It’s not all about the bike (or dogs) unless you want it to be.

Did you know that North Wales has the highest concentration of castles per square mile in the world?

During the late 13^th and early 14^th century the English King Edward I built many of these in attempt to subjugate the indigenous Welsh.  Some of the most significant and breathtaking of these are in North Wales including the UNESCO-listed sites in Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech.

Conwy Castle is just an hour’s drive from Ty Beic. It is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe and one of the best preserved.  It boasts the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales and its eight towers offer spectacular views of Conwy and Eryri (Snowdonia).

Predating these fortifications are the structures built by the Welsh Princes. Across the water from Conwy is Deganwy Castle. It was the stronghold of Maelgwn Gwynedd in the 6th century. The Norman, Robert of Rhuddlan, built a fortification here in 1080 which was later captured and destroyed by the Welsh. Llywelyn ab Iorwerth recaptured and rebuilt it in 1213, and in the mid-13th century, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd captured and demolished the last structure built by Henry III. Keeping up? All that remains today are ruins along with stunning views of Conwy and its impressive fortress.

As well as these historic sites, Wales is also home to over 1000 Iron Age hill forts. The most well-known locally are Dinas Bran in Llangollen and Cae Drewyn above Corwen. Closer still is the hill fort at Caer Euni, after which the nearby private lake is named. The walk to the hill fort is about a 5-mile round trip from Ty Beic. It’s incredibly peaceful, and I’d be surprised if you saw another soul. Take a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views from the cairn.

Ty Beic is a great base for adventures, be it cycling, walking, or exploring the castles and hill forts of North Wales. Just imagine stepping back in time as you wander through these ancient fortifications, each with its own story to tell.

Learn more about Wales’ rich history here and start planning your next adventure.