Why Visit Southern Eryri/Snowdonia and Mid Wales?
Updated: Apr 26
Are you looking for your 2023 holiday? Do you fancy coming to explore Wales' best kept secret?
South Eryri/Snowdonia is an absolute gem of a region to visit. With spectacular scenery, dramatic mountains to climb and adventurous activities to do there is plenty to keep even the most active, entertained. And if your flavour is more for a relaxing break, look no further than a stroll on some of Wales' best beaches.
Cader Idris is just behind our B&B and it is breathtaking.
The highlands of Southern Eryri/Snowdonia are greener and rounder than those of rocky Snowdon – but they’re still seriously mountainous. Cadair Idris and the Aran and Arennig above Bala are lofty outposts, looking down across a landscape of traditional farmland, forest and outstandingly beautiful lakes.
We've pulled together our favourite itineraries for things to do in the area which can be found further on in this blog post.
Pictures in and around The Old Vicarage, Corris, our B&B in Southern Snowdonia
A bit about Southern Eryri/Snowdonia
Eryri (Eng. Snowdonia) National Park is over 2000km2! Often associated just with the region around the highest mountain Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), however the park has so much more to offer. Step away from the busy hubs and you'll find areas of wilderness and tranquility, where going for a walk, enjoying nature, and not seeing another soul, is common place.
Southern Snowdonia is ideally located away from the main tourist hubs, and is famed for it's tranquility and dark skies. It's Wales' best kept secret! 2023 will bring another year of opportunity to explore the region.
Exploring Southern Eryri/Snowdonia is pure pleasure. Quiet mountain roads twist and climb into high country, narrow-gauge railways run alongside lakes and through vales, and in the Coed-y-Brenin Forest there’s world-class mountain biking and walking.
It's worth pointing out that some of the most boutique, unusual places to stay, you won't find on the big booking sites like booking .com and expedia. So take a look at the links below to find some of these hidden gems.
Why not take a look at our B&B, The Old Vicarage in Corris, Southern Snowdonia
Whilst you are researching your 2023 holiday, why not consider putting South Eryri/Snowdonia and Mid Wales on your list, whether it be for a driving holiday, a week long stay or a short getaway. You certainly won't leave disappointed. South Snowdonia will stay in your heart long after you leave.
We have also pulled together a list of things to do in the area below. Including some of those famous viral photo opportunity locations. So keep scrolling.
Cader Idris mountain range is just a stones throw from The Old Vicarage B&B in South Snowdonia
It's easy to think that South Eryri/Snowdonia is all mountain scapes and valleys, but far from it! Eryri offers fantastic coastal and seaside scenery within just a short drive. There's:
historic sites,
adventurous activities,
wild swimming spots,
world class mountain bike trails and bike parks,
The Mach Loop
and beautiful villages dotted around the countryside to explore.
Just make sure you bring your camera you wont want to miss a thing!
And of course, don't miss out on the incredible wild life to be seen in this Dyfi UNESCO Biosphere
Our village of Corris is a quintessential example of a slate mining village with gorgeous cottages and stunning views
Key Facts About Mid Wales
Mid Wales - the counties of Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Merionnydd - are distinctive parts of Wales. From the foothills of Southern Snowdonia, to the western coast of Ceredigion, the stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons and everywhere in between.
We have 2 National Parks: Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons.
We have 2 National Trails: Offa's Dyke Path that takes you through Mid Wales as part of a 177-mile journey, and Glyndwr's Way, 135 miles long; linking Welshpool, Machynlleth and Knighton (the only town in Wales that’s on two National Trails).
The Wales Coast Path is one of the few footpaths in the world to follow a nation's coastline.
The Cambrian Mountains comprises 467 square miles of Mid Wales and has some of the darkest skies in Europe.
Mid Wales has the UK's first dedicated mountain bike trail centre at Coed Y Brenin. And also hosts the Redbull Hardline in Dinas Mawddwy
There are over 200 listed buildings in Dolgellau - said to be the highest concentration of listed buildings in all of Wales, just 20 min from The Old Vicarage B&B
We have three Snowdonia railways named in the top 10 most scenic European rail journeys.
Where to Stay in Southern Eryri/Snowdonia and Mid Wales
Of course there are plenty of other fantastic places to stay in the area and some of our favourites can be found in the links below. Why not have a look at The Old Vicarage, Corris, our luxury Guest House in Southern Snowdonia
Are you looking for Small luxury hotels? A romantic getaway in Southern Eryri/Snowdonia? Award winning campsites? Luxury self-catering properties for large groups? 5* Bed and breakfasts? Warm and inviting pubs and inns? Unusual glamping ideas? Budget friendly guest houses?
We partner with our incredible local tourism agency, Mid Wales Tourism, who pick out the best options whereever your interests may lie, and because they take no commission, unlike the big travel sites, the prices you can get from their website will be cheaper than Booking or Expedia etc.
You can look for availability at The Old Vicarage in Corris here and get an additional discount for booking direct.
or see the other Accommodation Options List Here.
Use the filters in the search bar to narrow down your focus, for example choose 'B&B and Guest Houses and 'Southern Snowdonia' from the location options
Head over to the search link here Accommodation Options List Here.
We have curated a list of itineraries to help you plan your holiday whilst you stay in the beautiful region of Southern Snowdonia.
Things to Do in Eryri/Snowdonia, Southern Snowdonia and Mid Wales
Top Hiking Ideas in Southern Eryri/Snowdonia
Forced skyward by cataclysmic volcanic eruptions, scooped out by glaciers an revered by ancient Brittonic people. These mountains will stay with you long after you've departed
Hiking Itinerary at The Old Vicarage, Corris
Top Exploring Ideas in Eryri/Snowdonia and Mid Wales
Maybe you're like me and less into scaling mountains but prefer a walk to see something pretty... and maybe it wouldn't be a bad thing if there was a pub to visit after
Exploring Itinerary at The Old Vicarage, Luxury B&B, Corris
Top Adrenaline-fuelled itinerary in Eryri/Snowdonia and Mid Wales
You adrenaline junkie you! A tonne of high octane activities are just a stones throw away
Adrenaline Itinerary at The Old Vicarage Guest House, Corris
We have created lots more itinerary options for you, so take a look at https://www.oldvicarage.wales/thingstodo and click the button 'Itineraries' to see the full list.
See you soon, we're looking forward to welcoming you to our home in Southern Snowdonia,
Kirsty & Gareth