Outdoors with Karolina

Welsh folklore is full of legends and myths but there is no surprise- with a landscape like that, you may sometimes wonder if you did not, somehow, woke up in a middle of one of those stories. You know that old inn in the village. Pretty sure if you walked in right now, there would be none of those craft beers you love so much but mead would be plenty and some shady figures would be watching you from the corner.

Fairy Glen in Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales, is one of those places. Once you close the gate behind you- it is just like you have entered the different realm. And somehow you know- the legends, the myths- they are all real.

Finding Fairy Glen is really easy- it’s located just 2 miles south of Betws-y-Coed. From A5 past Waterloo Bridge take right turn into A470. There is a small sign but it may be quite easy to miss- so check the map beforehand! Postcode for the car park is LL24 0SL.

You will find a gate with a small honesty box right next to the path of Snowdonia Slate Trail. Entry is £1 per adult, 50p per child and £2 for a car park. It is cash only so make sure you have some on you. Both times I have visited Fairy Glen lovely lady came up from the nearby house to check on me and to make sure I didn’t need a change.

The path starts as a gentle riverside walk with a nice picnic area and few benches to enjoy the peace and quiet but very quickly takes you to a gorge (have you ever thought word gorgeous must be derived from the gorge? it only makes sense) and through the woodland. It doesn’t take long until you reach the end of your walk- steep steps towards the river. Be careful- those can get really slippy and please wear appropriate footwear- I have seen people really struggling on those steps.

And there it is- the view to take your breath away. The river flows through the narrow ravine surrounded by breathtaking rock formations. Without a doubt it is one of the most picturesque spots in the area. Deep green in the summer, golden in the autumn- even if you don’t believe in myths, you can feel the magic and tranquility that was inspiration for many artists.

But be aware of Welsh fairies and sprites- because if they are real, Fairy Glen in certainly one of those places where you could spot them even when most of them are shy and avoid being seen by humans. And as fairies can be benevolent they are also known to be mischievious and some can even lead travelers astray!