Snowdon paths:
The cottage is situated approximately three miles from the Watkin Path and the Rhyd Ddu path up Snowdon. There are many beautiful walks straight out from the cottage, without getting in your car, and numerous others within a short driving distance.
Beddgelert forest just north of the village offers pleasant woodland walks and here starts one of the finest forest trails in the whole of Snowdonia, finishing on Snowdon itself. There are numerous climbs throughout the area around Snowdon and the adjacent passes ranging from 'easy' to 'exceptionally severe'. It was in this region that Sir John Hunt's team practiced for their successful ascent of Everest in 1953. The whole of this beautiful region of North Wales is open to the motorist who can drive along largely empty roads through magnificent mountain passes, visiting many of the attractive villages or journey to the sea only a few miles away and travel along miles of unspoilt coastline.
Beddgelert Village:
The drive from Capel Curig to Beddgelert is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Beddgelert is a very picturesque village, where the rivers Colwyn and Glaslyn meet. There is an ancient arched bridge in the centre of the village, and many listed old buildings. Beddgelert has won many village in bloom contests over the last ten years including the coveted 'Entente Florale - European Prettiest Village in Bloom'.
The area is particularly rich for those interested in flora and fauna. The nimble footed Feral goat can sometimes be seen on the higher slopes, the older males impressive with magnificent horns and shaggy coats. The pine marten, polecat, badger, otter and fox are also to be found. Birds include buzzards, kestrels, ravens, choughs and ring ouzels amongst many others.
Snowdonia:
Is-y-Graig has been described by the Wales Tourist Board assessor as an ideal holiday cottage. The cottage has many charming features, including 2 foot thick painted stone walls, beamed ceilings and stable doors.
The 845 square miles of Snowdonia cover an area similar to that of the ancient realm of Gwynedd who in the 13th century was powerful enough to be called Prince of Wales. Further west lies the Llyn Peninsula, the earliest inhabited part of Wales, where there is much evidence of prehistoric man. There are also many remains of early Christian churches. Castles abound along the coast and inland, notably at Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech. Two unique railway systems, the steam operated rack and pinion railway to the top of Snowdon and the narrow gauge Ffestiniog line, offer pleasant alternatives to walking. The Welsh Highland steam train from Portmadog to Caernarfon is now operating to Beddgelert and will be open through to Porthmadog soon.
