Snowdonia for pre-teens

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Planning a series of activities for your average pre-teen is a walk in the park compared to planning the same for your average teenager. Whatever you’ve got lined-up for the eldest is sure to suit the youngest (within reason) but you also get to throw-in to the pot a whole smorgasbord of activities that a teenager would turn their nose up at. Give a pre-teen a fishing net, point out the nearest rock pools (north beach is your best bet if Tywyn’s sunken forest hasn’t made an appearance yet) and they’ll be gone for hours. The world famous Talyllyn Railway & Museum is on your doorstep and a trip to Aberdovey gets you to the donkeys for one of those quintessential beach holiday experiences. And don’t forget crabbing from the pier.

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Snowdonia with Teenagers

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If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, then teenagers are from one of those exoplanets orbiting some distant star. We’ve all been there but most of us have long forgotten those angst filled years which is a bit of a problem if you’re planning a family holiday with one or more in tow. A remote cottage may tick all your boxes for that relaxing break but is likely to be beyond the pale for your average teenager.

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The Yarn Bombers of Llwyngwril

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If you have young children in tow, and have a couple of hours to spare, why not take a trip to Llwyngwril (LL37 2) to check-out what the yarn bombers have crocheted-up this year. What you will find is a trail littered with all manner of knitted creations including Gwril the Giant (the River Gwril runs through Llwyngwril), dragons & mermaids. Pick-up a map from Riverside Stores (£1) and see how many you can track down.

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Barmouth’s Heritage Trail – Part 1

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Barmouth

When you think of Barmouth, what images spring to mind? Whatever your age there’s a good chance that they’ll include donkey rides, deckchairs, candy floss, wind brakes, sandcastles, crabbing, ice-cream and the dodgems. When we visited in August Barmouth had all that together with yapping dogs, running kids, stressed mums and dive-bombing seagulls.
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Dolgellau’s Precipice Walk

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Precipice Walk

Snowdonia is blessed with spectacular scenery but to appreciate it fully you need to get out there with your walking boots on. With nearly 1,500 miles of public footpaths there is something to suit all abilities – you have no excuses.

Being neither fit nor agile we were on the look-out for a walk that wasn’t too demanding but still offered plenty to see and admire. Googling we came across something called the Precipice Walk which appeared to fit the bill.
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Snowdonia’s Cambrian Coastal Railway Line

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The Cambrian Coast Line is probably the UK’s prettiest railway line running through the Snowdonia National Park and operating between Aberystwyth in the south and Pwllheli in the north.

Discover medieval castles, sandy beaches, nature reserves, steam railways, museums and art galleries all without the hassle of finding a car parking spot when the rest of the world appear to be attempting the exact same thing. For a stress free trip, take the train and hop on and off when and where you fancy.

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Harlech Castle

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Harlech Castle

At the end of the 13th century Edward I invaded Wales determined that the locals would submit to his divine right to rule. He achieved this with stone building a mighty ‘iron ring’ of fortresses with which he encircled the rebellious Welsh princes in their Snowdonian stronghold. This iron ring consisted of Harlech, in the south, and Caernarfon, Colwyn, and a little later, Beaumaris in the north and east.

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