Page 158 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

156 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

waterfalls. Several walks start from
the ancient Pont-y-Pair bridge,
built in 1468, in the town centre.
Those looking for more extreme
activities can go rock climbing,
abseiling or canyoning, or try
the fun-filled treetop nets.
ª From the car park, take B5106
north to Trefriw. Park across the road
from the mills by the war memorial.
e Trefriw Woollen Mills
Conwy; LL27 0NQ
Established in 1859 and run ever since
by the Williams family, Trefriw Woollen
Mills (museum open Apr–Oct: Mon–Fri;
shop open daily in summer, closed Sun in
Above The highest waterfall in Wales, Swallow winter; 01492 640 462; www.t-w-m.co.uk)
Falls, Betws-y-Coed w Betws-y-Coed use 50-year-old machines and do
Conwy; LL24 0HD their own blending, spinning, dying
The principal village in the Snowdonia and weaving. The mill is best known
VISITING BETWS-Y-COED National Park, Betws-y-Coed, the for its double-weave blankets. There
Snowdonia National Park “prayer house in the wood”, is a is a weavers’ garden with a display of
Information Centre popular tourist spot along with the the plants that provide fibres, soap and
Royal Oak Stables, LL24 0AH; nearby Swallow Falls, the highest natural dyes and, in summer, there are
01690 710 426 continuous waterfall in weaving demonstrations.
Adventure Activities Wales. Nestled in a wooded Walk or drive alongside the
For rock climbing and canyoning valley at the confluence of river that supplies the mill, to
activities, including lessons, try the rivers Conwy, Llugwy and the lakes of Llyn Geirionydd
Seren Ventures (Adventure Centre, Lledr, it is well appointed and Llyn Crafnant. A café
Vicarage Road, LL24 0AD; 01690 710
754; www.serenventures.com). Zip with galleries, cafés, shops, beside Llyn Crafnant has
World Forest (Llanrwst Road, LL24 pubs and hotels. Its oldest great cakes and ice cream
0HA; 01248 601 444; www.zipworld. building is the 14th-century (open Mar–Oct).
co.uk) offers zip wire rides and treetop St Michael’s Church (Easter– ª Turn right out of the car
playground, suitable for all ages.
Oct: open daily) with a stone park to leave Trefriw on the
effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd Traditional designs at B5106 north to Conwy, and
WHERE TO STAY Goch, related to Llywelyn, Trefriw Woollen Mills pass through the break in
the last free Welsh Prince of the city wall. At the
AROUND BETWS-Y-COED Wales. The countryside around roundabout, turn left into Rose Hill
Pengwern Guesthouse moderate Betws-y-Coed offers rivers, pools and Street and park next to the castle.
This immaculate country house, run by
Welsh-speaking hosts, is a short distance Below Betwys-y-Coed, nestled in a deep wooded valley at the confluence of three rivers
south on the A5. Local produce for
breakfast, free Wi-Fi and fine views.
Allt Dinas, LL24 0HF; 01690 710 480;
www.snowdoniaaccommodation.co.uk
St Curig’s Church moderate
Snuggle up in this cosy converted
church about 8 km (5 miles) west on
the A5. There are original stained-glass
windows, and a hot tub in the garden.
Capel Curig, LL24 0EL; 07980 619 139;
www.stcurigschurch.com
CONWY
Sychnant Pass House
moderate
Situated about 3 km (2 miles) west of
Conwy this is a friendly and relaxed
country guesthouse, with comfortable
rooms, highly rated food, and a
swimming pool and hot tub.
Sychnant Pass Road, LL32 8BJ; 01492 596
868; www.sychnant-pass-house.co.uk
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

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