Cwmorthin Quarry: the walk people are quietly obsessed with
Slate pools, hushed paths and a cinematic calm — Cwmorthin Quarry near Blaenau Ffestiniog is having a low-key moment among walkers and photographers.
Ardal · Y Gogledd
North Wales
This is the Wales of the postcards: Yr Wyddfa and the Eryri ranges, slate villages stacked above valleys, the quiet coves of the Llŷn, and Ynys Môn (Anglesey) ringed with beaches. Castle towns like Conwy and Caernarfon still sit inside their walls, and Llandudno does seaside grandeur better than anywhere.
It is the furthest corner from the southern cities — which is exactly why it feels like a proper trip. Getting there: the A470 runs the length of the country if you like scenery, the A55 coast road is the quick way in from England, and the north coast rail line serves Conwy, Bangor and Llandudno. From Cardiff, allow a good three and a half hours.
Guides in North Wales
Wales-wide reads that visit this area
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Wales: How the Rules Actually Work
Dog-friendly beaches in Wales, without the guesswork — how seasonal bans work, which classic beaches welcome dogs all year, and how to check before you drive.
Why surfing in Wales feels like the best-kept secret on the coast
From wild Atlantic swells to welcoming beach towns, surfing in Wales offers a laid-back alternative to crowded surf scenes elsewhere.
The Best Hikes in Wales for Every Kind of Explorer
From coastal paths to mountain ridges, these are the best hikes in Wales for big views, quiet moments, and unforgettable days outdoors.