With the highest mountain in Wales, the country’s largest natural lake and a wonderful collection of rare birds, it is no wonder people fall in love with Snowdonia.

It is 823 square miles of pure, unadulterated joy, with thousands of visitors descending on the area each year to enjoy its walking routes.

Snowdonia acquired national park status in 1951 and is one of the most glorious examples of the UK’s natural beauty, with its dramatic peaks and jaw-dropping waterfalls making it a vast and varied terrain.

Flora and fauna

While exploring walking routes in Snowdonia, visitors are surrounded by several hues of green, with an abundance of plant life growing all around.

Rising from the Conwy Valley and stretching to Penmachno is the Gwydir Forest.

In this dense expanse of woodland some beautiful flowers can be found, growing beneath the majestic trees which rise high into the sky.

Douglas Fir and Norwegian spruce trees are common in this area, as they are along many of the walking routes in Snowdonia.

In the spring time, swathes of bluebells stretch as far as the eye can see, adding some wonderful colour to the surroundings.

Gwydir Forest is also home to a rich variety of animal life, with grey squirrels, foxes and various birds including robins, merlins and peregrine falcons all calling this their home.

A trip to northern Snowdonia is a must as well, as this is the only place in Britain where one can find the Snowdon Lily, which grows on a few high cliffs.

There are hundreds of forests spread across this vast region, with buzzards and ravens soaring through the sky, squirrels and badgers rustling through the undergrowth and beautiful flowers in bloom, Snowdonia walks promise a very special experience.

Wonderful waterfalls and lovely lakes

There are few places in the UK way where people can lace up their walking boots and see such an array of waterfalls.

One of the most glorious examples is Swallow Falls.

Located near the village of Betws-y-Coed, this stunning series of falls has featured in films, on postcards and in paintings, with nature lovers, art enthusiasts and those enjoying walks in Snowdonia all attracted by its majesty.

Dolgoch Falls is another favourite of those on Snowdonia walks, as the route takes visitors through some of the most luscious countryside in the Tal-y-Llyn valley.

The various falls that cascade down the rocky wooded ravine make this one of the most beautiful sites and a photographer’s dream.

Snowdonia is also home to an extensive collection of lakes

Located at the very heart of the park are Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, two lakes separated by a narrow strip of land in the wonderful Llanberis.

Those enjoying walks in Snowdonia should also pay a visit to Lake Bala, the largest body of water in Wales and a wonderful place to sit and have a picnic or paint the wonderful landscape.

Its name in Welsh is Llyn Tegid, which translates to ‘lake of serenity’ and sums it up perfectly.

Mountain top adventures

Snowdonia’s walking routes are vast and allow visitors to take in the beautiful countryside around them.

However, there is another way to enjoy what this fantastic region has to offer – by rail.

The Snowdon Mountain Railway takes people on an adventure high into the hills and mountains and travels through some of the most spectacular greenery to be found anywhere.

Beginning at Llanberis Station, the train moves along the two viaducts crossing Afon Hwch and passes a beautiful waterfall before reaching Hebron.

Here, visitors will see the small ruined chapel and journey through the passing loop.

At the halfway point the steam trains will take on water before heading to Rock Valley, famous for its massive boulders.

The mountains were formed by volcanic forces nearly 450 million years ago and once stood as high as the Himalayas before the elements wore them down to their present size.

Clogwyn Station is the next port of call, where the view of Llanberis pass below is a sight to behold, with one of the world’s most spectacular panoramas at one’s feet.

Finally, the train reaches the summit, where those on board can head to the new visitor centre and enjoy the views of the surrounding area.