Exploring castles is hard work and we had explored both Beaumaris and Caernarfon castles in one day! We took the scenic route back from Caernarfon to Betws-y-Coed and decided to take a rest at the beautiful Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. Llyn is the Welsh word for lake.
We found this area quite enchanting. There were sheep seemingly roaming wild (although I have no doubt they belonged to one of the neighbouring farms) and there were beautiful swans in the water.
Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake and it is linked to Llyn Peris at its south-eastern point. It is close to the town of Llanberis.
Llyn Padarn is located in Snowdonia, an area of incredible natural beauty in north west Wales which was designated to be a national park in 1951. The landscapes and vistas were breathtaking at times and the area is popular with hikers, walkers and climbers.
There was one slight blemish on the landscape and that was the evidence of the heavy slate mining that took place for almost two centuries until the late 1960s. Thankfully, the nearby Dinorwig Quarry closed in 1969 and all that remains of the local industry at Llyn Padarn is the National Slate Museum.
We were fortunate to spot the Llanberis Lake Railway train making its way along the track on the northern bank of the lake. Next time we visit Snowdonia (and I have no doubt that we will return) we’ll make sure we take a ride on the railway and visit the National Slate Museum and Padarn Country Park too.
If you click on the photo above, you will get a better view of the train.
It looks nice and I can only imagine the view from the train!
ReplyDeleteThis is the sort of tours I happen to enjoy the most, woods where to hike and relax. Getting on that train would be great too — the route by the lake on train reminds me of the Pyrenees.
ReplyDeleteI like the beautiful lake with the white swan and can not believe that you could take a ride on the railway around the lake to enjoy the fine view of the museum and park. What a grand day. Hope I will have the same wonderful tour like yours.
ReplyDeleteAnother great reminder of how beautiful parts of this country are.
ReplyDeleteAwww.... your post brings back memories! Snowdonia is so breathtakingly beautiful. I spent a few wonderful weeks there back in 2000/2001. I never made it to Beaumaris Castle but I do remember Caernafon Castle and the little village of Betws-y-Coed very well. Thanks for posting this :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the perfect place to relax with a book and a picnic. Did you also see Dolbadarn Castle? It's a small tower close to Llyn Padarn. :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures... yes, llyn is the Welsh word for lake... my last trip there was in 2005... the weather was bad but I liked the landscape. We stayed by a lake named Llyn Tegid. I can still remember that it was a beautiful place to go sailing on small boats.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful location, the fog seems perfect surrounding for a castle estate (at least to someone from the states). Just found your site through your comment on my friend Rob's site (North Metro Photo). I look forward to visiting again!
ReplyDeleteSuch a picturesque area, but it looks cold. Is that the museum way yonder in your last picture? I would imagine there is lots of walking exploring castles.
ReplyDeleteWow...so beautiful..your photos are like poetry..so peaceful too! I love swans...enchanting..and magical!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Emm!
Victoria~
Looks so fresh! I miss green gras right now. Great pictures and post.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful place to spend the day and to find moments of peace. great photos.
ReplyDeleteThe man in the bench remind me of forest...forest gump.
ReplyDelete@ Ola: Next time we visit, we'll definitely take the train!
ReplyDelete@ Josep: Then you should definitely consider visiting Snowdonia National Park in North Wales one day! It is stunning there.
@ Ellen: It really was stunning.
@ Mo: Hee hee. That isn't in this country though - it's in Wales!
@ Giselle: no problem. I loved Wales and have lots of other photos to post!
@ John: you know, we did see it but we never knew what it was!
@ Dominic: I will definitely be returning to Wales, maybe in 2013 or 2014.
@ Mitchster: the only problem with cloudy weather and castles is your photos don't come out well.
@ AVCr8teur: It was chilly enough for a light jacket but not cold. I don't know about the building unfortunately, we did not make it to the museum but will next time.
@ Victoria: Thank you - it was lovely there.
@ Spiderdama: All of Wales is that green and beautiful!
@ Life Ramblings: it was peaceful!
@ Reyah: hey! That is my husband, Stephen!
I have been nursing the idea of climbing Mt in Snowdonia for quite a time now.
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