Snowdonia: The Beauty and Legends of the Welsh Mountains

Mount Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia (Eryri in Welsh) lies in the north of Wales and draws travellers with its mountain scenery, lakes and history. It is home to Snowdon (1,085 m), the highest mountain in Wales. From Manchester you can take a tour that visits ancient castles and places linked to the legends of King Arthur.

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The castles of Snowdonia

Snowdonia is also famous for its cultural heritage, which can be seen in the historic villages and castles. Some of them have preserved the secrets of the past and witnessed important historical events. Embark on an incredible tour of three spectacular castles - Caernarfon, Conwy and the ruins of Dolbadarn. Each of these objects carries a rich historical consequence and hidden legends, ready to tell you its unique story.

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The legends of King Arthur

According to Welsh legend, it was here that Arthur defeated the giant Rhitta Gawr, and a cairn was raised over his body on the summit of Snowdon. Hence the Welsh name of the summit, Yr Wyddfa, meaning "the tomb". The famous sword Excalibur is said to have been thrown after Arthur's death into one of the lakes below the mountain, Llyn Llydaw or Glaslyn, both of which you can reach on foot.

Many people look for Camelot in Cornwall, but Wales is considered one of the main homes of the Arthurian legends. The earliest mentions of Arthur survive in Welsh texts, including the 9th-century History of the Britons, which describes his battles against the Saxons. Historians still debate whether a historical Arthur existed, but legends about him are linked to many places in Snowdonia.

Embark on an exciting journey through Snowdonia and enjoy breathtaking views, explore ancient castles and immerse yourself in the mysterious stories of this magical region. Book the best UK tours on our website.