LLANBERIS

'Llanberis' is a town in North Wales, lying beside the Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia. It takes its name from Saint Peris, a Welsh saint.
According to the UK census 2001, the population of Llanberis equated to 1,954 people. Also, the census reveals that 81% of the population speak Welsh fluently, with the highest percentage of speakers being in the 10-15 age group where 100% were able to speak Welsh.


The town originally grew around the slate quarrying industry, but since the closure of the quarries the main employers have been tourism and the Dinorwig power station, a pumped storage hydroelectric station. The ruins of Dolbadarn Castle, built by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth in the 13th century, stand above the town, famously painted by Richard Wilson[1] and J.M.W. Turner[2] [3].
Llanberis is a popular base for ascents of Snowdon (''Yr Wyddfa'' in Welsh), the highest mountain in Wales. The Llanberis Path begins in the town, and although one of the longest routes, it is the most popular[4] walking route to the summit, largely following the line of the Snowdon Mountain Railway
Other attractions in the town include the mountain railway, the Welsh Slate Museum, the Llanberis Lake Railway and a country park. Tours of Dinorwig power station are available from a purpose built visitor centre.
Llanberis is also a centre for outdoor activities including walking, mountaineering, mountain biking, pony trekking and water sports. The Snowdon Race (''Ras Yr Wyddfa''), takes place during July, an international fell race to the summit of Snowdon returning to the town.
Llanberis is twinned with the Italian town of Morbegno in Lombardy.
The town used to be served by a branch line of the Carnarvonshire Railway until it closed in 1964.

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External links

External links

★ Llanberis' Website

★ Llanberis Slate Mine Museum Website