Ten Places to Visit with Sherpa’r Wyddffa

06 Jul 2023

Linking some of the best trails and towns of Eryri National Park, the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus is a regular service for those looking to explore all Eryri has to offer. With climate change being one of the biggest threats to Eryri National Park, using more sustainable travel methods such as public transport plays an important role in tacking the threats to native wildlife and ecosystems, as well as helping to reduce carbon emissions.

We’ve put together a list of ten amazing adventures, all linked by Sherpa’r Wyddfa:

Black Rock Sands

Despite its name, Black Rock Sands is a sandy stretch of beach located to the south of Eryri National Park. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or explore the rocky caves and rockpools of the headland which are rich with marine life. Black Rock Sands is accessible by the Sherpa’r S4 service which runs from Pen y Pass.

National Slate Museum

Discover the mining history of Eryri National Park and North Wales with a stop at the National Slate Museum. Connected by the S1, S2 and S5 Sherpa’r bus services, the museum is located in the Victorian workshops on the vast site of the Dinorwig quarry, which was in use up until 1969.

Swallow Falls

One of Wales’ most visited attractions, Swallow Falls is a picturesque waterfall along the Afon Llugwy. Known by locals as Rhaedr Ewynol – The Foaming Waterfall, Swallow Falls’ spectacular cascades can easily be viewed from the south bank of the Llugwy, or for a more dramatic view along the footpath leading up to the falls. Located just outside of Betws-y-Coed, Swallow Falls can be reached on the S1 bus route.

Bangor

Bangor, in Gwynedd northwest Wales, is the country’s oldest city. With numerous family-friendly activities Bangor is a great place to visit. Take a stroll along the pier, visit Puffin Island or explore Penrhyn Castle. Take a look at our Bangor Guide for all there is to discover in this historic town.

Bangor can be reach via the S2 and S3 services. Bangor station will also connect you with our train services, running along the North Wales coast.

Ospreys Centre

Large birds of prey, ospreys are considered a rare bird in the UK. Visit Glaslyn Ospreys, located on the Sherpa’r S4 service, for a chance to view these magnificent raptors up close. You can watch deliveries of fish and chicks feeding. Volunteers at the centre are on hand to answer any questions and tell the story of Glaslyn’s ospreys to visitors.

Pen y Pass

The access point to both Pyg and the Miners’ trails leading to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia), Pen-y-Pass is best reached via the Sherpa’r Wydffa S1, S2, S4 and S5 services.

Built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine, the 13km Miners’ track will take you past three lakes - Llyn Teyrn, Llyn Llydaw and Llyn Glaslyn. For those after a challenge, Pyg trail is the most rugged and rocky path to the top of Yr Wyddfa, winding its way up the foothills to Bwlch y Moch.

Porthmadog

Connected by the S4, the harbour town of Porthmadog has plenty to see and do, filled with marine history and stunning seaside views. Take a ride on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway, the oldest surviving railway company in the world or visit Gelert’s Grave the legendary resting place of medieval Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Great’s faithful hound.

Plas Brondanw

The home of Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect who built Portmeirion, the Grade 1 listed gardens of Plas Brodanw are not to be missed. Inspired by the gardens of renaissance Italy, Plas Brodanw’s landscapes are laid out as a series of enclosed rooms, linked by views of the nearby mountains. The house is also open for viewings or sit back and take in the scenery at the estate’s café.

Beddgelert

A picture-perfect stone village, Beddgelert is the starting point for many walking trails. Known for being the site of two Welsh myths – the vanishing mountain and the Castle of Dinas Emrys, where Merlin gave his first prophecy, stroll through the town and discover all its wonders. Beddgelert sits along the S3 and S4 Sherpa’r services.

Caernarfon Castle

Located in the walled city of Caernarfon, Caernarfon Castle is known as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. Steeped in history and legend, the fortress-palace rises from the banks of the River Seiont. Taking over 47 years to build, it has inspired many tv and film sets and is one of Wales’ most recognisable castles. Caernarfon is linked by the S1 and S3 Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus services.