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Days Out in Snowdonia: Parks, Gardens and Woodlands

With its mile upon mile of scrubland, farmland, mountains and rugged coast, you might think that Snowdonia is an untamed wilderness. While this may be true of many of the region’s open spaces, Snowdonia is also home to a number of well-tended parks, gardens and woodlands, many of which are open to the public.

From formal gardens and pristine parks to nature gardens and managed forests, Snowdonia’s managed open spaces offer something for everyone, and in many cases provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past; indeed, many of Snowdonia’s historic houses and castles are just as famous for their gardens as they are for their architecture.

1. Portmeirion

A triumphant experiment in creating man-made beauty in a setting already made beautiful by nature, Portmeirion‘s acres of formal gardens and managed woodland meld effortlessly into the rocky backdrop of a site carved out of the landscape by the elements over millions of years. Ponds, fountains, exotic plants and to-die-for views across a wide, sandy estuary add to the photogenic brilliance of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’ Italianate architecture, making Portmeirion one of Snowdonia’s favourite visitor attractions.

2. Brondanw Estate

The historic home of Portmeirion’s creator Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Brondanw is one of Snowdonia’s best-kept secrets. Entering the gardens is like stepping into the pages of Alice in Wonderland; formal topiaries, lawns and avenues of trees sit alongside wild woodlands and a rocky outcrop topped with a ruined lookout tower. Meticulously and sympathetically designed (like Portmeirion) to slot into the Snowdonia landscape and look as if it’s always been there, the whimsical, fairytale feel of Brondanw is absolutely delightful.

3. Parc Glynllifon

Another site with a rather whimsical feel, Parc Glynllifon has a bit of everything; a historic mansion with a restaurant serving oh-so-British cream teas; peaceful forests where all you’ll hear is the rustling of leaves and endless birdsong; Victorian follies including a little pond-side hermitage; and a contemporary slate amphitheatre with a shallow river running through its middle, separating the stage from the audience in a way that children in particular seem to find satisfying.

4. Bodnant Garden

Sitting above the River Conwy in 80 acres of grounds, Bodnant Garden is one of the UK’s most beautiful gardens and one of Snowdonia’s best-loved attractions. The garden is split into two parts; terraced gardens with informal lawns, and a wild garden set in a river valley. Bodnant is planted with exotic plants from all over the world, particularly Chinese and Japanese plants which are well suited to Snowdonia’s climate.

5. Coed Y Brenin

Coed Y Brenin, in the south of the Snowdonia region, is a vast forest that’s ideal for mountain biking and walking. Routes are waymarked so it’s easy to find the one that’s most suited to your party’s abilities, and there’s a wonderful tiered children’s play area to keep your little ones happy.

6. Conwy Valley Maze

Conwy Valley Maze is the world’s largest garden maze, covering over two acres. The maze is constructed from English Yew, and uniquely contains themed gardens including a rose garden planted with 200 roses, a Japanese Zen garden, tropical garden and butterfly garden. The maze is open for most of the year, but may close during bad weather – call 01492 660 900 before you visit, to avoid disappointment.

7. Plas Tan Y Bwlch Gardens

Picturesque 13-acre Victorian garden in the Vale of Ffestiniog. Plas Tan Y Bwlch is a large Victorian mansion used as a training and study centre, with largely wooded gardens open to the public for free. Wonderful sweeping lawns and ornamental pond, a variety of rhododendrons and azaleas, and a beautiful water garden combine to make Plas Tan Y Bwlch a great spot for peace, tranquillity and wildlife watching.

8. Plas Yn Rhiw

Plas Yn Rhiw is a small 16th century manor house on the Llyn Peninsula, with ornamental gardens and spectacular views across Cardigan Bay. Rescued from neglect in 1938 by three sisters, who lovingly restored Plas Yn Rhiw and then donated it to the National Trust who continue to care for the property today.

9. Gwydir Castle

Allegedly one of the most haunted houses in Wales, Gwydir Castle is a Tudor courtyard house set in historic gardens incorporating 16th century arches and walls. Gwydir’s gardens are among a very small number of gardens in Wales with Grade I Listed status, and a fine example of Tudor and Stuart formal gardens – complete with peacocks.

10. Penrhyn Castle

Penrhyn Castle is a 19th century, neo-Norman castellated mansion set in 60 acres of beautiful grounds. Parkland, a Victorian walled garden, exotic trees and shrubs together make this one of the region’s most popular gardens – but of course the house itself, the priceless art collection, the railway museum and doll museum also contribute to Penrhyn’s popularity.

by gavinzac

Using On-Board Cameras For Track Days

Track days are becoming increasingly popular both for people wanting to experience high speed motoring in top of the range cars or simply for others wanting to push their own bikes and cars to the limit in a ‘safe’ environment. No extreme motoring experience would be complete without a DVD to demonstrate your Lewis Hamilton-like skills to family and friends. If this is a must-have for you it is worth checking out what is on offer at your track of choice before the day itself. Some tracks will allow you to take your own on board or helmet camera, others will allow you to film providing you sign a disclaimer and some have an absolute ban.  There are four main scenarios:

Someone at the track may already be on hand to offer their services to provide you with a camera set up to film your experience. This service generally includes mounting the camera, handling all the filming and burning the video to a DVD.  You should expect to pay between £25-£35 for this type of package.

The second and popular option is to take your own helmet camera with you. Most of the regular tracks around the country are perfectly happy for people to use a helmet camera or on-board camera but they will check to ensure that the mounting of the camera is secure.

Thirdly, the higher profile tracks such as Silverstone or Brands Hatch will require you to sign a disclaimer promising that the footage is for private use only and won’t be uploaded to the web.  At these tracks you’ll also need to have the permission of the race officials to take the camera out and again they will want to check that it is mounted securely.

A handful of tracks are completely against having any in-car, on-board, or helmet mounted action cameras out on their tracks. Unfortunately this includes the legendary Nürburgring where they will give you a life time ban if they catch you trying to sneak a camera onto the track.

Choosing a camera

If you are going to be enjoying track days fairly often or if you would also use the camera out on the road or for various other sports, then it may be more cost effective to buy your own. A starter camera retails from just £99 and for £299 you’ll be able to get a top spec, HD action cam. The most popular cameras and the best for filming track days and other motorsports are on board cameras.

Mounting

There are various ways to mount an action camera to optimise results, dependent on both an individual’s preferences and the specific sport.  Within the field of motorsports, correct mounting of the camera is a vital consideration as track day officials won’t allow an action camera which isn’t mounted securely. Whilst industrial strength adhesive has been tested at huge speeds, that simply won’t cut it with officials. You’ll need to have a purpose built camera mount which either fits around or clamps onto your handle bar or forks. Panavise suction mounts are also acceptable on most tracks which is good news as the suction mount lets you position the action camera on to your helmet, the bikes tank, the outside or inside of your car or pretty much anywhere else where you can find a smooth surface.

Each track and race day official will have its own views on the best and safest way to use in-car, on-car, on-board, or helmet mounted action cameras to film your race day. You can rent them at the track or bring your own, in which case you need to be sure to have a secure mount so that you’ll be able to take it onto the track to capture your experience.