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Betws-Y-Coed...

BETWS-Y-COED is North Wales' most popular inland resort, where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the west, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno.

The Visitor Centre can be found at the Old Stables opposite the Royal Oak Hotel. As well as providing tourist information, the centre also has craft units and a spectacular video presentation of a trip by helicopter from Betws-y-Coed to the summit of Snowdon. Nearby is an interesting motor museum featuring a unique collection of vintage and thoroughbred cars.

Betws-y-Coed is situated on the picturesque Conwy Valley Railway line that runs from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog, well worth taking a ride on the train up to Blaenau just for the scenery. At the railway station is the Conwy Valley Railway Museum with a miniature railway, shop and buffet coach restaurant. The old 14th century church of St Michael's is one of the oldest in Wales and has much of interest. At the parish church of St Mary's, look out for performances by Welsh choirs on summer Sunday evenings. Of exceptional interest are the many bridges in the area.

Pont-y-Pair (the bridge of the cauldron), built in 1468, is buffeted by foaming water after heavy rain. A number of sign-posted walks in the surrounding countryside start near this bridge. A mile or so away is the Miner's Bridge, on the road to Capel Curig, where the miners crossed the river on a steep ladder to their work.

A mile further on are the famous Swallow Falls, where the Llugwy river hurls itself into a spectacular chasm. Thomas Telford's iron Waterloo Bridge built in 1815, which carries the A5 across the River Conwy, bears the cast iron inscription "This arch was constructed in the same year the battle of Waterloo was fought". Also worth visiting are the awesome Conwy Falls off the road to Pentrefoelas and the beautiful Fairy Glen off the A470 where the River Conwy flows through a narrow gorge.

Up in the hills at nearby Capel Garmon there is a celebrated cromlech; a 5,000 year old Neolithic burial chamber. There are also spectacular views of the mountains of Snowdonia from Capel Garmon.

Betws-y-Coed is a natural hub from which the roads, river and valleys radiate, making it the ideal base from which to explore the beauty and history of Snowdonia and North Wales. It has a wide choice of accommodation open throughout the year.

BUSYBUS looks forward to being part of your Welsh memories!!