Around Conwy valley   The north-western part of Wales is formed by Gwynedd, which in turn is for the largest part taken up by the Snowdonia national park, an area of great natural beauty. The landscape in the park is dominated by hills and an occasional mountain, amongst which mount Snowdon is the highest. Although some parts are forested, most of the land remains tree-less and is in use for sheepfarming. The following pictures were taken in July 1994 during a stay in Llanrwst in the valley of the river Conwy. (Try the tea and scones in Llanrwst's Tu Hwnt i'r Bont tearoom if you ever come to this area!) In the hills above Betws-y-coed a flock of sheep is grazing. In this part of Wales sheep can be found on nearly every piece of land that will grow grass. Still in the hills near Betws-y-coed, this valley leads down to the river Llugwy. It was on a walk through the hills above Tal-y-bont that we came across this group of trees, clinging together in an otherwise empty landscape. The hilltop Pen-y-gaer near Tal-y-bont. This picture shows the stone walls that are commonly used to border sections of land. Stiles over these fences often indicate public rights of way. Halfway between Rowen and Penmaenmawr one can find this entrance to a disused slate quarry. Slate is a common building material and in the area many small quarries can be found, which are now no longer used. The bridge over the river Crafnant in Trefriw. In this picture the bilingualism of Wales (both Welsh and English are spoken) becomes apparent. What would Britain be without its gardens? This is a view of the main border of Bodnant Garden, located on the eastern bank of the river Conwy. 'I bought a mountain' by Thomas Firbank is a true story about life on a sheep farm in this area during the pre-war years. It was first published in 1940 and has been reprinted many times since then. For a map of the Conwy valley, click here.

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