Wales - Ref 1583

The mountain of Manod Mawr has a long history of slate mining and some of the underground chambers were used to house National Treasures during the 2nd World War Manod village is located in a natural bowl between the Manod and Moelwyn mountains and is well served by a number of shops and pubs, which are used to serving travellers on their way to Betws-Y-Coed, the ‘Gateway to Snowdonia’ and the village at the base of Mount Snowdon Many of Manod’s old slate quarries are now tourist attractions, giving fascinating insights into the work undertaken by slate miners in years gone by The nearby Ffestioniog Railway takes passengers on stunning scenic routes through the North Wales countryside There are many good walks and cycle-trails to be found in the area and Manod’s location provides easy access to other attractions such as Portmeirion - the Italian-designed village used as the setting for the cult TV-show, ‘The Prisoner’ – and the white-water rafting opportunities provided at Bala Originally built from stone in the 1700s, this cottage has been sympathetically restored to retain much of its original charm such as exposed beams and stone walls During the winter months the superb fireplace houses a wood-burning stove that can transform the cottage into a cosy little snug For the hazy summer months, there is a rear garden from which you can enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the distant mountains .