I think many people who travel dont really realise what wonderful sights are close to home and by close I mean in some cases only 2 or 3 hours away.  We took a trip down to a campsite in Wales at Cwellyn Arms in Rydd Ddu, in the heart on Snowdonia national park and better still at the foot of Mount Snowdon, not only that right on the side of lake Cwellyn.

The campsite was about a 3/4 mile walk from the pub and on the grounds had a brand new shower block and laundry room, which are both in excellent condition and at £8 per person per night I was certainly a happy Camper if you forgive the pun! www.snowdoninn.co.uk

Some of the surrounding villages such as Beddgelert are almost Alpine with interesting buildings, tea rooms and restuarants which are well worth a stop even if only for a cup of coffee. 



Of course no trip to Snowdon would be complete without a trip to the top of the mountain!  Two ways up either walk or catch the train, which isnt cheap but is certainly worth it.  We opted to get the train up and get all the interesting facts about the area and a walk down which takes about two hours and is well worth it to take in the stunning views on the way back down to Llanbaris.

Just remember your jacket even when its warm because it isnt so warm at 1085m above sea level!  There are a number of paths back down and also a bus service which circles Snowdon so if you walk up one path you can always go down another and easily get back to where you started! There are also plenty if steam trains touring Snowdonia and other villiages such as Betws-y-coed which is a popular area.

Lake Cwellyn from the summit of Snowdon

All in all a great trip and so worth the 3 hour journey littered with castles on the way!  still another week off so next stop Lakes then Scotland!!