Scenery
Just as Mid Wales is soft, rolling and green, the mountains of North Wales are jagged and rough, with far more bones showing through. The lakes are as beautiful as any in England, and some of the steep-sided valleys can rival Scotland for drama. Check out the Vale of Ffestiniog for its beauty, or Ogwen or the Llanberis Pass for something a little more spectacular.
Welsh language
Although this is actually spoken in the West and in Mid Wales, you’re certain to hear it in the shops and pubs of the north. It’s reputedly the oldest currently spoken language in Europe and, while less than a quarter of the population speak it, it is experiencing a resurgence. Attempt a hello or thank you and you’ll be greeted with hospitality wherever you go.
Beaches
North Wales’ beaches can be conveniently split in two. Those on the western coast, including Borth, the Llyn Peninsula and Anglesey, remain generally wild and under-utilised, while those lining the north coast, such as Rhyl or Llandudno, provide a full-on, kiss-me-quick, seaside holiday experience for the sprawling conurbations of Merseyside.
Snowdonia National Park
The largest of Wales parks, and nearly 10 per cent of the area of the whole land mass. Snowdonia is built around its mountains, which are staggeringly beautiful and stretch all the way from the mysterious Cadair Idris in the south to the barren and bleak Carneddau close to the North Wales coast. The area within its bounds boasts the best rock climbing in Britain and cold winters draw mountaineers from all over. The area is also notorious for its rain so it’s perhaps not surprising that it’s also popular with white water kayakers too.
