Just recently the Oak trees which line the A5 have come in for some attention by the tree surgeons.
From the Waterloo Hotel to The Royal Oak Hotel in Betws-y-Coed the older Oak trees have been deadwooded and some major large branches have been pruned back from overhanging the main A5 road.
Some trees have been completely felled to make way for replanting to take place.
A visit to Betws-y-Coed reveals a region steeped in living history — alive not just in the buildings, churches and roads, but in the people, who speak one of the world’s oldest living languages.
North Wales — from the Llyn Peninsula and the Isle of Anglesey in the west to Snowdonia National Park in the east — is the best place to experience the culture.
Wales long has been known for magnificent castles, high peaks and coastal resorts. But tourists are starting to come for the unique and ancient culture.
But, further inland, hiking and biking trails pass through woods and forests of startling green,
Betws-y-Coed a small village on the banks of the Rivers Conwy and Llugwy, is an excellent base for a vacation in the Welsh outdoors.
The main street, Holyhead Road, has many hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
Bicycles are readily available in Betws-y-Coed for Mountain Biking
A long bike ride or hike in the chilly Welsh air, sometimes filled with a light drizzle, will help diet-conscious tourists understand why traditional Welsh cuisine is heavily dependent on butter and cheese.
Welsh rarebit — a dish consisting of cheese sauce with a mustard tang poured over buttered toast — might sound like a heavy dish for a midday meal, but it seems natural in the Welsh climate.
The Welsh cuisine, which locals concede once was heavy and laden with fatty meats, has recently become more refined.
Afternoon tea is served with buttered bara brith, a loaf bread similar to — but lighter than — fruitcake.
Many walks star near the centre of Betws-y-Coed to Llyn Elsi , and other parts of Gwydyr Forest
Visitors to Betws-y-Coed, and other towns in North Wales, will hear the locals speak Welsh,
This warm croeso, or welcome, is part of the Welsh culture — expressed through the bilingual signs that greet tourists in every small town.
Since the 16th century, the Welsh have been dominated by the English in both the cultural and political realm.
Even though the English outlawed the Welsh language, it lived on through the singing, reciting and storytelling.
Every summer Sunday at 8 p.m., for example, St. Mary’s Church in Betws-y-Coed holds various Choirs singing . The congregation sings in English and Welsh, with locals asked to sing loudly during the Welsh songs to guide visitors.
When to go: The weather in Wales is fairly temperate: It generally doesn’t get very hot in the summer, and isn’t bitterly cold in the winter. The months with the best chance for good weather and no big crowds are April, May and October. June through September are generally the warmest and driest. (The weather is fickle enough in Wales, however, that you can’t count on a dry summer or a wet winter.)
Getting there: The train trip from London to the heart of the Conwy Valley in North Wales takes only four hours. Get off at Llandudno Junction. From Llandudno Junction, the Conwy Valley line follows a picturesque route along the Conwy River from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog, stopping at Betws-y-Coed.
What to do: The landscape is the Conwy Valley’s main attraction, viewed by foot, bike, car or train. The information centre in Betws-y-Coed stocks maps and guides to routes through the local forest and around Snowdonia National Park for hikers of various abilities. For the fit, Beics Betws will provide a mountain bike, helmet and map of bike routes, along with a patching kit. If you’d rather sit still and concentrate on the landscape, the Ffestiniog Railway will wind through mountain gorges with breathtaking views. The railway follows the same path it did in 1836, from the slate mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog (on the Conwy Valley Line) to the seaside town of Porthmadog. Children will love exploring Conwy Castle the town’s nearly intact walls, and the Smallest House.
In Betws-y-Coed, the Conwy Valley Railway Museum houses railroad memorabilia and, outside, has a tiny railyard with miniature steam trains children can ride on.
Fancy calling in ? http://www.betws-y-coed.net
With St Davids day coming up very soon ( This Wednesday ) make sure to visit Betws-y-Coed for your overnight stay.
Accommodation at all prices and to suit all needs just click on over to
One of the most popular Outdoor pursuits in Betws-y-Coed is Mountain Biking.There is the Marin Trail set out by the Forestry Commission , which take you through some of the most spectacular parts of Gwydyr Forest. A 25 kilometre route which caters for all levels of experience from beginner to very advanced.
Further details can be found by on this link
Bikes can be hired from the local ‘ Beics Betws’ shop behind the Post Office.
Starting from Jenny Jones’ shop ,walk across the road ( A5) and cross the Railway line and go past the Henllys Hotel on your right hand side. Follow this down to St Michaels Church.Immediately on the right hand side there is a footpath going over the Little Swing Bridge. Do not go over the bridge but keep to the path through St Michaels Church Yard and out onto the lane leading to the Golf Club. Keep to the right of the entrance of the Golf Club and follow the footpath along the right hand side , with the River Conwy on your right.This path takes you right around the edge of the golf course ( watch out for flying golf balls) At the far end of the path there is a seat beside the river where you can take a moment or two to enjoy the view. Here the Rivers Conwy ( on your right) and the River Llugwy ( on your left ) join forces The footpath continues on your left following the river Llugwy. Following this path brings you back to the Centre of Betws-y-Ceod and the Visitor Centre
If you like a spot of Golf then take yourself down to the Golf Club, situated by the River Conwy, a superb setting.
Enjoy a break at this privately owned and run Best Western Hotel. Leisure Centre with heated pool and jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Self Catering chalets and Lodge Style rooms.
http://www.betws-y-coed.net/Waterloo Hotel/index.html
The White Horse Inn Capel Garmon Near Betws-y-Coed
http://www.betws-y-coed.net/inns.htm
