Harlech, Snowdonia
Harlech is a beautiful town located in the Snowdonia National Park. It looks out over Tremadog Bay and the Lleyn Peninsular, and is backed by the imposing Rhinog mountains. The town has steep winding streets and traditional welsh architecture. It is an excellent location for a family holiday and provides a good base for exploring the surrounding area and Snowdonia.
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As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Harlech’s impressive backdrop is made up of the Rhinog mountain range which boasts some of the most remote and rugged terrain in Wales. There are two main valleys in the range. The first is Cwm Bychan which has a tranquil lake and the second is Cwm Nantcol which the peaks Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach rise from. The area is excellent for outdoor pursuits and has a multitude of walks and hill climbs to suit all abilities.
People of all ages will enjoy a visit to Harlech Castle. This fortress is situated in a very spectacular location and is a magnificent example of medieval architecture. It was built by Edward I during the thirteenth century and was one of the most formidable of his ring of fortresses. The towers and battlements still stand almost at their full height and the view from them is truly panoramic. The castle overlooks the sea and is one of the best loved in Wales. It is open all year round. Special events also take place throughout the year.
Portmeirion village is located between Harlech and Porthmadog. It was famous for being the location of the 1960s cult television show ‘The Prisoner’. It is open daily and contains many shops, a hotel and restaurant. There are interesting walks that you can take from here along the stunning coastline.
Royal St David’s Golf Club lies between the dunes and town of Harlech. Golfers can enjoy the fantastic scenery when they are playing their round.
The beach at Harlech stretches from the Glaslyn estuary in the north to Llandanwg in the south. Access to the beach is good and there are many amenities including a car park, shop and fish and chip shop.
A short drive along the coast is Criccieth Castle. This castle is located on a headland between two beaches and is a prominent landmark in Wales. There is an onsite exhibition and special events also take place throughout the year.
The ruins of Cymer Abbey are located by the River Mawddach. The abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in what was a typically remote situation. The abbey has particularly interesting arches and an unusual tower.
