Gilar offers some extremely pretty walks and cycle rides. If you follow the main track leading out of the farmyard, up through the old broad-leaf wood, you can access the upper parts of the farm. Here, the landscape is much more rugged and the views of Snowdonia spectacular. You will see two small lakes accessed by a sidetrack to the right of the main track, which make a lovely picnic spot.

Fishing - The two small lakes on the farm are stocked with trout. They are perfect for an evening’s peaceful fly-fishing with wonderful views or as a place to teach a child to fish. There is no charge for fishing for guests but you need to be in possession of a current Fishing Permit (available from the Post Office in Pentre Voelas). The local area offers renowned sea trout, grayling, rainbow, wild brown trout and salmon fishing. Click here for a short round-up of some of the many opportunities that lie within easy reach (as supplied by the owners of Gilar farm). All come highly recommended by local experts.

The Conwy Valley Railway is part of the National Rail Network. It runs along the Conwy River and continues along the banks of the River Lledr. It departs from Llandudno and passes through some of the most beautiful Welsh countryside until it reaches Blaenau Ffestiniog 27 miles away. Along the way you will see Conwy Castle, Gethin’s Viaduct, Dolwyddelan Castle and the high peaks of Snowdonia and that’s all before entering the heart of the mountain to emerge minutes later in the imposing landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog, which is the centre of Wales’ mining industry.

The Conwy Valley Railway Museum includes a working model railway layout and a steam-hauled miniature railway in the grounds. There are also self-drive mini dodgems, Postman Pat, school bus and Toby Tram for children.

The Trefiw Woollen Mill in the Snowdonia National Park manufacturers double weave bedspreads and tweeds. The weaving, shop and turbine house can be viewed all year round Monday – Friday between 10am and 5pm. Between Easter and the end of October the carding engines, spinning mules and the warping mill can also be viewed.

The Garden at Bodnant is one of the finest in the world. It is split into two parts, the upper consisting of The Terrace Garden around the house and the lower, known as the ‘Dell’ consists of the Pinetum and wild garden. The garden is owned by the National Trust and is managed on their behalf by Lord Aberconway and Martin Puddle.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns have two rides which go into the vast slate mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Miners’ Underground Tramway has now carried over 3 million people to explore the network of tunnels and large caverns. Visitors can experience for themselves the working conditions of Victorian miners. The Deep Mine offers an alternative view of slate mining – an engineered vehicle carries passengers down a 30 degree underground incline into the lower depths of the mine. Slate engraving can be seen in the workshop and the shops provide a wide range of gifts.

The Great Orme Copper Mine is one of the UK’s most important archaeological sites and is the largest Bronze Age mine in the world. Tour groups are taken around the mines by an experienced guide. Part of the tour includes visiting the underground labyrinth of tunnels which were part of a vast industrial complex 4,000 years ago. One of the highlights is the Great Cavern which was excavated 3,500 years ago by miners using stone and bone tools.

Pubs: You can get reasonable pub meals at The Gilar Arms, Saracen’s Head in Cerrigydruddion, Ty Gwyn in Betws y Coed, and Tyn y Groes in Groes. Further afield, The Cornmill in Llangollen, Pen y Bryn in Colwyn Bay have good reputations.

Restaurants: The Bistro in Llanwrst, La Barrica in Llanwrst, Asha Balti House in Llanwrst, Cardwell’s in Corwen, Café Nicoise in Colwyn Bay. For fine dining try The Old Rectory, Conwy; Tan y foel, Capel Garmon; Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno and Pale Hall in Bala.

Above are just a few activities in and around the Snowdonia National Park. For more information on walks, mountains and other places to visit, please visit www.eryri-npa.co.uk.