The first complete field guide for the mountains of Snowdonia through the seasons, its plants, animals and rocks. Everything you're likely to see in the hills at that time of year is here in one volume. Follow the seasons of Snowdonia; winter is the perfect time for studying rocks and lichen; in spring the bog flowers flourish and beautiful orchids bloom; summer brings fruits and flowers, and the trees are in full leaf; in autumn an amazing display of funghi appear, the hill farms are busy again in preparation for winter and as the nights draw in it is time again to sit beside the fire and tell tales of local myth and legend. A little knowledge of thyme, tormentil and thrift will enhance your day in the hills. Fossil trilobytes and roche moutonn'e (rock sheep), bogbean beer and caterpillar fungus, are just some of the fascinating things you will discover.

This guidebook describes the Snowdonia Way in Wales, a long-distance route through Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park from Machynlleth to Conwy. A low-level route of 97 miles (in 6 stages of between 13 and 21 miles) passes through the heart of Eryri's stunning mountain scenery and includes Pass of Aberglaslyn, Ogwen Valley and Aber Falls. It is suitable for walkers of average fitness and stamina, though the day stages are long. An alternative mountain route covers 122 miles in 9 stages of 12-18 miles, giving a spectacular journey over the most famous peaks such as Cadair Idris, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Glyders. The high-level route is more physically challenging and requires good navigation skills. Full route descriptions for each stage are accompanied by OS maps and profiles. The guide also includes lists of accommodation and transport providers and a table of facilities to help with itinerary planning. Background notes on Eryri's geology, wildlife and history and extra information about features encountered along the way will help you discover more about this ancient and beautiful land.

The old kingdom of Gwynedd – the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), Ynys (Anglesey) and the Llyˆn Peninsula – may be the most mythic landscape in Britain. The ancient Druids and from it sprang the tales of Blessed Bran who protected the land, wizards who made a Woman of Flowers, and Merlin the dragon whisperer whose prophecy echoes still. The poet Taliesin walked these hills, Welsh bards told stories of Arthur by these hearths and saints made pilgrimages along these paths. From these hidden nooks the Tylwyth Teg (Fair Folk) emerged to tease the people, and through these mountain passes rode Llywelyn the Great and Owain Glyndwˆ r, living lives that would be spun into legend. Storyteller and singer Eric Maddern has gathered these old tales here and breathed fresh life into them.

This book explains to the hillwalker, in easy to understand but accurate terms, how geology has shaped the landscape of Snowdonia. A selection of thirteen guided walks are used to illustrate this in terms of what can be seen on the ground. Divided into two parts, it is intended to help those who love Snowdonia's mountain scenery to understand how this haunting landscape came about. The first half narrates the story of colliding continents, volcanoes, mountain-building and glaciation in creating Snowdonia, explaining why volcanoes occurred, the rocks they created and how to interpret signs of mountain-building and glaciation on the ground. The second half describes several recommended walks, of differing levels of difficulty, but all with a wide variety of geological features to be seen and, most important, enjoying consistently fantastic views of the very best of Snowdonia's wonderful scenery. The author has concentrated on what you can see as you walk around the hills, pointing to conspicuous, easily seen features in rocks and the overall shape of the terrain in accounting for the present day landscape.

A guidebook to 80 graded scrambles in Snowdonia National Park (Eryri National Park). Covering Carneddau, Glyderau and Snowdon Group, plus the finest scrambling in Eifionydd, the Moelwyns, Rhinogs and Cadair Idris, the routes range from scrambly walks to demanding climbs involving technical difficulty and exposure. Routes range from scrambling grade 1 to grade 3S so there’s something for all abilities. 1:25,000 OS maps and topos included for each route Easy access from Llanberis, Ogwen Valley, Dolgellau Popular routes covered include the Snowdon Horseshoe, North Ridge of Tryfan, Bristly Ridge, Cneifion, Cyfrwy Arêtes Best experienced Spring through to Autumn Detailed information on safety and equipment

Famous for its northern mountains, the Snowdonia National Park offers more than just Snowdon. The second of two volumes to low-level and easy walking in Snowdonia, this guide guide covers the southern region between Llan Ffestiniog and Machynlleth through 30 day walks ranging from 3km to 18km. Walkers of all abilities can explore the lowlands, moorland and estuaries of the Snowdonia National Park including the coastal towns of Harlech, Barmouth and Aberdyfi, and lakeside settlements of Trawsfynydd and Y Bala. These mostly easy walks in Snowdonia take in sandy beaches, abandoned slate mines, ancient woodlands, and wildlife-rich estuaries. Each walk features in-depth route description and 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 OS mapping, and GPX files are available to aid navigation. The guide supplies what3words addresses for start and finish points and postcodes for car parks, as well as refreshments and facilities available on each route. The book also contains a wealth of insights into the history, geology and wildlife of the area and an appendix of useful contacts.

Insight Great Breaks Guides: pocket-sized books to inspire your on-foot exploration of the best of the British Isles. Explore the best of Snowdonia & North Wales with this indispensably practical Insight Great Breaks Guide. From making sure you don't miss out on must-see attractions like Snowwdon, to discovering hidden gems, including the Centre for Alternative Technology, the easy-to-follow, ready-made walking and driving routes will save you time, help you plan, and enhance your Great Break in Snowdonia & North Wales. · Practical, pocket-sized and packed with inspirational insider information, this is the ideal on-the-move companion to your trip to Snowdonia & North Wales · Features over 8 detailed walking and driving tour itineraries, including The North Coast and Carneddau Mountains, Snowdon from Caernarfon and Cadair Idris to Machynlleth · Overview section features concise insider information covering everything from landscape and location, to history and culinary highlights · Top Ten section takes you to the heart of your destination, from Conwy to Snowdon · Rainy Day recommendations offer plenty of options, whatever the weather · Includes an innovative extra that's unique in the market · Invaluable itinerary maps and practical Travel Tips section ensure effortless exploration · Inspirational colour photography throughout About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrasebooks, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.