, a nice clear line out from land to see cleared by a monstrous glacier almost 10,000 years ago.

Menai Strait in the background an the Ogwen valley leading down to it

Can you beat these blue sky days in the hills?

So with the sun on my back I decided to descend in a slow an steady way, it was that kind of day, no need to bag the peak, I got the fitness hit, ill go for that on the next run. My last few months has been a little hit and miss on the training front so ill go slow and steady as not to get an injury which is often the case when I’m a thousand mile an hour. The descent is always a great part, try and find a route, see a sheep track follow it for a bit, get a little lost, find another way and repeat. Quite a fun off piste way to descend hill, the occasional step into a mud calf deep bog also tends to amuse me.

Peculiar rocks on the descent ..seemed a bit spooky.

The sun was beating so hard down when I got to 300m I could not resist the urge to sit quietly on a rock and take a moment to look at the hills.  Looking up top its east to try and plot new routes. for instance there is a route I saw that traverse the other side of the valley from Pen yr Ol wen to Carnedd Dafydd which looks rather fun, and you could in theory drop down on to the road side rather than have to do that boring walk out to Gerlan!

Is it so wrong to take a selfie?! Enjoying the sunshine 

I got back to the car and then had the great pleasure of waiting a few hours until my partner (a little older and wiser at 70) did his ridge walk. So I headed for a walk around ideal lake and stretched my legs then had some veggie lunch in the sun. Tryfan north ridge will have to be ticked off in the next month I dare say, ill keep you all posted. As I sat until sunset waiting for my friend the most amazing lenticular emerged over y garn and with a night sky behind it looked rather magical. The temperature dropped and the van campers where all in the car parks preparing their sleeps for the night. A great end to a great day.

Lenticular clouds incoming over Y Garn

  Good description of the route here by Mudandroutes.com

Route time : 3 hours

Roue distance : 6km

Elevation : 630m

  Thanks for stopping by and reading our blog we appreciate every single one of you. Feel free to leave us a comment, give the blog a like and share the content far and wide. If you have a favourite hike in Snowdonia then drop a mention in the comments below, we love to hear from you all.

Here are some other articles that might be of interest to you regarding Snowodnia.  You could look at our blog on top walks in Snowdonia  That would be a good start, and then maybe have a look at the top attractions in Snowdonia too for some ideas on what to have a look at. Don’t forget we have lots of new ideas on things to do in north Wales on the new website also. Favourite cafes in Snowdonia is another too. Enjoy.

Well if your heading out this weekend, I hope you have a greet weekend here in north Wales, weather look fantastic and there is a dusting of snow on them hills, enjoy and take the usual winter kit packlist, head out early and head down early and check the weather always.

Take care,

Nick

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Oh and for those of you who don’t know yet, the new blog which we will be making a full switch over to in a month or two is here www.whatsonnorthwales.co.uk

  Winter Walking in the Ogwen valley, Snowdonia The sun has finally broken through the clouds here in north Wales, and the temptation to get into the Snowdonia hills, got to much to handle.

[aoibaratraveler]

UK Road Trip Week 3

Ahhh late post was initially meaning to post every Monday but what can you do when you're on the road with limited signal sometimes and always wanting to look out the window and the pretty sights.

Day 15:

Woke up early and was finally able to put in our big bag of laundry into the wash. We weren't really able to do the things we thought about doing like going for a hike or a bike ride because we wanted to wait for our laundry so instead we took it easy and watched the last episode of izombie and once V was done with her skype interview we went grocery shopping for dinner supplies since we were going to cook ratatouille. We got back to the house and prepped all the vegetables and V made vegan chocolate pudding for dessert. Once everything was prepped and ready we decided to go kayaking for a little while before everyone would be back for dinner. Since there were 3 of us and only 2 kayaks, the bf and I decided to share one but boy was that a mistake because the bf sat in front with me in the back (so he was sitting in between my legs) and I'm not sure how but all his weight was on me and when I tried to position myself to paddle, it put so much strain on my abs and was the most painful thing so it was a struggle but at least we had a laugh and got to see a cool cave and some beautiful waves; got pretty drenched though. On the way back the bf and V switched and she and I sat together which made the paddle back much easier because she's lighter and I sat in front this time for good measure. When we got back, we quickly whipped up the rest of dinner (which was delicious) and chowed down. We then drove V's parents to an evening event and then the bf had a go at driving "Marvin", a classic 70's Volkswagen beetle that was gifted to V and her sister by their parents when they were 17. We got back and played games until midnight and V's parents returned just before we were to call it a night. V's dad decided out of the blue though that he wanted to show us the strangest card trick which involved being able to manipulate two rows of cards to be completely black and completely red even though we were the ones dealing it. Afterward, V showed us a curious card trick as well before we finally hit the hay.

Day 16:

Had a nice long catch up with V this morning before saying goodbye so much so that we didn't leave her house until 12:30...when we were expecting a 7 hour drive ahead of us...on the plus side when I mentioned to her parents that lately it's been cold while camping, her mom went and got us a duvet to take with us that she was planning to donate anyway. The drive was lovely and scenic but I was feeling a bit ill because of my indigestion so couldn't fully take it in. We were short on time since we didn't want to set up the tent when it was too dark and we only made one stop on the drive in a place just outside of Land's End called St. Just. It was a cliffside surrounded by lush green rolling hills and fields that was just gorgeous and gave such an atmosphere with the overcast. The rocky cliffs partially covered in grass and flowers were wonderful as they overlooked the clear blue-green ocean water. We sat there for a while and just took it in but I was sure that I could just sit there all day and still want more. It was most definitely my favourite stop by far. Afterward, we continued our drive from Cornwall to St. Clears which is just outside of Carmarthen in Wales and arrived at about 9:30 and were able to set up the tent even though it was already quite dark and managed to finish before the rain really poured down.

Day 17:

Today we experienced a downpour for most of the morning and day with the sun really only coming out at 5. We decided to leave early so we could drive through Swansea and then Cardiff. The clouds and rain didn't help the run-down atmosphere that Swansea was giving off with numerous shops that we drove by being closed down. When we got to Cardiff we decided to head straight for Tim Hortons which was nice since I was feeling a bit homesick although it obviously wasn't as good as what I've had in Canada. Afterward, we walked to the Millennium center which was the location for many Doctor Who episodes. After that, we watched the Liverpool game at an Australian sports bar and then headed to Caerphilly Castle which is the largest castle in Wales and had a nice little stroll before heading back for the night since we were still pretty tired from the previous day's drive.

Day 18:

As soon as we woke up today we attempted to put away our tent but struggled because of the periodic downpour that seemed to come down very hard every 10 minutes or so. We felt a bit bad though because the tent next to us was huge and the guy who was taking it down was on his own and seemed completely unfazed by the rain. We set off as soon as we could and drove along the Welsh coast/Pembrokeshire coast and again saw some gorgeous coastal views from St. David's to Trefin to Fishguard. It was especially lovely because the rain had cleared up. The cove in Trefin beach that is part of the Pembrokeshire coast national park was my favourite part of the drive and just beautiful. When we arrived in Aberystwyth we walked around the beach for a while and the bf showed me where he used to live. We even got pizza for dinner from a place called Hollywood pizza where he used to go most nights after drinking. Super cheesy with a buttery and crispy crust. We then continued our stroll and hiked up Constitution hill for some gorgeous views of the city. After a few minutes at the top, the bf was too cold so we walked down and caught a bit of the sunset on the before heading back.

Day 19:

The bf disagrees but I found the bed at this Airbnb that we booked for our stay in Aberystwyth super comfy and the pillows super fluffy and to be completely honest, it made me dread the thought of camping again but only a little bit. We got up and went to eat at "Sophie's", a breakfast cafe that the bf was a regular at during his uni days. It was super yummy there and the veggie sausages were on point. It was a rather humid day but again the weather couldn't decide whether it wanted to be Sunny or have a downpour. After breakfast, we headed to a place called "Devil's Bridge". It had loads of beautiful waterfalls and cool bridges. We stupidly parked in a spot that required us to pay even though the car park for the Devil's Bridge was free. The walk around the bridge and waterfall area took about 45 mins. There was a steep staircase there that, not gonna lie, terrified me at first. My fear of heights picks and chooses its moments and it had a pretty big one then. I'm totally fine with hiking up steep areas but hiking down is different so needed the bf's help then. The hike/walk back up the stairs of the place was certainly steep so my legs were shaking by the end of it. From the Devil's Bridge, we headed to Morrisons for some supplies and then back to the Airbnb to chill for a bit and watch Doctor Who. The bf and I both agree that the Matt Smith portion of the show is our favourite and that he's our favourite Doctor because he's wise but also daft and loveable. We concluded the night by having another stroll along the beach and grabbing some McDonald's...oh and since this Airbnb is working like a legitimate BnB, the room next to us was also taken so the night was really ended by us trying to drown out the sound of the couple in the next room having sex...lovely. 🙃

Day 20:

Today was the day that we were meant to hike Snowden so I got up at 8 packed my stuff, finished my chapter of HP that I was on and uploaded week 2 of my blog! By the time we got to the car though we realized it would be foolish to try and get to Snowden this late in the morning and hike it. Instead, we dawdled for a bit and then had lunch at a fusion place in Aberystwyth that I'd been wanting to try; really yummy fried chicken there. We then drove to the university that the bf used to attend and he showed me around the campus and the student housing in which he lived in during first year and recalled stories from that time. We then headed to Snowdonia National park since the bf's friend, T, lives and works there. She works in this quaint little book shop in a small town that had a such a laid back feel to it called Porth Madog. It was my first time meeting her but she was really nice and informative about what we could do in the area, she also reminded me immensely of another friend that the bf and I both know because of their mannerisms and colour of hair that they have both dyed the same colour. After chatting with her for a bit, we headed to the bay area near the town which was so lovely and serene and we sat there and read for a bit. When it became a bit cold we decided to head to Aldi for some snacks. All throughout the day I was feeling really sluggish and sleepy and no amount of coffee or energy drink seemed to help (only had one of each lol). The bf felt the same but he more so was just dreading our impending plans of wild camping but I was as well since we both had never done it before and didn't really want to deal with waiting for dusk to put up the tent and then to wake up at the crack of dawn to take it down. We agreed we didn't want to bother with the hassle, at least not that night since we were both tired and so we drove near the base of Snowden, parked in a lay by, reorganized the car and then slept.

Day 21:

Woke up at roughly 7 am and so did the bf and we both had the resolve to quickly get ready and start the hike up Snowden as soon as we could. Luckily there was a washroom at the base car park so we could freshen up. We then began the walk from where we parked the car (15 mins walk from the base) at about 8:45 am. I have already seen some quite spectacular coastal views in the UK but this was by far the best inland views I'd seen yet and my first time seeing proper mountainous views here. Such beauty, I'd never done this kind of hike before in my life.

I know I'm from Vancouver and I'm sure there are gorgeous hikes there but I never had my own car to get to them. I've hiked up Grouse Mountain and even though the views from the chalet are beautiful, it's just not as scenic a hike. My photos can't even begin to bring it justice. I was also surprised that it really didn't feel that difficult so I suppose I'm in better shape than I thought, I even seemed to be having an easier time at it than the bf. We walked along beautiful streams and what seemed like endless ridges and countless sheep just minding their own business. I might be a bit bias, but the bf is really just the best hiking buddy. He's always calm, reassuring, and well prepared and I felt the hike was that much more fun because I could share the experience with him. I honestly wish I could have filmed the whole hike to really capture what an amazing experience it was but I didn't have the equipment. Near the summit, there is a portion of the hike that is truly a scramble. I felt like a monkey as I crawled up the edge of the mountain; what an adrenaline rush but also thoroughly exhausting. It took us just under 4 hours to reach the summit. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the hike up, especially so with the lovely weather, the summit was appalling. It was absolutely crowded with tourists, many of whom were inappropriately dressed for such a strenuous hike AND who were also drinking and smoking! At the top of a mountain!? Ugh. The summit was really small and there was nothing to do but maybe go to the unnecessary pub that is there and look at the gorgeous view. So after about 30 minutes, we decided to head back down a different way. The walk down was much harder on my feet and at times very painful but I persevered because if I were to stop and rest for too long then we would have gotten caught up in an obnoxious camp group that was on our tail. It took us 2 and a half hours to get back down to the base of the mountain although it felt shorter (so did the hike up) and the total time was about 7 and a half hours from the car and back. We walked about 31 000 steps and I just felt so proud of myself to have been able to accomplish that hike at all, I was happy for the rest of the day but that also could have been because of the endorphins. We had a snack at a nearby cafe after leaving Snowden and then drove to Betws y Coed and set up in a nearby lay by again feeling fully destroyed and ready for sleep.

[kalgalen]

Aaah youre in wales!! I'm welsh- i live in south wales tho and you said youre on mountain roads which makes me think you're probably in snowdonia or at breacon- either way hope you have fun! Glad you're enjoying wales! Btw word of advice: welsh cakea are fun but if you can pick up any bara brith, deffo try it

Oh!!! We’re going south yeah!! We’re in Portmeirion right now because my dad loves The Prisoner and it’s absolutely gorgeous??? We stopped in a coffee shop that had that cake but we didn’t eat there, I’ll def try it when we stop for lunch though!!!

[travelasdesired]

This fall I decided to visit a new country. The country of Wales. Wales is a fairly small country with a huge personality. I traveled throughout the entire country on this trip but I’m dividing it into several parts, Llanduando and Conwy, Snowdonia and Caernarfon, Port Merion, St. David’s and Pembrokeshire, then Swansea and Chepstow. If you’re looking for a destination full of castles and breathtaking scenery look no further.

Things to consider before you go

The first thing to know about Wales and is probably one of the reasons it’s not a hot travel destination with tourists is that you really need a car. There is some public transportation but there is not a lot of it. If you really want to see the country you need your own car.

North Wales tends to be quite sleepy. Not that there aren’t a ton of things to do but a lot of places close at 6 pm. You can find restaurants open after 6 and some bars but if you’re looking to grab a coffee at Starbucks or a cafe after dinner you’ll be out of luck.

If you like castles and abbeys get the Explorer Pass. I knew I was going to be in Wales for the better part of two weeks so I invested. It allows you entrance into 28 sites throughout Wales. I purchased the 7-day pass to be used in 14 days for roughly $35 and it was well worth it.

The last thing to know is that much like the rest of Great Britain they drive on the left and they love their roundabouts. Although at first, this was a little nerve-wracking you quickly get used to it. One driving rule to keep in mind. Many of the roads are very narrow. Be kind and let others pass. The Welsh know their roads and tend to travel at higher speeds than posted. One Welshman told me, one of their biggest pet peeves is when someone is driving on the road at a slower speed and they don’t leave enough room between them and the next car for another car to pass in between. So be mindful when you’re driving in Wales to leave at least a 1 to 2 car length gap between you and the car in front of you.

First stop Llanduando

Llandudno is a gorgeous seaside town. It came to prominence during the reign of Queen Victoria as a place to visit and relax. That feeling is still very much the tone of this town. This was also my base for the first few days of my trip. Poised on the Northern coast this Victorian town is beautifully laid out and conducive to long walks along its huge promenade.

Things to do

Take a walk along the Llandudno promenade to the Llandudno pier. The pier is full of little shops and eateries where you can get everything from a souvenir mug to a fist full of candy floss.

Take a trip up to Great Orme. You can either drive up or take the Great Orme tram. If you drive, make sure you stop at the little kiosk and pay for parking. At the top, you will be greeted with sweeping views on three sides as well as some local sheep.

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Follow The White Rabbit trail. All throughout Llandudno, there are wooden statues of the characters in Alice In Wonderland. There is an interactive app you can download to find the White Rabbit. Along the way, you’ll meet the Cheshire cat, The Queen of Hearts and many other favorites.

Places to Eat

Being a resort town Llandudno has quite a few options. Here are some of my suggestions.

The Palladium, Wetherspoon’s – Each time I stopped in here it was packed. The food is good and there is truly something for everyone here. The restaurant was once a theater that was popular in the 1920s. They kept the decor and arranged the seating so you can eat in one of the boxes or in the orchestra. The main feature is that they kept those architectural elements of the theater which makes for a great dining experience.

LC Bar – Located two blocks from the Palladium this cozy bar had an affordable and delicious menu. Their Steak and Ale pie is divine and they had a blackberry Gin I wish I had brought home.

The Loaf Coffee & Sandwich bar – For a good breakfast and some tasty coffee stop at the Loaf. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch so make sure you hit it up early.

Where I Stayed

There are quite a few options for accommodations in Lluduano. I stayed at Del Mar. It was perfect. It provided on-site parking as well as a gorgeous full welsh breakfast every morning. The room was comfortable and the staff was lovely and very helpful.

Next Up Conwy

Conwy is a short 10-minute drive from Llundudno. I took the Hop on Hop off bus which left from the beginning of the Pier and dropped me off two blocks from the entrance to Conwy castle. Conwy is a medieval walled city with cute alleyways and several historic landmarks as well as great cafes and shops.

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Things to do

Conwy Castle – When you approach Conwy from Llundudno it’s the first thing you see. This imposing structure bars the way into the village of Conwy. Built by Edward I between 1283 and 1287, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of military architecture from the late 13th century. Most of the castle is open to explore with many of the turrets providing outstanding views of the village and harbor of Conwy.

The Smallest House in Great Britain – If you want to see a novelty head to the harbor to see the smallest house in Great Britain. It is 1.8 meters wide and has two floors. Bring cash because they don’t take credit cards.

Plas Mawr – A gorgeous example of an Elizabethan townhouse. Take the time to walk through the beautifully preserved house and garden. A free audio guide is provided so you can move through the house in any direction you like. This is included in the Explorer pass.

Conwy Town Walls – Much like in York the town walls are available to walk. It’s also included in the Explorer pass.

Places to eat

Bank of Conwy – I was fooled when I approached the Bank. I was looking for an ATM and thought it was a bank. Instead, I found a really great pub. With great food and a cool ambiance, this is a must stop.

The Press Room Cafe – Situated just below the castle this is a great little cafe with lovely desserts and coffee.

Tower Coffee House – This little cafe sits in one of the parapets in the city wall facing the harbor. It’s a great place to sit and enjoy tea especially when they have the fire going.

I loved this country and I cannot understand why it’s so underrated. From the people to the scenery there are few places that are so dynamic. For more information or if you want tips and help to book a trip to Wales send me a message. I would be more than happy to help you book your trip to this beautiful and pristine country. Until next time

Solo Trip, Llanduando and Conwy, Wales This fall I decided to visit a new country. The country of Wales. Wales is a fairly small country with a huge personality.

[whatson-northwales]

Cafes that I love in Snowdonia

Cafes that I love in Snowdonia

The winter is here in north Wales, there is a dusting of white across the Carneddau on the northerly facing slopes of Snowdonia as I write this. It’s been an unusually warm winter here and the charts are not showing anything different, with high pressure this weekend we should see clear skies and sunshine.. But since there is snow on them hills, I dare say a lot of visitors and locals will be…

[climbdevon]

How Mountain Weather Changes

UK mountains can be pretty daring and uncomfortable if you are unprepared - especially with something as uncontrollable as the weather. Poor weather conditions can lead to hypothermia, hyperthermia, sunburn, being blown over and other exposure considerations.

  Temperature at altitude

UK airflow will be the cause of different weather, however mountains and hills are big objects that are usually in the way of airflow. This means the airflow either has to go around it or over it. As the air flow rises over the tops it will lower in temperature by around 2°C per every 300m of ascent.   

For example, if it's 0°C down at the coast by sea level then you can expect it to be below - 6°C on the summit of Snowdon. If you then added the windchill factor to this then the weather temperature would drop even lower. So if the wind was speeding at 50mph over a Snowdon's - 6°C summit, you can expect the temperatures to feel more like - 30°C.

Temperature Inversions 

Find yourself above the clouds? You’re probably in a temperature inversion; being above the clouds while everyone below is in an overcast environment. When the air is at cooler temperatures than on the hills or mountain peaks above then this will cause a temperature inversion. Top tips for finding yourself in a temperature inversion is to be on the peaks before 11am. Likewise, if the ground temperature the night before was below freezing, the clouds are low, or the weather forecast shows that sunshine is breaking through in the afternoon, then you will increase your chances of seeing an inversion like this.

Lightning

if you find yourself out in the hills or mountains in lightning then there are definitely safer places to be! However, sometimes you can get caught out if the weather wasn’t as predicted. Surprisingly, an average of two mountaineers in the UK die per year due to lightning, and non-fatal strikes can occur more often.

The best way to make yourself safe in these conditions is to get off the hills and go home. but if you can’t get off of the hill then the next course of action is to find somewhere safe. Usually this would be 3m away from a wall or cliff-face, and within a zone equal to the height of that object. To increase your safety, sit on a rucksack with your arms and legs off of the ground to reduce the chance of the current travelling through the ground and hitting you on the way.

Getting Accurate Weather Information

Your average BBC weather spotlight might be great for general weather predictions across the UK and what your day will be like, but it will not be the same as the weather you are likely to encounter on the hill or mountain as all major weather news focuses on the weather at sea-level. The popular mountain ranges in the UK such as Snowdonia, Lake district and Cairngorms, will have specific weather forecasts in local hostels and outdoor shops. These forecasts will give you cloud coverage, wind speed at different heights, weather warnings, etc - and are more accurate to the conditions you may encounter. In winter conditions you can also get avalanche forecasts for the Scottish highlands. Alternatively you can use a specific mountain weather website or app - our favourite is the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS).

Snow

A lot of the rain that you encounter when you are out on the hills actually start as snow higher up in the sky where the air is colder - by the time it gets to you lower down where it is warmer, it has melted and turned into rain. However, in days where the air temperature and wind chill are lower on the peaks the melting process occurs much lower - this is where you start to see snowy peaks at times when the valley is snow-free.

Clouds

Sometimes the weather will predict cloud free days, yet you still encounter clouds on the hills and mountains. This is due to the fact that hill and mountain terrain can form their own clouds due to altering the air flow and speeding up the formation of clouds. As the air gets pushed up over the object, the air will tumble and can form a cloud on the top of the peak, as the cloud falls over the other side it will break up as the air flow returns to normal - thus keeping lower ground cloud free.

Wind

For every 900m of ascent you make, wind speeds can double - this will usually make peaks twice as windy as the wind speeds of sea level. This is due to the air flow being forced and pushed around and over objects such as hills & mountains. This is why it is important to pay attention to mountain specific weather forecasts; if you miss judge the wind speed on mountains as being the same at sea level, you will find that ridges can become very dangerous - especially in gusty conditions.

With all of these factors above, it pays to keep an eye on weather predictions and plan your routes accordingly

If you enjoyed reading this journal entry and thought it was worth your time, then consider treating us to a coffee! We drink loads of coffee when we write up journals and sometimes the coffee jar gets empty!

[wcva]

Christmas shopping with a conscience

Ydych chi am ddarllen hwn yn Gymraeg?

In this blog, Simon Dowling of WCVA provides some ethical relief from the material overload of shopping for your loved ones over the festive period. 

Christmas is coming and those that are a bit last-minute like me may still be trying to find that perfect gift for your loved ones. With our heightened awareness of the impact of plastics on the environment, and indeed of the disposable nature of the culture we live in, Christmas shopping can sometimes feel like it might be doing more harm than good. 

Last year I made concerted effort to try to at least buy some of my gifts from places that give back to society. If you want to support people doing excellent things for our communities then this list of socially conscious Christmas gifts from Wales may help! 

I’m not saying that there is no packaging involved or that we’ll solve the world’s problems overnight, but if you’re going to buy a big pile of presents this year why not support those trying to make a difference at the same time? If nothing else I can guarantee it’ll make you feel warm inside when you’re battling the elements this winter. 

Socially conscious Christmas gifts from Wales 

Seasonal gifts from Vision 21 

Vision 21 is a social enterprise that offers ‘realistic work based training opportunities for people with learning needs’. All Vision 21 products are made with the full involvement of trainees and all proceeds are fed directly back into the charity. 

As well as seasonal gifts Vision 21 also sells bespoke woodwork products, ceramics and cards, plus plants, herbs and vegetables. The Vision Made shop is on Albany Road in Cardiff, visit the Vision 21 website for more information on their other products. 

Knit your own hat kit 

After the success of the sell-out ‘One Knit Wonder’ campaign in 2017, Welsh charity The Wallich have once more teamed up with John Lewis to ‘knit homelessness in the bud’! 

This hat-making kit contains everything you need to knit a beanie hat from scratch and includes new colours such as mustard and teal. Selling for £13.50, at John Lewis & Partners Cardiff for a limited time only, all profits from One Knit Wonder will go to The Wallich to help people sleeping rough across Wales. 

Once your hat is complete knitters have the choice of wearing their creation, gifting it or going out and giving it to a person in need. Visit it the John Lewis store in Cardiff to find out more or visit https://thewallich.com/oneknitwonder/.

 Luxury wash products made in Wales 

Good Wash are a Welsh social enterprise donating their profits to local projects that improve the lives of animals and people. The Good Wash website stocks a number of high-end luxury wash products (including a ‘Woof wash’ for your dog!) sourced from only the very finest natural ingredients that are cruelty free. 

Profits from Good Wash support charities, groups or individuals to deliver projects that do things like; help the homeless find homes, and improve their life prospects; help those facing poverty or social exclusion find employment, training or volunteer opportunities; improve animal welfare; provide innovative health and wellbeing solutions, that are accessible to all; promote hygiene, and give access to clean water and sanitation; and protect and improve life on land and below sea. 

Good Wash products are available in a number of stores and online.

 Hand Made Candles from Beacons Creative 

Beacons Creative is a unique social firm producing candles and related products whilst providing employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties and those furthest from the labour market. 

Based in the Brecon Beacons, the social enterprise sells a range of wax based products such as beautiful candles and luxury pine cone fire lighters, and they use recycled materials whenever possible. Visit the Beacons Creative website for more info.

 Locally designed and produced t-shirts and hoodies 

Antur 'Stiniog is not-for-profit a social enterprise established in 2007 to ‘develop the potential of the Outdoor Sector in the Ffestiniog area’ in a sustainable and innovative way for the benefit of the local residents and economy. Their locally made t-shirts and hoodies are especially good for cycling enthusiasts and profits support their mountain biking trails and cycle hire in Snowdonia. 

You can buy Antur ‘Stiniog products at their shop, information centre, coffee house and art gallery in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog, or online at: https://antur-stiniog.myshopify.com/

 Gift someone a visit to the ‘Wonder of Wales’ 

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a charity dedicated to the research and conservation of biodiversity, to sustainability, lifelong learning and the enjoyment of visitors. 

The garden is the most visited in Wales and there are lots of things to see and do beyond the beautiful gardens including a range of activities and the British Bird of Prey Centre. 

You can purchase gift tickets to the gardens or gift vouchers (which can used at the cafes, restaurant or shop) or a combination of the two. Information about how to buy these is on the National Botanic Garden of Wales website.

 Luxury toiletries and gifts from Myddfai Trading Co 

Myddfai Trading Company Limited is a social enterprise with a mission to provide employment and volunteering opportunities within the local community in Carmarthenshire. Their ‘innovative, environmentally friendly and original’ products include home fragrances, soaps, shower gels, shampoo and conditioner, hand wash, hand and body lotion, bath bombs and a spa range, also available in a range of gift sets. 

Profits from the online shop and trade are used for rural regeneration within the surrounding area including working closely with the Coastal Project and Colleg Elidyr in nearby Rhandirmwyn to provide work experience for adults with learning difficulties. 

Who did we miss? Know a socially conscious Welsh gift that didn’t make the list? Let us know! Please email sdowling@wcva.org.uk. 

Are you involved in a social enterprise? WCVA funds Social Enterprises through our Social Investment Cymru team, please get in touch to find out more.

[daveywankenobie]

At the moment I’m in The Snowdonia National Park – and I couldn’t have chosen a better time to visit. At the moment the weather is absolutely divine.

It has (rather amazingly) been nearly a year since I was last here when I climbed Snowdon (link) and for some time I’ve been meaning to come back to this beautiful part of the world and explore it a little more.

If I’m honest I’d been wondering (now that I’m significantly lighter and a good deal fitter) what it would be like to do it again – and had toyed with the idea of climbing it once more.

However, after some careful consideration my companion and I (whilst driving down) decided that despite the wonderful weather forecast and the fact we’d packed all our mountain gear that we would instead do something different.

We resolved to explore elsewhere – and just let things happen by chance.

It seems that this is much easier to accomplish in this part of the world than most – and almost as soon as the words had passed our lips I misheard the satnav and made a wrong turn.

As I did so we happened to see a sign for Portmerion.

I’ve been there before – many many years ago – but truthfully I can’t remember too much about the event. I vaguely recall being with my girlfriend at the time and also that I was unfit and uncomfortable.

I didn’t explore the place much at all from memory – In fact if I’m honest I pretty much walked in and straight back out again.

What an idiot I was! This place is flipping incredible!

Designed and built by Sir William Clough-Ellis between 1926 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village it’s probably as visually unique as anything you’ll find in the country, let alone Wales – and on a superbly sunny day it’s fabulous little coloured houses absolutely sparkle!

It’s also well known as the set of ‘the prisoner’ and has a bust of its star Patrick Mcgoohan (who sadly died in 2009) a little way inside it’s main entrance arch.

I couldn’t help but take a selfie with him. Neither of us are a number!

Every time you turn a corner here your eye is drawn to some quirky little detail or eccentricity- and you soon realise that whilst this elegantly styled village is Italian themed it’s most certainly not exclusively Italian inspired.

William Clough-Ellis has wanted to create something that built both on and in unspoiled beauty – but that didn’t work against the natural landscape, instead using it’s surroundings to enhance both them and it.

Consequently one of the most appealing aspects of the structures here are the way that they seem to spring out of rock formations as if they’ve naturally grown from the protrusions.

Every tiny little element appears to be framed in some way by another – and it doesn’t matter which angle you look at things from they all seem to cohesively work together as a whole in order to create an absolutely jaw dropping set piece.

Amazingly however this is not the end of it.

Much to my head shaking annoyance I realised (whilst we looked around) that heading into the wooded hillside were little formal paths that invited yet further exploration.

I was annoyed because this was yet another tangible example of my past limitations and world view.

I can get so frustrated with myself and get temporarily lost in a sense of lost opportunity when I find myself in such moments because I was unable to do or appreciate any of the things in the past that I do now.

I really wish I could have taken a trip back in time and kicked the old me – and made him realise that he needed to change but I can’t.

I suppose in many ways that’s a good thing – because if I had then I wouldn’t have ended up with the child like sense of wonder that I had yesterday as my companion and I explored the largely deserted woods on the hillside and investigated the little pagodas and viewpoints that (just like the village) seemed perfectly natural, yet also cunningly contrived to showcase a tree, pool, bush or rock-face in its absolute best possible light.

Photos of course can’t really do this justice.

Some however (I think) manage to capture how you can get swept away by the incidental detail of the place.

It’s really not hard to find yourself at one with nature and getting stuck into some spirited appreciation of it.

You really need to come and see the place for yourself – because it’s natural beauty is astounding.

After walking for a mile or two around the woods (it really didn’t seem that far !) and hugging several bits of scenery we eventually found ourselves faced with a truly spectacular vista.

All too late I think we concluded that arriving here at 2.30 in the afternoon was a massively missed opportunity.

I’d never realised just how much there was to see – and the paths along the bay and around the woods seemed like they would stretch on forever.

I could have spent another lifetime looking at the sublimely quirky little pottery and preserve shops – whose individual (and rather pricey) wares were really lovely to browse around.

By heck though – they don’t half know how to charge for a can of tuna at Portmerion!

The cafes were better value however and served delicious (and dare I say it rather Italian strength) coffee and home made ice cream (I watched my companion partake jealously from the sidelines) to complete the whole ambiance of having a drink in such twee surroundings there were birds absolutely everywhere – none of which unfortunately stayed still long enough to be photographed sadly.

Even the tableware was unique to the environment!

Anyway – I must get on. I have another adventure to have today!!

Laters internet. I’m off to explore!

Davey

Not a number At the moment I'm in The Snowdonia National Park - and I couldn't have chosen a better time to visit.

[byron130]

Friday 12th May 2017: Sadly we had to say goodbye to this beautiful place this morning (not too sad to see the back of that jetty though) so we all decided we’d drive down to Snowdonia National Park before heading home. We had a lovely walk through a gorgeous wood, sheltered from the rain by the canopy of trees then headed into town for food and what turned out to be one of the best veggie and vegan breakfasts Ste and I have ever had! We certainly never expected to find it in a tiny little town like this situated on the Beyws-y-Coed railway station, but the Alpine Coffee Shop is an absolute gift of a place to eat. They cater for every dietary requirement, are dog friendly (they even do ‘sausages for dogs’ that come in their own tiny bucket!)  and they have a permanent art exhibition on to raise awareness of apes in crisis due to the palm oil industry. An eclectic little find and a genuinely lovely place to eat. A perfect end to a great short break away with my gorgeous family :)

[factpatrol-blog]

10 of the best glamping sites in the UK | Travel

Stunning location, Snowdonia

Two yurts and an octagonal “caban” (pictured above) accompany a handful of tent pitches at Graig Wen on the banks of the Mawddach estuary. Each is furnished with Welsh blankets and wood burners, and windows in the cabin walls provide a 360-degree view of the pines beyond. It’s a short walk for the most dramatic river views, and you can cycle road-free all the way to Fairbourne beach, climb Snowdonia’s Cader Idris directly from the site, or drive the 10 minutes to Snowdon. • Yurts for two/five people from £100/£190 for two nights, caban (sleeps 2) from £160 for two nights midweek, more at weekends, 01341 250482

Down on the farm, North Yorkshire

In a Yorkshire Wolds valley, the diverse Humble Bee Farm offers bell tents of various sizes, wigwams and yurts alongside regular camping pitches. It’s family-orientated – facilities include a play area and a baby-changing bathroom, and children can pet the pygmy goats, collect eggs from the chickens and take part in nature weekends. A farm shop sells local sausages, bacon, and ice-cream; and you can drive 15 minutes to the expansive sands of Filey Beach or walk via the nearby Wolds Way. • Wigwams (sleep up to 5) from £20/£12 per adult/child per night, bell tents (sleep 4 or 5) from £80 or £85, yurts (sleep 4) from £60, two nights minimum, open all year, 01723 890437

Treehouse on castle grounds Cotswolds

Cotswolds Camping, in the historic north Cotswold village of Whichford, Warwickshire, is in a field where a Norman castle once stood (the remaining moat is home to carp, ducks, moor hens, and geese) and was believed to be a sacred Neolithic site. Yurts are furnished with Moroccan rugs, sheepskins and embroidered wall hangings, but it is the treehouse that stands out here – a simply furnished wooden structure sandwiched between a collection of birches. Inside there is a double bed and wood burner, while toilets and showers are shared between all accommodations (there are also bell tents and regular camping). The Norman Knight, a classic Cotswold pub, and Whichford Wood, a site of special interest, are both within walking distance. • Bell tents (sleep 4), tree house (sleeps 4) and yurts (sleep 6) all from £65 per night, open all year, 01608 684239

Shepherd’s huts, Kent

Photograph: Robert Canis/Cool Camping The three marsh-side shepherd’s huts at Elmley Nature Reserve are akin to luxuriously furnished bird-hides – fitted with beds, wood burners and an outdoor, gas-heated shower. There are bird watching books and binoculars for peeping out across the wetlands, and the Victorian farm buildings behind house a kitchen and games area, along with information about the reserve: 4x4 tours, wildlife walks and photography courses are available. These stylish huts sleep two but children can be accommodated in extra bell tents pitched alongside. • Shepherd’s huts (sleep 2) from £75-£100 per night (depending on length of stay), open all year, 07786 333331

Right on the coast, Norfolk

Deepdale Backpackers & Campers’ six tipis, four yurts and a shepherd’s hut are tucked behind converted farm buildings, just yards from the north Norfolk’s coastal footpath. Tipis are the most sparsely furnished (sleeping mats, firepits and folding chairs) while family-sized yurts and the shepherd’s hut feature proper beds and wood burners. All share a well-equipped communal kitchen, and there’s a small cafe right next door for those less keen on cooking. Holkham Hall and beach is 10-minutes’ drive away, while the White Horse pub (with exceptional marsh views) is a five-minute stroll. • Tipis (sleep up to 8), yurts (sleep up to six), shepherd’s hut (sleeps up to 4) from £40-145 per night (two nights minimum), depending on the time of year and the number of people, open all year, 01485 210256

Camping pods, Suffolk

West Stow Pods In a private segment of woodland fringing Thetford forest park, four en-suite West Stow Pods each feature a double bed, sofa and fitted kitchen, along with a television for rainy days. Campfires are not permitted but brick barbecues accompany each pod. Den-building and rope-swinging occupy children, while West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village – an archaeological site and open-air museum – is within easy walking distance. Visit before the end of May to catch bluebells in bloom. • £65 per night for two people then £25 per extra adult (maximum of four adults) or £10 per child (maximum of three children, first child under three is free), two night minimum, 01284 728136

Farm retreat, Carmarthenshire

Welsh-made yurts, sheep’s wool-insulated eco-pods and a 19th-century Romany Gypsy wagon are scattered around the Ceridwen Centre’s 40 acres of wildflower strewn meadows on the slopes of the Teifi valley. Each has a nearby compost loo, or walk to the converted farm buildings where proper showers, toilets and a communal living space are found. There are regular pizza nights, a bar selling local ciders and National Trust-owned Dinefwr Castle is a 30-minute walk away. It’s possible to book the entire site and organise a retreat – from yoga to creative writing. • Pods (sleep two adults and one child) from £134 for two nights, yurts (sleep two adults and two small children) from £144 for two nights, open all year, 01284 728136

Eco-pods, the Cairngorms

Ten miles from Scotland’s busiest ski resort, Aviemore Glamping offers year-round glamping geared towards outdoor enthusiasts. In the grounds of a B&B, four en-suite wooden pods sleep two, with tea and coffee making facilities, a small fridge and a campfire pit outside. Don’t expect sprawling fields, this is compact town-centre accommodation, but a hearty breakfast in the main building and immediate access to the town are the benefits. The Cairngorms national park surrounds; hiking, mountain biking, canyoning and loch kayaking can all be arranged at the information centre, a 10-minute walk away. • Pods (sleep 2) from £45 per night, open all year, 01479 810717

Pods for the Peaks, Derbyshire

On the edge of the Peak District, Mulino Lodge Farm houses Mulino Pods, three stylish oak-carved glamping pods that offer chic interiors and a host of local info, maps, games and the like. There’s also a well-equipped outdoor kitchen plus plenty of space for washing muddy boots, bikes or dogs. The historic town of Kniveton is well worth a visit (scattered with independent shops and cafes) while hikes, cycle trails and watersports are all on offer on the pod’s doorstep. Owner Craig can also give farm tours and gather goods for a barbecue. • Pods (sleep three adults or two adults and two children) £230 for three-night weekend or £140 for two nights midweek, open all year, 01335 216220

Futuristic domes, Devon

Set between undulating hills and the wild North Devon coast sits six-acre Loveland Farm, a 19th-century farmhouse tents, tipis, yurts and campervans as well as five modern geodesic domes, all designed by fashion designers Jeff and Karina Griffin. Domes range in size and include king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and mod cons like Wi-Fi and movie projectors. There’s substance behind the style, with solar panels, compost loos and eco-showers, as well as milk provided by exotic alpacas and Asian water buffaloes! Prise yourself away for historic villages, charming cobbled streets and North Devon’s most popular surf spots, Woolacombe and Westward Ho!. • Domes start from £230 for two people for two nights plus £20/£10 per extra adult/child per night (under-5s free), 01237 441894 All accommodation is featured in Cool Camping’s new Glamping Getaways book (Punk Publishing, £14.99) and can be booked on coolcamping.co.uk. To order a copy for £13.56, including UK p&p, visit the Guardian Bookshop Source link Click to Post

[whatson-northwales]

Online Christmas shopping has taken off in a big way in the past decade. With the global online market at our finger tips, It’s very easy for us to forget about the gifts and crafts created locally.  As the internet takes over the world, with glossy websites, next day delivery and an infinite gift options, we can often overlook local artists, creatives and vendors within an arms reach of our towns. There are many local companies in north Wales and Wales a as whole producing some beautiful welsh Christmas gifts, that have way more Calon (heart) than their Chinese equivalents!  So I have put together a Welsh gift selection, that you can purchase online, and at the same time support local creators, it should cover a few bases for you. There is a balance of gifts from north Wales, and a couple of techy gifts added for our wider community! Enjoy.

   Landscape photography is a style of its now. Simon Kitchin who is an award-winning landscape photographer is also an author of Photographing North Wales, has a fab book out. He has described in this book, more than 100 locations and hundreds of viewpoints for the readers to go and shoot from. In each location chapter, it starts with an overview of geological, natural history, literary, and described history. (click the image to learn more).

Ash Dykes, at the age of 23, he has became the first ever person to solo, and walk across Mongolia. It took 78 of days to cross the Altai Mountains, the Mongolian Steppe, and the Gobi Desert. In this motivational book, Ash Dykes reveals the training, planning, sheer determination, and spirit that made him successful in the record-breaking achievement. This is really an inspirational tale. (click the image to learn more).

The Welsh brewing is an expanding hotbed of imagination and responsible for making beers that is able to hold own against anything that the rest of the United Kingdom has to offer. This case comes with 12 bottles of Welsh Microbrewed Beers. This is the fantastic selection of rich beers and having the true taste of Wales. (click the image to learn more).

The Mavic pro-DJI has a compact size but powerful drone that will turn the sky in a watercolor of creativity without worry and easily. It is designed with a small size hides a high level of complexity which considers it one of DJI’s most sophisticated flying cameras. 24 high-performance cores computing, a brand new system of transmission with 7 kilo meters of range, 4 k camera and 5 vision sensors stabilized by a mechanical 3-axis gimbal which will remain at your command with just one touch. (click the image to learn more).

The Syma x5c Explorers is one of the best selling products on Amazon. And the reason is very simple, an excellent quality/price because with this drone you can get photos and videos in a simple and high quality, as well as an easy and intuitive piloting. This drone offers with solvency a positive response to the expectations that we can make of a drone of this category and price even exceeding them. (click the image to learn more).

The EOS 1300D comes with the same CMOS sensor of APS-C size as its predecessor. The most important changes with respect to the previous model are focused on connectivity since it comes with Wi-Fi and can connect to the phone through NFC. The processor, a Digic 4+, is the other novelty of this model that makes improve the number of shots in a burst, that although it remains in a modest 3 fps improves from 69 JPEG to 1110, in RAW it remains the same, in 6 RAW. (click the image to learn more).

W. Brewin & co, Hiking and outdoor socks These socks come in 3 pack which are designed to be worn with Boots. These are ideal for hiking, gardening, and walking. The pack, has one pair Grey, one pair with Black, and one pair with Blue mix socks. It is made with 44% of Wool, 42% of Acrylic, 9% of Cotton, and 5% of Polyester. They are machine washable. A good choice if you are looking for warm and durable socks for the welsh winter!  (click the image to learn more).

On the winding slopes of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales,  Penderyn whiskey is based.  On these steep slopes, this unique malt whiskey made with malted barley is born. It gives a delicious fruity touch and full depth and complexity of flavors. It has a beautiful golden color and its aromas of black fruit and caramel mixed with green apples and hazelnuts make it a unique whiskey. Balance, persistence, kindness, and elegance are qualities that define a rare whiskey and appreciated throughout the world by the most demanding fans. (click the image to learn more).

The Snowdonia Cheese Company is well-known for its delicious cheddar cheeses. If you’re planning to gift a cheese box this Christmas, this could be arguably the best one to choose. It comes in rather nice gift box and is full of their different flavours. So if in doubt this Christmas give the give of local Snowdonia cheers (click the image to learn more).

This is the most brilliant and beautiful gift set for your dog.  This set includes a bottle of Pawsecco which is healthy food for your dog. You will also find Pooch & Mutt including a Tube of their mini-bone healthy dog treats. Billy+Margot Popcorn, which is 100% Air Popped popcorn with seaweed seasoning. This gift set is completely Non-carbonated, Non-Alcoholic, and Grape-Free. This whole set is designed with the advice of Veterinary Expert.   (click the image to learn more).

This dragon designed cufflinks are small decorative accessories which are available in Silver or Gold plated design. (click the image to learn more).

Recycled blankets, soft furnishings and super comfy rugs are all made by Tweedmill Textiles based in Flit in north Wales. This recycled rug is made out of 50% of Recycled Wool and 50% of other fibers. Approximate size of this wool rug is 120 x 150 cm. This is the great product for alfresco picnicking or Indoor use. (click the image to learn more).

13. Barti Ddu Rum – Seaweed spiced Rum

70cl bottle of Barti Ddu Seaweed Spiced Rum

A blend of Caribbean rums which gives a smooth yet spicy palate

Seasoned with laver seaweed from Pembrokeshire.

Perfect to drink long with ginger ale and a slice of lime or neat over ice.

35% ABV. (click the image to learn more).

14. Welsh Love spoon – By Carwyn Love spoons

Hand Carved Welsh Love Spoon. Two Hearts hand carved and joined together as a token of Lasting Love.

FREE ENGRAVING: Suitable for Engraving a name on each heart and a date on the bowl. Click ‘Customize Now’ to order. If you do not require engraving, simply follow the same process and insert ‘NO ENGRAVING’ in the 1st text box.

25cm / 9.75″, Carved in Lime Wood from Monmouthshire, Colour may vary slightly

An accompanying card with an explanation of the Lovespoon tradition is enclosed with each order.

Suitable for All Occasions: Weddings, Anniversary, Engagement, Valentine’s, Gift from Wales etc. (click the image to learn more).

15. Welsh slate coasters and place matts – By Pendragon

Decorative pieces

6 piece boxed set of felt backed Welsh Slate coaster 

Welsh Slate Castles of Wales 6pc Coaster Set (click the image to learn more).

  16.  Janet Bell of Beaumaris – Janet has a wonderful colourful gallery here in north Wales, situated in Beaumaris. Her work is delightful and encompasses many of our lands hotspots which she puts her own fabulous colourful vibrant spin on.. (click the image to learn more).

17. Aberfalls coffee and Chocolate Liqueur. Here is one for the winter warmer menu infant of a open fire..(click the image to learn more)

18. Bodnant food hampers- An award winning brand that creates the most stunning hampers filled with delicious ingredients. Hop over to their store and see their range..

19. Junkbox Adventure Apparel

North Wales based adventure brand Junkbox  has some really crisp and cool items. Founded and ran by Carrie who has opened up the shop ‘2nd Floor’ in Chester where she is selling her cool street style clothing and products alongside a few other independent Welsh brands.  Check her website here.

20.  Old Faithful Beard Oils

Perfect for the hairy man in your life! No seriously beared products are coming back in a big way, the vintage biker look sported by Misseour Beckham has taken a life of its own ..

They have a range of beard and shaving oils, moisturisers and balms are the perfect gifts for your face fuzz sporting friends. Their products can be purchased via their website.

21. Malbi welsh textiles company 

MABLI is an amazing natural textiles company by designer Lisa Roberts.

We love her woolen garments in marino and alpaca for children that seems to hold a very organic and natural feel to them. They do all sorts of beautiful garments head over to their online store.

22.  Jwrnal in print

Over the last year Sarah has built a brilliant community of Welsh creators with Jwrnal.

A month or two back she published their first print edition, so if you’re looking for a great read for the coffee table this Christmas, you can order a copy via their website here.

23.  Great Welsh Experiences. Gaia adventures is run by friend and local climber Sam Farnsworth. Sam is a bit of a legend in this these parts, setting up the UKs first Cliff Camping hotel, where clients come to stay the night perched on the edge of a sea cliff for an afternoon or the whole night. Sam an avid climber runs courses at his “cliff hotel” throughout the year and has gift vouchers available this Christmas.. For those with a head for heights and adrenalin, its a prefect fit! See his website here 

  24. Gift Experiences — Zip world. The Zip world family has been very busy in the past couple of years with further additions to their brand in the form of the very cool ” Forest Centre  in betws y coed. They now have a stunning array of activities of all to take part in and offer gift vouchers on their site.. A great Xmas gift!

25. Gwynedd confectionaries

Gwynedd Confectioners is the largest independent chocolate manufacturer in Wales and is one of the UK’s leading designers of chocolate products.

With an unique ability to design and manufacture innovative chocolate products, the company prides itself on providing its clients with ‘Perfection in Confection’ no matter what circumstance. check out their range of chocolates here!

26.  A life sew simple

Kim is the face and designer behind A Life Sew Simple. For over the last 5 years I have worked full time designing and sewing home decorations and gifts.I spend my days working from home on the beautiful island of Anglesey in North Wales.One of my original and most popular designs has been my Isle of Anglesey cushion, which has proved popular both locally and across the world, travelling as far as Dubai and Australia. See here.

27. Aberfalls gin gift collections – A stunning little gin collection for all those G&T fans..

The spirit of north wales collection a elegant premium gift pack for our gin.

Aber Falls Gin Collection containing 5 x 70cl of Aber Falls Gins & Liqueurs

Aber Falls Violet Gin Liqueur: A gin to make you relive you favourite childhood memories. Aber Falls Violet Gin Liqueur is a smooth and refined fragrance with a light, delicate tastes, sweet violet notes and a perfumed finish.

Aber Falls Salted Toffee Gin Liqueur: A collaboration between Aber Falls and Halen Mon. Halen Mon are a sustainable producer of Anglesey Sea Salt. Coming together to produce a rich and smooth salted toffee flavour Liqueur. The palate is smooth and velvety with hints of burnt sugar, leading into a perfect balance of salt and toffee flavours on the palate.

Aber Falls Marmalade Gin: A refined balance between sweet and bitter orange flavours throughout. A strong flavour of juniper followed by a citrus hit and warming aftertaste.

  28. Anglesey towns and villages book. What better way to get in the spirit of your next visit to north Wales, than with some Christmas time reads.. (click the image to learn more).

29. Miss Marple makes — Amazing Christmas decorations

My Porcelain creations are colourful,uniquely quirky and there’s usually a fox about somewhere! See here 

30. Gifted Turtles UK– Welsh print poster with names on with Welsh flag. Personalised- word art gifts welsh flag, see here.

Our lovely little business started out in the corner of our lounge with an old PC and a photo printer in January 2016. We started out selling our word art prints, which were already being sold by hundreds of other people. We thought we could create better designs than the ones available, so we set to work in creating our first handful of listings. Sales were slow in the beginning, and we were only selling one or two items per day. We kept at it however, and slowly started to build momentum.

31. Sofia Illustration- Anglesey illustrated map. We saw Sofias work and fell instantly in love with it.. Go look at her work here.. 

32.   I’m Welsh What’s Your Superpower 10oz Mug Cup.  What can I say about this!? (click the image to learn more).

33. Under Armour Men’s Welsh Rugby Supporters Home Jersey. For passionate rugby fans alike! (click the image to learn more).

34. Conwy Brewery has been doing amazing things of late in the beer world.. They have a 12 bottle gift selection available on Dark ales and Real ales for Xmas online

35, Anglesey then and now book, a great read to reminisce through Anglesey by gone past to its modern day present.

36. Halen Mon, how could I forget these guys?! They are dominating the global salt market and exporting to over 30+ countries last time I checked.. Incredible success and and a very nice products which they have expanded into all sorts of niches! We love it! Here is just one of the gift sets available from their range..

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  Thanks for following our blog we appreciate every single one of you!  Feel free to leave us a comment, give us a thumbs up and share with your friends and family. If you have a blog topic you would like us to cover drop a mention in the comments below.

We have a lot of exciting new content coming through in the next few weeks so make sure you pop back.

Ps– If you haven’t already seen our Facebook, twitter, and Instagram  come and say hi! We are very active on there.. Also subscribe to our newsletter here  for upto date insights of what we get upto (plus : Get a free Top 100 things to do guide here in north Wales!).  See you soon, Nick.

Front cover image by : A life sew simple

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Bit about the blogger : My names Nick Fraser and I’m a local Marine Geologist and Oceanographer. I have moved back to the island of Anglesey for the past four years having grown up here and moved away. I am a passionate outdoor lover with a penchant for all things natural. When I’m not blogging in ofter found climbing or out in the wild in and around north Wales.

  Top Welsh Christmas gifts 2018 Online Christmas shopping has taken off in a big way in the past decade. With the global online market at our finger tips, It's very easy for us to forget about the gifts and crafts created locally.