Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)

Eryri (Snowdonia) has some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country, tops of majestic mountains hidden in ominous dark clouds whilst fresh streams trickle down the sides of the mountains. Roads snake through deep valleys in this untamed wilderness heart of the old independent Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd. The mysterious landscape of Eryri has captivated the imagination of our ancestors and inspired stories throughout the ages. The high peaks and deep mists acted as a strong barrier. Welsh princes used the terrain to hide from Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and English armies. • Leaders like Llywelyn the Great built stone forts such as Dolbadarn Castle in the 13th century to guard key mountain passes. At Dinas Emrys, a hidden underground pool held two fighting dragons—one red and one white. A young Merlin (Myrddin) prophesied that the red dragon would win. The red dragon represents Wales and remains on the Welsh flag. Some stories King Arthurs sword Excalibur was thrown into lakes like Llyn Ogwen or Llyn Llydaw. Legend also says his surviving knights sleep in a secret cave under the peak of Y Lliwedd, waiting to wake up if Wales faces great danger.