Places of interest within or without Snowdonia National Park are legion. Two of the most visited and worth while, are the old slate quarries at Llechwedd (Thleckweth) and Gloddfa Ganol (Glothva Gannol) both just outside the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Don't let the hideous piles of slag from the quarries and the piteously scarred mountains put you off, for in these huge man-made caverns, in ideal temperatures, Britain's treasures from the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Art were stored during World War II. They now offer an exciting visit to see the terrible conditions endured by the miners. A museum, a row of 19th century miner's cottages, a restored tavern, panoramic walks or tours in a jeep at Gloddfa compete for visitors with an underground tram tour into the bowels of the earth at Llechwedd.

Also at Blaenau Ffestiniog, a town that once held 22 taverns and 37 places of worship, visitors can tour the Central Electricity Generating Board's Pumped Storage Scheme with its exhibition, audio-visual program and working models. They can also visit the Siwlan (S'you Lan) Dam high up on the mountain for spectacular views of Snowdonia. On the A470 from Betws y Coed to Blaenau Festiniog, look for the remains of Dolwyddelan (Doll With Ellen) Castle, a square isolated keep, said to be the birthplace of Llywelyn the Great, but more likely one of his strongholds guarding a vital artery into the fastness of Snowdonia.

Next Stop: Llanberis

Six Regions of Wales - Northwest   Harlech   Porthmadoc   Criccieth   Pwllheli   Snowdonia Natl. Park   Blaenau Ffestiniog   Llanberis   Betws Y Coed   Beddgelert   Caernarfon   Menai Bridges   Llanfair Pwllgywngyll   Plas Newydd   Beaumaris   Plas Penmynydd   Amlwch & Parys Mines   Bangor   Penrhyn Castle   Aberconwy & Conwy   Llandudno   Colwyn Bay / Rhos-on-Sea The Northeast Mid-Wales The Southwest Cardiff & the Valleys The Southeast