Snowdonia

The glaciers of the last Ice Age moulded the Snowdonia landscape of deep valleys and rugged mountains. Rivers, lakes and waterfalls, and remnants of ancient deciduous woodlands, are typical of the park, as is the coast, with its sandy bays, dunes and the three beautiful estuaries - Glaslyn/Dwyryd, Mawddach and Dyfi.

A rich variety of plants and wildlife mirrors the diversity of the landscape and the whole of the park is a stronghold of the Welsh language and way of life.

Archaeological remains from the Neolithic period, the Roman occupation and the Middle Ages survive through to those of the recent industrial past of gold, lead and copper mining, and slate quarrying on a grand scale.

Around 500,000 people touch Snowdon every year, either by climbing, walking or taking the Snowdon Mountain Railway.