Autumn in Snowdonia

This year we headed northwest to spend our anniversary holiday in Snowdonia, concentrated around the mountains and glacial landforms,

there's something quite magical about autumn in this lovely place.
The four hour drive from London is just worth it.
The hills awash with golden colour, crisp leaves, the sounds, the smells; long walks followed by hot drinks and welsh cakes 
in front of a roaring open fire, it's perfect for a leaf-peeping road trip.

📸 GIO MISSION

With wild landscapes steeped in history, it is a breathtaking place for an activity holiday.
Our first stop was Llyn Ogwen, one of the most popular lakes in Wales. It lies between the two mountain 
ranges of the Carneddau and Glyderau.
There's quite a number of tourists and locals getting ready for a hike.
It was cloudy and chilly but we managed to take some nice photos and Gio was able to fly his drone despite the strong breeze.
Then we walked up to Cwm Idwal in the mountain of Glyderau.
The valley was scooped out by ice thousand years ago and is one of the best example of a glacial valley in Wales.

We both enjoyed the stunning views on top.

 A short drive away is perhaps one of the most quintessentially autumnal views in Wales.

Next stop was Llanberis.

Nested in tranquil woodland is the Dolbadarn Castle, built by a Welsh Prince in the thirteenth century.

The striking ruins of this castle sit above Llyn Padarn at the foot of Mount Snowdon.

The castle boasts a fascinating history and is free to visit, 

and only a short climb from the car park across the road from the entrance of the castle.

The view east along the lake from the lakeshore, with the castle keep rising above its surrounding belt of trees, 

is one of the most striking views in this road trip.

Then we drove to Swallow Falls on the River Llugwy, near Betws y Coed, for dramatic waterfalls and beautiful scenic viewpoints 

to enjoy the autumn colours.

Popular with walkers and climbers, Betws y Coed is especially lovely in the autumn. As what locals say it is the gateway to Snowdonia and the neighbouring towns and villages. We stayed here for two nights in a late Victorian country house. 

It's a perfect location near Pont y Pair Bridge, shops and cafes.

I had the best Full Welsh Breakfast with their homemade baked beans as their specialty. 

And of course we tried a traditional Welsh meal as well. We had a slowly braised lamb shank served with dauphinoise potatoes.

We'll definitely come back and walk up Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England 

and of course to experience the world's fastest zip wire.

There's plenty of activities and attractions that we missed so we need to book a week long holiday on our next visit.

So what are you waiting for? 

It is in autumn that Snowdonia is at its very best. 

Pack your wellies, a hat and a scarf and enjoy a rejuvenating day out.

Snowdonia, you are breathtakingly beautiful.

Our travel video tells it all... Enjoy!