Be inspired by nature

In the heart of Snowdonia the dramatic landscape of Craflwyn and Beddgelert is a haven for a rich variety of wildlife and habitats. As you explore the area you'll easily stumble from one habitat to another and discover an abundance of wildlife.

Landscape

Here's the confluence of three stunning valleys where the turquoise Glaslyn and Colwyn rivers meet.

Beddgelert is a picturesque village set within a steep landscape of mixed woodland, rhododendrons, and upland heaths. Craft shops, pubs, and ample accommodation abound. If you're a lover of nature and the outdoors, you can enjoy a wide range of paths and walks from here.

Take a riverside stroll around Beddgelert and visit Gelert’s grave, where legend says that Prince Llywelyn’s heroic dog is buried. Or how about a mountain hike? Above the woodland, past abandoned copper mines and onto the mountain tops where you'll be rewarded with views of the sea. 

Wildlife

Because of the dramatic meeting of upland and deep river habitats, the area has a great variety of wildlife.

Down in the valleys, look out for feral goats, peregrines, and choughs. In early winter, look even further down and you might catch a glimpse of the spawning salmon moving up the rivers.

Look out for the feral mountain goats around Nant Gwynant
Wild mountain goats on Hafod Y Llan farm, Snowdonia, Wales
Look out for the feral mountain goats around Nant Gwynant

Habitats

We're working in partnership with Snowdonia National Park Authority, Natural Resources Wales, Gwynedd County Council and neighbouring landowners to eradicate the invasive rhododendron shrubs which recently dominated this landscape.

Where the rhododendrons have been cleared you can start to see a diverse landscape of native plants coming through.

In the Aberglaslyn valley you can walk through mature Scots pine, chestnut, and oak forests, with abundant heather and bilberry shrubs beneath.

Beyond, the valleys are thick with mature oak woods forming one of the most continuous woodland belts in Wales. They run for a distance of over 19km (about 12 miles) from Tremadog to the head of Nantgwynant.

Venture up the mountains, and you'll soon find yourself in a rolling landscape of heather and upland grassland.