The Vale of Ffestiniog is a natural barrier between north-west and central Wales, and The Mabinogion describes tales of love, magic and treachery leading to a terrible battle at Maentwrog, the first river crossing, with slain princes still lying in the soil. You can feel the magic in the ancient woods that lead direct from the doorstep of the house, and in the royal castles at Harlech and beyond. Snowdonia National Park also offers modern pursuits, like rock-climbing, mountain biking, and the fastest zip wire in the world! Visit Llechwedd Slate Caverns at Blaenau, Portmeirion Italianate village (home of TV's The Prisoner), Electric Mountain's hydro-electric plant, Sygun Copper Mine and Porthmadog's harbour, with market on Friday.