A 16km cycle path that weaves its way out of Bangor and into the dramatic Ogwen valley in Snowdonia. The journey starts through gentle woodland on a dedicated cycle path before taking you through the dramatic slate quarries of Bethesda.
After this a breathtaking panorama of the Ogwen valley is yours to enjoy. You follow a small, tarmac trail with little traffic. Finally get ready for a short but very steep climb to finish the trip. (You could walk it if you wanted. It's short, but steep.)
At the end of your journey you'll find the Idwal cottage youth hostel which is perfect for an overnight stay. There is also the Cwm Idwal nature reserve for a beautiful walk or a wild swim!
www.yha.org.uk/hostel/idwal
Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 3LZ
+44(0)845 371 9744
Google map: bit.ly/Zcx0BS
www.sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near-you/wales/easy-rides-in-wales/lon-las-ogwen
The stone circle was built in 1931 to commemorate the Eisteddfod in the area. As a stone circle, it is interesting in its form; the stones chosen for the circle are weathered, and give the site an antique look so that uninformed passers by may think it is of age with neolithic or bronze age stone circles elsewhere. This circle indicates that those who erected the circle were hoping to identify with an ancient British culture and in turn be identified as native Britons.
www.bangorcivicsociety.org.uk/pages/green.htm
Siliwen Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2, UK
Google map: bit.ly/rJB4xF
Tucked away at the end of a built up area is a pleasant walk along Bangor Pier. This has views to Anglesey on the way there, a cafe selling great home made scones at end, and a view of the mountains on the way back.
Take road diagonally opposite the public swimming pool, and at the end is a car park for pier.
Google map: bit.ly/qwJn7D
No trip to North Wales can be complete without ascending a peak. As walking up Snowdon in summer feels more like driving on the M25, try one of the Carneddau. On clear days you'll be rewarded with stunning views across the Menai Straits.
YHA, toilets and limited parking at the head of Llyn Ogwen, or take the green option with a Sherpa bus from Bangor.
www.totaltravel.co.uk/travel/wales/snowdonia-bangor
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