Holiday cottages

Renowned for the dramatic mountain scenery of Snowdonia with its lakes and rock-strewn mountain passes, North Wales also offers a surprisingly varied countryside, from the beautiful Conwy Valley to the tranquillity of the Isle of Anglesey. The coastline is equally diverse, with sandy beaches, rocky coves and spectacular cliffs - and standing proudly over the land and seascape are some of the country's mightiest castles such as Penrhyn. The National Trust owns some 60,000 acres of coast and countryside in North Wales, including some of the majestic mountains of Snowdonia, unspoilt coastline on the Llyn, and an array of historic houses and castles.

Some of the most varied landscapes of North Wales lie within Snowdonia. The peaks of Snowdon rise to over 3,000 feet above sea level and provide some of the most magnificent scenery in the region while the dramatic slopes of the Arans are less frequented and offer stunning views and tranquillity. This is a great base from which to explore beautiful Betws-y-Coed with its interesting shops; the market town of Dolgellau; spectacular Cader Idris and the majestic Mawddach estuary. Several of the cottages are situated on the Ysbyty estate which is the Trust?s largest farmed estate consisting of 51 farms, 20,000 acres and over 500 acres of woodlands. National Trust places in and around Snowdonia include Craflwyn estate, Penhryn Castle, the shop and pub at Beddgelert, Ysbyty estate, Ty Mawr Wybrant, Aberconwy House, Conwy Suspension Bridge and Bodnant Gardens. Other attractions and places of interest include Llanwrst, Cerrigydrudion, Ruthin, Bala Lake, Llandudno, Conwy, Nant Gwynant Valley, Porthmadog, Criccieth, Portmeirion, Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis, Harlech, Welsh Mountain Railway and the Welsh Slate Museum at Llanberis. Activities in the area include walking, birdwatching, fishing, canoeing, mountain biking and rock climbing.