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North Wales & The Nature Therapy of Nature 

As a counsellor and spiritual psychotherapist, I believe that nature's harmony can have a positive holistic grounding on our mental health and psyche.
Below are some nature beauty-spots throughout North Wales for those seeking relaxation, or simply to uplift their mood and positivity.    ​
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North Wales Waterfalls - White Noise Therapy

Waterfall Meditation - Aber Falls
White noise or 'white sound' can be referred to as a therapeutic noise that covers all frequency of audible sound detectable by the human ear.  All the frequencies contained within the range of white noise are of equal measure.  This may suggest that the brain cannot detect any distinct audible patterns and therefore falls into a state of natural relaxation. 

White noise in its purest blueprint form can be experienced from natural streams, beach waves and waterfalls.  White noise can also be artificially generated to assist with: insomnia, relaxation, masking noise pollution, enhancing concentration, soothing tinnitus & aiding meditation. North Wales has a few therapeutic waterfalls which offer this soothing white noise therapy in potent form. 

Aber Falls (Abergwyngregn Waterfall)

Aber Falls is a popular waterfall found in Snowdonia National Park with Bronze-age history tied to it.  The easiest way to get to Aber Falls is by taking the Abergwyngregn exit off the A55 and parking at Bont Newydd Car Park. Walkers can choose numerous trekking paths in this area.  Aber Falls is the result of the Afon Goch (Red River) flowing down 30 meters of steep rock.  During rainy seasons, the powerful white noise can be heard from far away when approaching Aber Falls itself.    

Cuenant Mawr Waterfall (Llanberis)

Llanberis Falls (Rhaedr Cuenant Mawr) can be found on the outskirts of Llanberis Village in Gwynedd.  The walking route to  Cuenant Mawr Waterfall begins at Victoria Terrace and although quite steep in paces, the trek crosses the Snowdonia Railway Track and offers views of Llanberis Lake (Llyn Padarn) and the Llanberis aqueduct.  It's worth noting that the intensity of water at Llanberis Falls increases during heavy rain.    

Swallow Falls Waterfall (Betws Y Coed) 

Swallow Falls Waterfall is part of the Afon Llugwy (Llugwy River) and can be found when entering the top end of Betws y Coed from the A5 Capel Curig Direction.  Swallow Falls has some easy parking close by for walkers or alternatively, longer trekking paths along the Afon Llugwy begin from Betws y Coed Village. The trees surrounding Swallow Falls are majestic and change their vibe depending on the season of year.  

 North Wales | Perspective Sightseeing 

Therapeutic Views of North Wales
Sometimes we may consciously seek ways of getting clarity to our everyday problems or feel the need to dilute emotional pain by owning a higher perspective.  Elevated viewpoints in physical reality may offer a representation of some much-needed clarity, peace and acceptance from literally, obtaining a more balnced and coherent perspective on life. 

Below is a mixture of some relaxing viewpoints in North Wales, as well as the quieter, more rewarding therapeutic hiking routes that can be found in the Snowdonia hillsides shown in the video.
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The Great Orme (Llandudno Viewpoint) 

The Great Orme in Llandudno, Conwy is accessible by car or foot.  The road entry to the Orme can be found close to Llandudno Pier on the East Shore Promenade Beach. There's a toll-gate operating a small fee for driving up the Great Orme, but the entrance is generally free of charge during later hours and winter months. Visitors will find the 'Rest and be Grateful' Cafe on top of the Great Orme which has a car park and telescope viewpoints of Anglesey and the North Wales Coastline.  Llandudno's dry ski slope, 'the Captain's Table' Cafe are found in this area with the Llandudno Cable Car Station being on Aberdeen Hill. 

Snowdon Mountain (Tallest Mountain in Wales)

Snowdon Summit can be reached by several trekking paths from a visitor carpark above Llanberis on the Pen y Pass route (between Snowdon and Nant Peris).  Alternatively, Snowdon Summit can be reached by taking the Snowdon Mountain Railway Train which is well signposted in Llanberis Village.  Although famously known, it's worth noting that Snowdon Mountain is the highest in Wales.

Holyhead Mountain (Anglesey's Highest Summit)

Holyhead Mountain is truly the opposite end of Anglesey and is considered the Island's highest point. Countless trekking paths leading up to Holyhead Mountain start by South Stack Lighthouse car parks.  Although Holyhead Mountain isn't really a tall mountain, during clear weather - the panoramic views from the summit span over all of Anglesey, The Irish Sea and the Snowdonia Range.  ​

Vibrant Villages in North Wales

North Wales - A Winter Sunset   
Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed from the stress in our lives, be it from the work environment, romantic or family relationships, or dynamics with every-day acquaintances which leaves us feeling the need to dilute our mental energy elsewhere.
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North Wales has stunning outdoor scenery and also with vibrant villages with positive  vibes and atmospheres.  Below are some villages held dear in the heart of many.     

Beddgelert (Snowdonia)

Beddgelert Village is located a few miles downhill from Snowdon's Pen y Pass.  The popularity of Beddgelert (Gelert's Grave) is enhanced from the famous legend of the hound - 'Gelert'.  Beddgelert is a vibrant tourist village that's got pubs, hotels and gift shops.  For scenic views, there's the Welsh Highland Railway and the 'Gelert Circular' trek along with countless other nature trails linking the village.     

Conwy Town (Near Deganwy)    

Conwy Town - Famous for its castle walls and the Conwy Suspension Bridge is a popular vibrant tourist town during summer months.  Conwy Town offers plenty of attractions including cafes, independent shops and the UK's smallest house. On Conwy Front there is a promenade sea walk which links with cycle paths across the River Conwy to Deganwy Beach and Llandudno.  

Portmerion Village (The Italian Village in Porthmadog) 

Portmerion Village is located on the outskirts of Porthmadog, Gwynedd, where visitors have the use of a large car park and typically pay a small fee on entering the village.   Portmerion was designed by an Italian architect and the creativity reflects in the dreamy, colorful, Italian shaped buildings which give Portmerion its romantic atmosphere.  Portmerion has souvenir shops, a pub and a beach harbour that can be found at the lower part of the village.  

Woodland Walks - Grounding 

Newborough Forest Walks (Anglesey)

Newbrough Forest is easily found along the Brynsiencyn to Malltraeth Road.  The forest is even more popular due to the fact its adjacent to Newbororough sand dunes and the beach leading to Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island).  There is a large visitor carpark, toilets, picnic areas and the whole area has information signs and marked walking routes.     

Coed Y Brennin Forest (Dolgellau)

Coed y Brenning Forest can be found in Snowdonia's National Park on the A470 Porthmadog - Dollgellau route.  Since the mid-2000's its popularity has increased due to the financial investment there.  Today visitors will find a fantastic cafe, picnic facilities, mountain bike hire shop and information boards / walk bridges all over this area of beauty.  Coed y Brennig also hosts popular mountain bike routes with some of them spanning over 20 miles.  There are countless hiking trails.  Rhaedr Mawddach Waterfall is to the East of Coed y Brennig.    

North Wales Path (Penmaenmawr)

The North Wales Path is a long trekking stretching from Bangor to Prestatyn (30 miles approx).  The North Wales Path is considered a route along the North Wales coastline which is made up of other paths, footpaths and the North Wales Coastal Path as well.  There are a variety of sights along this trekking route which pass through the historical areas of Penmaenmawr.   

Walking Trails in North Wales - Grounding 

Sometimes when we become ungrounded our mental energy has accumulated within the mind's eye by past memories or future anticipation. 
The colours and scents of grass, flowers and trees stimulate our sensory system and engage our conscious mind which pulls our mental energy back into the moment and ground us.  Here are some woodland walks in North Wales.

Llangollen History Trail

The Llangollen History Trail is a satisfying 2-3 hours walk that begins in Llangollen (6 miles approx).  This history trail will take you through Llangollen's canals, local pubs.  The walk can be is quite steep at times but shows the well-known landmarks of Llangollen, such as the Horseshoe Falls and the Valle Abbey Crucis Ruins.   Along this walk you'll get hillside views of the Dee Valley River.  

Mawddach Trail (Gwynedd)

The Mawddach Trail is a fantastic sightseeing 10 mile walk along the railway track linking Dollgellau and Barmouth.  The views along this path are varied, ranging from open landscape, purple heather, open water, wooden walk bridges and picnic benches.  It should also be known that the Mawddach Trail away from traffic. 

Siabod Walking Trail (Conwy) 

The Siabod Walking Route is a wide gravel walking path stretching from Capel Curig to the bottom of Mount Tryfan and Lake Owgen.  The route itself runs pararell to the A5 and parking spaces for the walk are easy to find at either end of the walking route. 

Scenic Drives in North Wales - Relaxation

Sometimes we may wish to feel in more control or lives, other times we may simply wish to feel free or have a change of scenery. 
Here are a few scenic driving routes that North Wales has to offer for those who find relaxation driving through magical un-spoilt landscapes. 

Denbigh Moors (Denbighshire)

The Denbigh Moors is a stunning drive with vast relaxing landscape.  To access the Denbigh moors, you'll need to enter the road from the top of Denbigh Town itself or make an exit off the A5 Road.  Within easy distance of the Denbigh Moors is Clocaenog Forest, Lake Brenig and the Alwen Reservoir. Here you'll have countless hiking trails, forestry tracks and viewpoints.

The Horseshoe Pass (Llangollen) 

The horseshoe pass can be accessed from the Denbighshire side or uphill from Llangollen.  The Horsehoe Pass is a short but lovely mountain pass next to Moel y Gamlin mountain which then descends into Llangollen. At the top of the Horseshoe Pass on the Denbigh side is a cafe.  There are also plenty of hiking trails in this area to explore and it is worth noting that the scenic views begin well before reaching the Horseshoe Pass itself. 

The Berwyn Pass (Bala)

The Berwyn Mountain Pass is a stretch of stunning roadside linking the villages Bala and Llangynog. The Berwyn Pass has vast mixtures of heather hillsides and patches of forestry, including Penllyn Forest.  Although the actual pass itself is short, the scenery remains stunning beyond the mountain range downwards towards Llangynog, Pen y Bont Mawr and Oswestry itself. 

 Ogwen Valley (Gwynedd)

The Ogwen Valley, Gwynedd makes up part of the A5 Road running between Bethesda and Capel Curig. This mountain pass owns countless footpaths, trekking paths and parking spaces.  The weather systems and cloud formations can change quickly in the Ogwen Valley making driving through the mountain pass a superb experience.     

 North Wales Lakes

For those seeking contemplation at peaceful serene landscapes, North Wales has countless lakes to choose from. 
Sometimes mirror reflections can jolt our conscious mind into the world of forgotten memories, dreams, and intuitive epiphanies.  Such experience may teach us to trust our intuition and embrace the synchronicities of life. Snowdonia has many lakes to explore.   

Lake Brenig (The Denbigh Moors)

Lake Brenig is a reservoir lake with a walk over dam on one side.  There are countless hiking and biking trails along Lake Verny.  Visitors will find a cafe visitor centre, plenty of parking, viewpoints and the option to hire a boat on the open lake.  

Brittany Lake (Snowdon)

Brittany Lake in Snowdon is a relatively small lake on the way up to Snowdon's Summit and therefore tends to be mainly visited by mountain hikers.  Brittany Lake popularity increased over a 20 year span after the publicity of  Snowdon's Railway track and the fact that Brittany Lake's water supply generating the first hydro-electric source in Britain. 

Lake Vernwy (Powys)

Lake Vernwy in Powys is typically accessed from the Bala or Pen-y-Bont Fawr.  Lake Vernwy has an extremely impressive road dam and water tower along with a consistent flat 12 mile tarmac ring road for easy walking and cycling.  Visitors to Lake Vernwy can also expect to find a cafe shop, bike hire facilities and wooden sculpture walking grounds.  There are countless walking paths, bird watching facilities and the views and scents surrounding Lake Vernwy can be heavenly.     

Ogwen Lake (Near Bethesda, Gwynedd)

Ogwen Lake, Gwynedd is found at the Ogwen Mountain Pass described above.  Ogwen Lake itself is shallow and doesn't have any special features / facilities but on calm days offers therapeutic mirror reflections from the mountain hillside which earns it a place offering a majestic experience.  There are parking spots all along Lake Ogwen and opposite the lake are parking bays and hiking routes leading to Tryfan Mountain. 
E-mail: counsellingnorthwales@gmail.com | Tel: 07858 120 338
Yana Newman, MScPsych, AdProfDipPC, LOO Accr
Online Counselling Therapy - North / South Wales & All UK Regions
Counselling Therapy Areas - Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Chester 
Please contact me - Free informal 20 min pre-therapy telephone consultation
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