Snowdonia & Gwynedd

Snowdonia and Gwynedd cover the mountainous heart of north-west Wales, where Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the country's highest peak, presides over a landscape of glacial lakes, tumbling waterfalls and the golden beaches of the Llŷn Peninsula. It is prime territory for wild swimmers, walkers and waterfall-chasers alike. Our guides gather the region's best waterfalls and family-friendly cascades, top wild swimming spots, finest beaches, hidden gems and standout places to visit, making it easy to plan an adventurous escape in Eryri and beyond.

Best Beaches in Snowdonia & Gwynedd

In Snowdonia and Gwynedd the mountains of Eryri run almost to the sea, with Llyn beaches from Porth Iago and Porth Ysgo to Aberdaron, Nefyn and Criccieth.

Best Hidden Gems in Snowdonia & Gwynedd

Below Snowdonia's peaks, Gwynedd's valleys hide quieter gems: the pools of Torrent Walk, Fairy Glen gorge, Conwy Falls and the old Sygun copper mine caves.

Best Places to Visit in Snowdonia & Gwynedd

From Cwm Idwal's glacial hollow to the slate walls of Dinorwic Quarry, these places to visit in Snowdonia and Gwynedd swap crowds for peaks and a quiet coast.

Best Waterfalls in Snowdonia & Gwynedd

Snowdonia and Gwynedd are steep, wet mountain country, where the rivers drop through wooded gorges and old quarry valleys past Swallow Falls and Dolgoch Falls.

Best Wild Swimming Spots in Snowdonia & Gwynedd

Snowdonia and Gwynedd hold their wild swimming high in the mountains, in dark corrie lakes and quiet slate-ruin pools like Llyn Cau, Llyn Llagi and Llyn Gafr.

Family Waterfalls in Snowdonia & Gwynedd

Snowdonia and Gwynedd pack in family waterfalls, from Ceunant Mawr and Ogwen Falls to Nantcol, where mountain streams tumble through wooded gorge and forest.

Solo Hidden Gems in Snowdonia & Gwynedd

Head into Snowdonia and Gwynedd alone for hidden gems like Llyn Dinas, Dolwyddelan Castle and Cymer Abbey, quiet Welsh corners with no fixed plan needed.

Where are the best wild swimming spots in Snowdonia?

Snowdonia's glacial lakes and river pools offer some of Britain's finest wild swimming, set beneath towering peaks. Our wild swimming guide highlights the clearest, safest spots, with notes on access and depth. Always check conditions, as mountain water stays cold and currents can surprise.

Are there family-friendly waterfalls in Snowdonia?

Yes. Several of the region's waterfalls sit close to car parks or along gentle woodland paths suitable for children. Our family waterfalls guide picks out the easiest to reach, avoiding steep or exposed terrain so younger walkers can still enjoy the spectacle.

Does Snowdonia have good beaches?

Very much so. The Llŷn Peninsula and Gwynedd coast boast wide sandy beaches and sheltered coves, many with mountain views. Our beaches guide covers the best for swimming, walking and families, offering a coastal counterpoint to the region's famous peaks and waterfalls.