Four reasons Wales should be your next long-weekend destination

An amusing scrape, sure, but true adventure? Notoriously hard to find. Unless, of course, you’re familiar with the wilds of North Wales, with its rugged coastline and mountainous terrain waiting to be conquered.

With speedy road and rail links from London and beyond (London to Bangor takes just over three hours on the train, five hours in the car), it’s the perfect destination for a weekend road-trip. Want an idea of what you can expect? Here are just some of the highlights waiting for you out in dragon country. Weekend warriors, assemble…

Tackle Snowdon

The big one – the biggest one in all of Wales, in fact. That’s right, it’s Mount Snowdon itself, imploring you to don your hiking boots and take a pop at the champ.

There are six different routes you can take to the summit of this 1,085 metre-tall giant, all of which have their own particular charm. The Watkin Path is probably the toughest (although you’re more likely to bag a spot in the car park as a result), while the Snowdon Ranger Track offers a more gentle path to the top.

Whichever route you choose, make sure to load up on supplies and check the conditions on the Snowdon Summit Forecast before you set off.

Don’t fancy mountain climbing? Coed y Brenin is the UK’s first dedicated mountain bike trail centre, and can also be found in Snowdonia National Park. Get on your bike and explore a host of stunning natural forest trails. It’s a cycling paradise…

Hit the beach

The beaches in Wales are incredible. OK, you probably won’t need to crack out your board shorts unless you’re feeling particularly brave, but the Llŷn Peninsula is also home to some of the country’s most scenic coastal walks. Take the route from Porthmadog to Portmeirion, a fascinating seaside village boasting one of the region’s best beaches, along with a jumble of pastel-coloured buildings and Italianate architecture. Check out the Central Piazza, take some snaps and watch your Insta blow up as the Likes come rolling in.

Take to the water 

Get the adrenaline pumping with an excursion to Anglesey, where RibRide run open-water adventure tours in their fleet of RIBs – that’s Rigid Inflatable Boats, nautical acronym fans. Think high-speed exploring on the waters of the Menai Straits, where you can discover some of the region’s more remote islands. Your thirst for aquatic adventure not sated? Then head to Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc, where you can tackle the rip at the 300-metre surf lagoon (the first of its kind in the UK). Lessons and structured courses are offered, with camping options available if you want to make a weekend of it.

Find a home from home 

Sure, you’re here for the hiking, the landscapes, that back-to-nature realness… but you’re not quite ready to go full Spartan, killing your own dinner and sleeping under the stars. Fortunately, you don’t have to, thanks to a host of foodie finds and great overnight options. Pushing the boat out? Tan Y Foel is a five-star retreat in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, with six luxurious en-suites to choose from. For something a little less fancy but similarly atmospheric, CellB is a boutique hostel based in an old Edwardian police station in the mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Or food-wise, Hangin’ Pizzeria in Betws-y-Coed is a good spot for a slice, while Bistro Hebog in Beddgelert does hearty Welsh fare to fuel your next assault on Snowdon.

Find out more at visitwales.com #FindYourEpic

Win a two-night stay in North Wales

Appetite for adventure suitably whetted? We’ve teamed up with Host Unusual to offer you the chance to win a two-night stay at Château Rhianfa, a Grade II-listed hotel towering over the scenic shores of the Menai Strait. With Snowdonia National Park on your doorstep, it’s the perfect base for a weekend’s exploring. One lucky reader and their friend will win a stay in one of the Château’s atmospheric sea view rooms, plus a complimentary dinner for two. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question…

Find out more at visitwales.com #FindYourEpic