National Parks in Wales: Which one is right for you?

National Parks in Wales: Which one is right for you?

When it comes to Britain's respite, Wales' national parks rival the best. Here we explain why

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Wales is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Deepest Wales may not be as rugged as Scotland or romanticized as Ireland, but it is just as seductive.

There are many secluded corners on dramatic mountain passes, deep river valleys and weather-swept cliffs. Scattered seamlessly across the natural landscape are Iron Age hillforts, Roman ruins and over 600 castles - more per capita, it is said, than in any other country in the world.

Samot/ShutterstockConwy Castle in Wales

Humans have shaped this place over thousands of years. As such, enigmatic ruins dot the landscape. Stone circles, dolmens and menhirs were built long before the castles.

This enchanting mix of nature and history attracts visitors from all over the world, particularly to the three national parks in Wales: Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire. Here we introduce all three to help you choose the one that's right for you. Whether you choose camping, glamping or holiday cottages in Wales, you're sure to find a place to suit you.

Snowdonia National Park

Best for: Climbing and hiking Location: Gwynedd and Conwy, Wales Size: 2,176 km2 Established: 1951 Website: snowdonia.gov.wales

Dominated by rugged peaks, Snowdonia is the largest national park in Wales. Here you will find Snowdon (1,085 m / 3,560 ft), Britain's mightiest peak south of Scotland. The razor-sharp Crib Goch route to the summit is one of the hairiest routes in the country. In winter, Snowdonia offers world-class alpine-style climbing. In fact, Sir Edmund Hillary trained here for his infamous journey to Everest.

alt="Snowdon is Britain's most powerful peak south of Scotland.">Andrew Mappouras/ShutterstockSnowdon is Britain's mightiest peak south of Scotland

Of course, there is more to Snowdonia than just mountains. You'll also find over 37km of dramatic coastline, picturesque villages, steep river gorges, waterfalls, forested valleys, peatlands and moorland.

Unsurprisingly, Snowdonia has been used in a number of films. Highlander was filmed at the Sychnant Pass in Conwy, which winds through much of northern Snowdonia, while Dinorwic Slate Quarry was used in Tarzan, Clash of the Titans and Tomb Raider.

Bernd Brüggemann/ShutterstockDinorwian slate quarry

However, Snowdonia isn't just a pretty backdrop; More than 26,000 people live in the park, 62% of whom speak Welsh (Cymraeg), considered Britain's oldest language.

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Brecon Beacons National Park

Best for: Easier walks and rolling hillsLocation: Carmarthenshire, Powys and Monmouthshire, WalesSize: 1,347 km2Established: 1957Website: beacons-npa.gov.uk

The Brecon Beacons National Park is famous for its spectacular upland formations, as well as raised moors, glacial lakes, rolling heathlands and impressive waterfalls - including Henrhyd Falls, which is doubly famous. It is the highest waterfall in Wales and was also used as the entrance to Batman's lair in The Dark Knight Rises.

Sebastien Coell/ShutterstockHenrhyd was used in The Dark Knight Rises

To the northwest lies Llyn Fan y Fach, a 20,000-year-old glacial lake that features in its own film; Stardust from 2007, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, used the lake for its mystical backdrop.

Andreac77/ShutterstockLlyn Fan y Fach is a 20,000 year old glacial lake

The Brecon Beacons National Park is also a Dark Sky Reserve, defined as a place that offers exceptional night skies protected from human interference. There are only 18 in the world, two of which are in Wales: Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia above, meaning there are few better places for stargazing than the national parks in Wales.

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Best for: Coastal walks, stunning beaches and bird watching Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales Size: 612 km2 Established: 1952 Website: pembrokeshirecoast.wales

Pembrokeshire is the only coastal national park in the UK. The 299km Pembrokeshire Coast Path winds along surf-swept cliffs, lagoons, lighthouses and dramatic headlands, not to mention an abundance of beaches. Barafundle Bay and Whitesands are particularly lovely, while Freshwater West is great for surfing, Dale for sailing and Newgale for kitesurfing.

Billy Stock/ShutterstockBarafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire also offers excellent wildlife viewing. From spring onwards the cliffs sing with crickets while seabirds circle overhead. Puffins return to nest on the islands of Caldey, Grassholm, Skokholm, Skomer and Ramsey. Manx shearwaters, kites and hawks also make an appearance, while dolphins and seals play close to shore.

Ramon Harkema/ShutterstockA puffin rests on a cliff on Skomer Island in Wales

There is a bus that follows the coast all year round, allowing walkers to pick up the trail where they prefer rather than walking the entire length. Of course, you would be forgiven for staying in one place if a great beach is all you need. There is a lot to do here.

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Lonely Planet Wales is a comprehensive guide to the national parks in Wales, ideal for those who want to both explore the main attractions and take the road less traveled.

Main image: Andreac77/Shutterstock

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