10/30/2011 Wales’ coast is the ”greatest region on Earth”

The Welsh Coastline has been named the “greatest region on Earth in 2012″ by the popular travel guide, Lonely Planet. Our local coastline has beaten areas in New Zealand, India, Kenya, Croatia and Canada to claim the prestigious accolade. Even La Ruta Maya in Central America, the region inhabited by the infamous Mayan civilisation whose calendar, it is believed by some, predicts the end of the world in 2012, could only achieve second place!

Lonely Planet highlights the All Wales Coast Path, which will open fully on 5^th May 2012, as an important new attraction. Stretching for approximately 870 miles and costing £10 million to complete, the Welsh Government Scheme will make Wales the first country in the world to have a footpath running along its entire coastline.

‘Traitor’s Walk’ runs for 6 miles of this path (partly adjacent to our park) from Llanddulas beach to Old Colwyn, via Penmaenhead. In 1399 Penmaenhead was the location of the ambush of King Richard II of England by Henry Bollingbrook’s men. Richard was deposed and incarcerated, later dying in mysterious circumstances; while the traitor Bollingbrook became King Henry IV of England. This act of treachery, just past the boundary of our park, fanned the flames of Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion, causing turmoil and ultimately leading to the War of the Roses.

The world leading scheme however, is not the only reason why Lonely Planet holds our local area in such high esteem. Lonely Planet’s Tom Hall explains that “As well as the novel ability to walk its entire coastline, the region comes out top because of its wildlife, great surf, castles and fantastic spots…”.

We believe that our stretch of the coastline is the perfect evidence for this, with local attractions including:

• The Great Orme at Llandudno – which has SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status due to its biological diversity and is also home to a herd of feral Kashmiri goats acquired by Queen Victoria.

• Bodnant Garden and Conwy Water Gardens and pancake house.

• The Snowdonia National Park and Mount Snowdon – an area of outstanding natural beauty perfect for walking, hiking, cycling and climbing.

• King Edward I’s Iron Ring of Castles – including Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Conwy and Harlech which, together, are one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Wales.

• Numerous stately homes – including Erddig, Penrhyn Castle, Plas Newydd, Plas Mawr.

• The Smallest House in Britain.

• Award-winning beaches – including Llandudno’s North Shore which has received the European Blue Flag and the Seaside Award (resort) and Colwyn Bay/ Rhos-on-Sea which has also received the Seaside Award (resort).

• Family attractions – including (to name but a few): Anglesey Sea Zoo, Anglesey Circuit (racing track), The Fun Centre (Caernarfon), Greenwood Forest Park and the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

05/16/2011 Great walking possibilities

Perhaps the number one attraction in the area and all around North Wales are the fabulous walking routes.

Visiting North Wales is a must for anyone adventurous in spirit. With the coastline on one side and mountainous regions behind, there’s always plenty to explore. It’s great to set up base camp right in the middle of the coast and experience all that North Wales has to offer. With places such as Betws-y-Coed only a 30 minute drive away, it’s possible to see the coast and walk in Snowdonia all in one short trip!

05/16/2011 Excellent weather ahead!

With the sudden change in weather over April, thousands of tourists and day trippers poured into the area, to enjoy the beaches and attractions.

With the upcoming two week heatwave, it’s clear we’re fast heading in to the summer and North Wales has a lot to offer the coming visitors. Tourists are expected to flood on to the beaches and in the many seaside resorts.

Bron-Y-Wendon and Nant-Y-Glyn are ready for another busy season too, surrounded by many glorious towns and famous Welsh castles near by.

The great weather has also brought about the possibility of water shortages across the country, so make sure you stock up with supplies if you’re planning on traveling!