July 2015 - Snowdoina National Park, Wales

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Snowdonia national park is home to some beautiful scenery, rolling green hills and the tallest mountain in Wales. Driving the winding roads through valleys and mountains led us to Bala a small town situated on the edge of the park. Here we found our campsite for the weekend. A lush green empty field soon became our base camp. Putting up the tents is always fun especially when the wind is blowing! After pitching three tents and a gazebo it was time for a cup of warming tea. The weather wasn't freezing cold but it certainly wasn't the warmest, that evening we headed to the bar for food and drink... Maybe a bit too much drink!



For an activity while being away we were all in hope that the wind would drop and Zip World would be open for play time! We booked well in advance and it was all still on!! Whoop! Dressed in ridiculous orange suits, harnesses, helmets and googles we were put into a small mini bus and driven up the side of the quarry. From the top the views were incredible we could see the green hills and mountains of the national park. Standing at the top and then realising you were about to zip wire down the quarry was a pretty good feeling apart from the wind being strong. For the first part down we had to pair up otherwise the potential of being stuck on the wire would be high! When harnessed on to the wire you can sit down into it and it's actually very comfortable, the four of us were all sat alongside each other in a row and when the countdown happens the gates open and you lift your feet and enjoy the ride! The whole experience lasts for about an hour and a half and you get to go on three different zip lines and it's so much fun! I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes fun!



After the busy morning/lunch we had a nice leisurely walk along the river to the National White Water centre and enjoyed watching the rafters and canoeists navigating the Rapids. We walked to the dam and back to the campsite. This is where the men became hunters and women watched in awe. Basically they went to the shop got some meat and cooked it on a BBQ while us ladies enjoyed the vino and the small amount of warm sun.



The next day we headed up to Snowdonia, we left a little late and couldn't park in the tinniest carpark ever so managed to find a spot in a lay-by further down and caught the bus back up to the starting point. We walked along the miners path which is a steady climbing path which circles round some lakes. The views over the Welsh hills are very pretty and was impressed by how far you can see into the distance. The dog loved the walk as he got to run and swim, his best day! We walked half way up and headed back down, although it was sunny it was cloudy further up and people had to get home so will complete the walk to the top another time. Hopefully with a little less cloud in the sky. After another busy day we headed to the pub for a lovely Sunday roast and drinks.





Was so glad it was the last night in the tent. As much as I do enjoy camping the dog wants to be in my sleeping bag the whole night and he is just too big. I get him on his mat go to the toilet and there he is when I get back, he is right in my sleeping bag, curled up snoring!! I keep losing my spot! Then he gives me the sad eyes and I feel bad! I can't win this one!



In the morning we packed up and headed back home. This was such a good weekend and so great to spend it with like minded people who are fun and like to laugh!

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Comments

[Mrs Virginia Baldock]

Mountain climbing
Fancy only getting half up way Snowdon. The views from the top are brilliant, having walked it once and trained it once (love to boast these things ) Enjoyed the photos - where next?