Snowdonia Makes an Ideal Destination for Winter Activity Breaks

By Dipika Patel

Whether you love horse riding, hiking or fishing - or perhaps all three - you may want to make Snowdonia your next destination for winter weekend activity holidays. The national park, which is the second largest in England and Wales, measures some 823 square miles, meaning that if you're keen to experience the great outdoors on UK short breaks there is hardly any better place to do so.

Snowdonia is located in the north-west of Wales and while it is certainly a great destination in the summer, UK holidays here in the winter are sure to be equally exciting and there will be a wide variety of activities for you to take part in. Indeed, taking weekend activity beaks here can be a good idea if you are into your watersports. There are over 100 lakes in the national park that measure more than an acre in size, the largest of which is Llyn Tegid that is four miles long and in places three-quarters of a mile wide.

Also known as Bala Lake, Llyn Tegid can be the perfect spot to indulge in a spot of coarse fishing. Cast a line here to catch a variety of species, ranging from pike and perch to grayling. However, you may want to keep an eye out for the rare gwyniad. This species is protected and is believed to have been imprisoned in the lake some 10,000 years ago during Britain's last ice age. As such, you may find that a spot of fishing here allows you an insight into what life was like thousands of years ago.

But if you're not into fishing, do not worry, there are still plenty of activities that you can take part in while on a short break in Snowdonia. With so many lakes you may want to take a boat or kayak and head out on to the open water, doing so can certainly be a great way of getting some fresh air! However, a trip to Snowdonia does not entirely have to be spent by the water. Why not explore the national park by two wheels? With a variety of traffic-free cycle paths, you are bound to find travelling around by bicycle a pleasure.

You can head along the Mawddach Trail, which stretches for nine miles from Morfa Mawddach to Dolgellau. There are also a number of forestry cycling trails, which are particularly well-suited for mountain bikes. As you go along these paths during your winter activity break, you may be able to gaze in wonder at the frost-covered ground and trees that are bare of leaves.

Horse-riding and geocoaching are just some of the other pursuits you can try your hand at while on a visit to Snowdonia.

One item you should be sure to take with you on a trip to Wales is a pair of good-quality walking boots. Snowdonia is full of paths and trails and as the park's vast scale takes in environments ranging from coastal areas and rivers to forests and valleys, you can be confident that going for a walk will give you the opportunity to take in some splendid sights.

But if you're looking to learn something while you walk, check out the Bwrlwm Eryr audio trail. This six-mile path goes from Llanuwchllyn to Llanycil and as you walk along it you can find out more about local folklore and the region's residents. These include Owen Morgan Edwards, a 19th century editor and educator who was keen to foster pride in Welsh language and local traditions.

Alternatively, why not take the trail between Aberdyfi and Gwelfor? As you walk along this route, you will be able to see some fantastic sights, with the route ending by the coast. There are paths and trails suitable for people of all ages, however, if you're looking for something a little more strenuous during your activity break then you may want to consider tackling Mount Snowdon.

At 1,085 tall, the mountain is the highest peak in Wales and England. So if you're seeking a challenge while in Snowdonia, scaling the mountain - which is known as Yr Wyddfa in Welsh - could be the perfect activity. There are several paths leading to Snowdon's summit, so you will find plenty of ways to approach the mountain. The national park offers so many things to do in the winter, you may want to make it an activity holidays destination for many years to come.

For weekend activity breaks look no further than Wales. The country is perfect for both weekend activity holidays and UK short breaks. By going on UK holidays to Snowdonia, you will find that Wales is the perfect best place to enjoy the great outdoors.