Take on a challenge in Snowdonia

Fancy taking part in a cycling sportive,  triathlon, trail, fell or road race with a stunning scenic backdrop?  There are plenty to choose from here in Snowdonia and Anglesey.   

Always Aim High Events (www.alwaysaimhighevents.com). are hosting a different event here each month, between now and September, including the Snowdonia Slateman Triathlon on 17th May, where swimmers will gather on the shore of Llyn Padarn poised for the sound of the starting gun. Celebrate the longest day by taking part in the Etape Eryri on 21st June, or summit Snowdon during the Scott Snowdonia Trail marathon on 26th July. If fellrunning is more your thing, there are fell races aplenty, including the Eryri Harriers' Peris Horseshoe Mountain Race (Ras Mynydd Pedol Peris) on 22nd August; a 17.5 mile race with 2600 metres of ascent,  taking in parts of the Glyderau and Snowdon mountain ranges (www.eryriharriers.org.uk/th_event_cat/fell-events/). 

Whichever event takes your fancy why not stay a little longer?  Ty Ganol Holiday Cottage is ideally situated for you to reach any of the start lines in good time. For more information  check out our website at www.tyganolholidaycottage.co.uk   

Joan Armatrading and theatre breaks in North Wales 

This month Joan Armatrading played to an intimate audience of 300 fans at a sell out gig in Theatre Colwyn (Colwyn Bay).  Calling in at North Wales on what was billed as her last major world tour, she appeared on stage without the support of a backing band, and treated her appreciative audience to amazing renditions of songs from throughout her career so far. 

Hosting a range of events, including live music, films and theatre, Theatre Colwyn is one of several great venues near Ty Ganol Holiday Cottage that are well worth a visit.  (Also check out the programmes for Venue Cymru in Llandudno,  Y Galeri in Caernarfon, Pontio in Bangor). 

Why not stay at Ty Ganol and enjoy your own theatre break in stunning North Wales. 

Check out Ty Ganol Holiday Cottage website and the google+ page

Newborough Warren Wander

Newborough Warren Wander

Caernarfon, its castle and Snowdonia beyond

Arriving at the little Penlon car park (NGR: SH 432 644) we browse the slate fencing with its carvings of local wildlife, before setting off across the Newborough Warren sand dune system towards the Menai Strait. The path weaves its way through the white sandy part-grass-covered dunes and we keep an eye out for the feral ponies that are sometimes seen here. We catch a glimpse, but they keep their distance. Eventually we reach the saltmarsh fringing the bay between Abermenai point and the mouth of the Afon (River) Braint.  From here, Anglesey's most southerly corner, there are spectacular views over to Caernarfon, its castle, and the mountains beyond; temptations perhaps for another day? Looking right we see Abermenai point at the mouth of the Menai Strait, and the open sea beyond.  But we head left  towards the Braint, then back through the dunes and the end of our warren wander. Back at the car our minds stray to thoughts of steaming cappuccinos and the good food served at Marram Grass cafe which is just around the corner.  What better way to round off our gentle morning's ramble!  (The walk takes approx. 1 hour) 

For more information check out our website at: www.tyganolholidaycottage.co.uk and our google plus page at: https://plus.google.com/+TyGanolHolidayCottageBethesda

Snowdrops and Penrhyn Parkrun

The inspiring home-straight view

This Saturday morning saw the 7th Penrhyn Parkrun along with the first snowdrops of 2015. Even a brave primrose was peeping through the grass in Penrhyn Castle (Bangor, Gwynedd) grounds, the venue for this event. 

The vibe was friendly as the 100 or so runners, including canicross runners, of all abilities and ages took part in the 5k trail run. 

This free, timed run takes place every Saturday morning. Starting from the castle courtyard the undulating course loops around the wooded grounds and opens out to spectacular views over the Menai Strait towards the Snowdonia mountains, Puffin Island and the Great Orme in the distance. 

This is a great event to take part in; all you need to do is register online with Parkrun beforehand and bring along your barcode. 

Ty Ganol Holiday Cottage, Bethesda, Snowdonia, is only 10 mins away from the start line, so why not book a stay for a weekend or longer and take part in one of the most spectacular parkruns in the country.  

For more information check out our website at: www.tyganolholidaycottage.co.uk.