Tag: Snowdonia

Dyfi Biosphere – a call for PR support

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I’ve started to research a commission for the website greentraveller.

It’s about the Dyfi Biosphere and I’m looking for contacts with local accommodation, dining and activity providers.

I’m looking for overnight accommodation and two activities for a first-person narrative story. These will appear on the website in May.

Do you have any contacts, or do you represent any clients in the region? Please contact me.

And look out for my Snowdonia piece on the same website – coming soon.

Read more from greentraveller.

Story of the day: Riding the rails in Snowdonia

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Time to wrap up and move on. I’ve been posting stories from my back catalogue since January and I’ve enjoyed revisiting some old features.

Maybe even someone reading did, too? Do let me know.

But with St David’s Day and spring on the horizon, daffodils in bloom in my local park, it’s time to give this site a more newsy edge.

So these are the last archive articles for a while.

First is a rail journey across Snowdonia, a similar idea to a more recent story in the Telegraph.

Here’s an extract:

Arrival at Rhyd Ddu was marked by a flurry of walking boots and Gore-Tex on the platform.

The station acts as the gateway to a series of day walks, including an 13km-round-trip Snowdon ascent along well-marked paths, or tackling the Nantlle Ridge walk, a calf-burning circular yomp round a steep, zigzagging rim.

I could have tackled the latter and still been back in time for the next train.

But instead I opted for a gentler hike through rolling woodlands, then down to explore Rhyd Ddu, a tiny hamlet of granite cottages set around a village pub and tearooms, where the sign outside enthused: ‘Muddy Boots Welcome’ [pictured above].

Read the full story, Riding the Welsh Highland Railway.

What’s your favourite rail journey? How do you rate my description of the Glacier Express?

Post your comments below.

Story of the day: Heritage rail in Snowdonia

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I’m no trainspotter but riding the newly extended steam-heritage railway through Snowdonia is a real joy.

So much so, in fact, I covered the re-opening of the line for both the Daily Express and, later, for a Visit Wales supplement in the Daily Telegraph.

Here’s an extract:

Riding the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways through Snowdonia is more than just another scenic train trip that makes an ideal distraction on a short break.

These Victorian-built railways offer glimpses into the industrial heritage of the region, an era of slate runs and heavy industry set against the backdrop of the now national park.

The narrow gauge trains have been lovingly restored in recent years. The Welsh Highland now completes a full 25-mile circuit from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, connecting there with the Ffestiniog Railway to claim its crown as the longest heritage railway in Britain.

That’s 40 glorious miles through the rural heart of Snowdonia.

Read the full story, Riding Through Welsh History.

Do you have a favourite heritage railway? Or just a favourite place in Snowdonia?

Post your comments below.