Destination Guide

From countryside to coast, the surrounding area is so rich in history and legends.

Tan-y-Foel Country House provides an ideal base from which to explore the nearby tourist attractions, or choose one of the many leisure activities like mountain biking, cycling or walking one of the many public footpaths that North Wales has to offer.

Conwy Castle Presiding from it's perch above Conwy estuary it throws out a ring of ancient town walls which still effectively encircle the central core of Conwy town.	Bodnant Gardens Belonging to The National Trust, covering 80 acres, it is highly regarded as one of the finest gardens in Great Britain.	Caernarfon Castle Built by Edward 1, used by the Prince of Wales during the 1969 investiture.	Portmeirion Built by Clough Williams-Ellis it is a visual extravagance of a fantasy village.
Ffestiniog Railway Runs from the mountains of Blaneau Ffestiniog to the sea at Porthmadog. Breathtaking views of the Snowdon range towers over the River Glaslyn.	Snowdon Mountain Railway A narrow-gauge line that climbs 4.5 miles to the upper terminus - just short of the summit.	Llandudno A typical British seaside resort with a wide promenade backed by row after row of elegant Victorian facades.	Fairy Falls A spectacular multi-level waterfall on the River Llugwy near Betws-y-Coed.

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The physical background, the geology and landforms, the flora and fauna are so interesting within the Snowdonia National Park, that walking in North Wales seems an obvious choice during your stay at Tan-y-Foel Country House.

Walking in Snowdonia: Walkers can explore lost villages, Neolithic tombs, stunning countryside and of course "Wales" highest peak Snowdon which sits 3,560 feet above sea level the tallest mountain in England and Wales. Why not try the Snowdonia Slateman Triathlon which is back by popular demand and will be even bigger and better this year. Two race options will be the "Full Slateman" (1000m/51km/11km) or "Slatemen Sprint" (400/20km/6km). Team relay categories are also available for both distances. Race starts from the stunning village of Llanberris at the foot of Snowdon a short car journey from us here at Tan-y-Foel on Sunday 20th May 2012. Other events include the Anglesey Sandman Tri and Snowman Winter Tri which are planned for later in the year. An equally exhilarating alternative to walk may include the Glyders or Cadair Idris.

Lower level all-weather walks provide an ideal alternative when the mountains are shrouded in mist or white with snow.

From Tan-y-Foel Country House to Capel Garmon and the Neolithic Tomb, an easy and pleasant walk on a rolling plateau to the east of the Conwy, where, unimpeded by trees, you can enjoy wide views of Snowdonia.

From Betws y Coed you can explore Conwy Gorge, Fairy Glen, Conwy Falls and the Machno Falls, following one of the loveliest stretches of water in the district as Afon Conwy falls over a series of rapids and waterfalls to the pool below Beaver Bridge.

From Trefriw walk to Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd, hidden in the hills two of the loveliest Snowdonia lakes.

From Beddgelert follow Gelert's Grave Walk, discover the popular legend about Prince Llywelyn and his wolfhound, Gelert.

Alternatively, coastal walking can be discovered with the Great Orme as you head out east from the main Snowdonian peaks, visiting a limestone headland thrusting out into the sea from the Victorian seaside resort ofLlandudno.

Mountain Biking in Snowdonia: Tan-y-Foel which sits high above the Conwy Valley overlooking the Snowdonia mountain range and the breathtaking scenery of the Gwydyr Forest is easily accessible from the A5, A470 or A55 making it a great location to base yourself for a Mountain Biking weekend, being a short distance from the start of Marin Trail (Gwydyr Trail), Penmachno with its two trail loops and only a short drive from Coed-y-Brenin the mountain bike mecca of North Wales. We can also supply undercover parking for your bikes and washing facilities to clean them. There is also Beics Betws within a short drive which supplies urgent repairs and spares, they also hire some of the latest bikes too. If you are looking for something gentler for all the family to enjoy then you will not be disappointed as the area has some of the most enjoyable forest tracks for you to explore.

Car Services - For help with professional personalised guided tours in Snowdonia and Anglesey and car hire we recommend VIP Travel Services, tel: 0750-020-9464 or email info@viptravelservices.co.uk also Country Lane Tours www.countrylanetours.com

More adventures to discover

Gwydir Trekking and Riding Centre - Situated amongst the superb scenery of Snowdonia National Park, they offer delightful rides in and around the Gwydri Forest. Contact Tel:01690 760248

High Ropes Adventure - High in the tree tops near the village of Betws-y-Coed is an exhilarating "Tree Top adventure" like no other, 29 obstacles to negotiate : Rope bridges, zip wire and balancing beams. Contact Tel: 01690 710914

Whitewater Rafting - Situated in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, just outside Bala, one of the longest and steepest commercial whitewater rafting runs in the UK. Contact Tel: 01678 521083