Snowdonia is a region in northwest Wales (United Kingdom) that has a rugged landscape, unique culture and of course the highest mountain in Wales-Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). This mountain region offers breathtaking rivers, lakes and coastline for those who want to explore the great outdoors. If you are looking for an adventure, then Snowdonia is one of the best places in the UK. There is so much to see and do here you could spend weeks exploring the wonderful nature. There are all kinds of activities like climbing, caving, horse riding, bird watching, watersports, and much more. Also, history buffs will fall in love with the rich heritage, from monuments and museums to castles. Spring (March-May) and summer (June-August) are the best times to visit however, the British weather can be unpredictable so, prepare for a rainy day.

Beddgelert is a small village and community surrounded by lush fields and mountains. It is located in the heart of Snowdonia and is only a few miles away from the base of Mount Snowdon. When it comes to recommending a place to stay or visit, Beddgelert is by far the most picturesque village in the whole of wales (maybe in the whole of the UK) in my opinion. This quaint village is so beautiful and peaceful it makes you feel like you are on a movie set. Apart from the beauty, Beddgelert is a great location to start many different hikes. The Aberglaslyn Pass is one of my favourite walks in the area. This 2-3 hour loop takes you along the Afon Glaslyn river (Aberglaslyn gorge) and then up in a valley where you see the remains of an aerial ropeway. Then you will reach the top where you will see Llyn Dinas Lake. To complete the loop, go back down a zig-zag path and follow the signs to Beddgelert.

Beddgelert Forest is also a great place to explore in the local area. With wide trails, it offers a unique bicycle ride experience. The Llyn Llywelyn Lake in the forest is a hidden gem with scenic views and is a fantastic spot to have lunch. And if you are brave enough to take the plunge, then I suggest going for a swim. Be warned, it will be cold (even in the summer months) but refreshing and, it is safe as long as there is someone else there with you. After a full day of exploring, head back to the village, where you will find a few pubs, cafes and restaurants. Bear in mind Beddgelert is small so, it can be overwhelmed by visitors. Plan ahead and, if you can't get in anywhere, then make your way to Porthmadog (8 miles away). You will find many restaurants and takeaways to choose from.

Snowdonia has an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from but, what do you do if the weather is awful? Go-Below Underground Adventures is the perfect solution for a rainy day. This underground tour in a slate mine is one of my favourite tours I have ever done. This action-packed journey is one for the bucket list but requires nerves of steel and a good head for heights. Deep in the mountain, you will zip line across caverns, climb walls and a waterfall, traverse and scramble rock faces, abseil into huge chambers and even jump off a ledge into the abyss. You will discover a hidden world of winding tunnels and ancient mining machinery abandoned in the darkness. The guided tour is a real experience which means there won't be any mains lighting, handrails or sanitised pathways. But you will be using caving equipment. The trip leader, throughout the day, will be sharing information about the mining industry and the history of the environment. This epic adventure will be an adrenaline rush and give you a feeling of personal achievement.

For more information, check out their website at www.go-below.co.uk

Snowdonia is a paradise for hikers with hundreds of routes to choose from. When people think of Snowdonia, they immediately think of the mountain Snowdon. It is a great hike with beautiful views but, it can get crowded, especially at the summit. For me, hiking is an opportunity to get away from crowds and, it gives me time to reflect on things. An alternative hike in the region is the Cadair Idris mountain. At 893 m (2,930 ft), this 5-6 hour hike will be challenging but worth the effect. The view of the lake at the base is stunning and is the centrepiece. The path takes you around the entire lake, whilst you climb the steep steps. Throughout the route, there is always a photo opportunity. At the top, there are 360-degree views of the entire Southern Snowdonia area. You will see the other mountain ranges stretching far and wide, the incredible coastline and the tiny villages dotted around the landscape. This view is by far one of the most scenic places in the UK.

If all that wasn't enough, then check out the coastal town of Conwy. This market town has a 13th-century castle, the location of Great Britain's smallest house and an abbey. Barmouth (17 miles from Cadair Idris mountain) is another coastal town worth visiting. With an expansive beach and a beautiful harbour, Barmouth is one of the top seaside locations to visit. Travelling by train is a great way to see all of these places. I highly recommend taking the train from Conwy to Blaenau Ffestiniog station. This journey will take you through the heart of the Snowdonia region.

For me, exploring Snowdonia this summer has been extra special due to the past year (2020/2021) being extremely hard for everyone. As a traveller, I believe we all should be thankful for what we have on our doorstep. This pandemic has taught me that we don't have to travel far or even leave our country to explore somewhere new. We all miss that unique feeling of getting on a plane. But, we can all be happy and learn a lot from our home country.