Text only
中文版
 Print this page | E-mail this page| Add to favourites
British Council IBD Team
natural landscapes
Island & Seasides
Mountains & Lakes
Valley & Water Falls  
Wild Animals
How can we help?
What's on in China?
Scholarships and work in the UK
Register for IELTS
Studying in the UK
cubed: latest UK science news
Job opportunities
Join British Council Online Community
Valley & Water Falls
Home - About the UK - Popular Sites - Wales Popular Sites - Natural Landscapes - Here

Lake Vyrnwy
Mountain-ringed Lake Vyrnwy, with its spooky water tower, is the most dramatic and atmospheric of Wales's many reservoirs.Nearly five miles of eerie and truly satisfying intrigue are granted to the visitor of Snowdonia's Lake Vyrnwy. Not only is it dressed in natural beauty, it has a deeply alluring past. The dam that created the lake, completed in 1888, submerged the whole village of Llanwddyn.

At times when the water level drops far enough, during dry summers, the ruins of the old village reappear! The lake's bounty stretches from the past into the present whatever activity you engage in. Like the geography of the mountains before it, the dam's water tower stands firm as a reminder of the region's transformation through time. Today the lake and surrounding area are open to a vast array of activity. If you've never tried it before hire a tandem bike around the Lake, or go fishing. With lots of potential walks and wildlife there are plenty of other activities to explore here.

Llyn Mymbyr
Llyn Mymbyr, also known as the Capel Curig Lakes, is made up of two small lakes linked by a channel. From here there is a truly outstanding view across its waters to Moel Siabod that rises 2,860 feet through the craggy and wild mountain scenery. Other tremendous views of Snowdon extend their invitation to the visitor across the horizon from the west. Llyn Mymbyr is a pearl in the heart of the 100 strong caches of Snowdonia's lakes. It is also a first-class location to visit mountains such as Tryfan that lies just to the north. Indeed, Snowdonia National Park itself is the second biggest National Park in England and Wales.

Ogwen
There is plenty to see, in and around the Ogwen Falls. The many trails lead you off around the endless beauty of Snowdonia. As the Ogwen River begins its journey along the rugged Nant Ffrancon valley to the sea you will observe the water tumbling eternally over the rocks. The variety of landscape in the area means there are numerous waterfalls to see. These always look their best after heavy rain. After such showers you can spot falls of water tumbling off the mountainside almost anywhere in the region. Snowdonia's terrain makes waterfall-hunting a great day out for the family at any time of year.

Location
Being in the heart of Snowdonia there are all the attractions of the local villages such as Beddgelert and Betws-y-Coed. Only a short drive away are the lovely beaches of the North Wales Coast or the Llyn Peninsula. Tryfan, Glyderau and Carneddau ranges are all accessible from Ogwen Falls and in most cases circular walks are possible or the 'Sherpa' bus system can be used to plan your route.

River Ogwen
As its name suggests the river begins its journey from Llyn Ogwen and the Ogwen Falls at the head of Nant Ffrancon, in the Ogwen Valley. Along its journey the river runs alongside the villages of Bethesda, Tregarth, Tal-y-Bont and Llandygai before arriving at the Menai Straits near Bangor. Brown trout, Salmon and Sea trout are all found in the river. A good hatch of insects during the warmer days usually encourages the better fish, particularly during the evening.

Ogwen Valley
Access to the Ogwen Valley is through the mountains along the A5 or via the A55 coast road. Turn on the A5, sign-posted Betws y Coed for Bethesda. Bethesda offers an old-fashioned and homely High Street with butchers, bakers, Spar and post office, pubs, antiquarian bookshop, delicatessen, outdoor, souvenir and craft shops.

Sgwd yr Eira
Sgwd yr Eira meaning 'fall of the snow' alludes to the pristine beauty of its torrential foaming white water. The falls are 50 feet high and make a wonderful place to visit with a partner or the family. The deep gorges in this area, provide ample opportunities for both the casual walker and the more experienced. Many of the falls are spectacular and worth visiting more than once through the changing seasons.

This area, however, has more than waterfalls and river gorges. It is also threaded with cave systems of international importance. Porth-yr-Ogof or 'Gateway of the Cave' is the most impressive cave entrance. Look into its massive mouth to see what is known as the 'White Horse' – a calcite formation in the rocks resembling the head of a horse.

View from Crib y Ddysgl
The views from Crib-y-Ddysgl are among the best reasons that exist to conquer any fear of heights. All that's required is a fair level of fitness to take pleasure in magnificent views from Mount Snowdon's Horseshoe walk. The views to Llyn Llydaw and Llyn Glaslyn are full of anticipation and pleasure.

Llyn Llydaw is a 190 feet deep lake whose legend tells us that King Arthur disappeared from here, and was carried away by fair maids of the mountains. What is more, the legendary sword of 'Excalibur' was launched into mystery here. Llyn Glaslyn is 126 feet deep and also has a truly absorbing story steeped in myth. The fable told is one of the 'Afanc', a dreadful monster, who is trapped here, having been dragged by oxen over the mountains from Betws-y-Coed.

From Llyn Glaslyn at 2,200 feet above sea level, water flows over two immense steps. It then works its way through a gorge cut in the rock barricade and plummets down abrupt slopes into Llyn Llydaw at 1,400 feet.

www.VisitWales.com

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Our privacy and copyright statements.
Our commitment to freedom of information. Double-click for pop-up dictionary.

 Positive About Disabled People