Why our national parks really sparkle in winter

Portia Jones on why winter is her favourite season to explore some of Wales' most beautiful landscapes

- 

I'M GOING to go against the grain and say winter is probably my favourite time to visit Wales' national parks.

For me, Eryri (Snowdonia), the Pembrokeshire Coast, and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) are at their most enjoyable when the summer crowds have slipped away, frost covers the peaks and wind whips around the craggy coastline.

While one of the main benefits is it can be quieter, another bonus is accommodation can be cheaper (especially if you bag a great deal).

Accommodation-wise, I've found you can get some pretty good deals in the off-season - especially if you visit midweek rather than at the weekend.

While summer is perfect for cold-water dips, swimming, and late nights traversing the ethereal landscapes, I have come to appreciate wrapping up warm, grabbing a hot chocolate and enjoying the stillness of the national parks in the dead of winter. Sure, the weather might not be as sunny, but this is Wales.

Frankly, you can have a torrential downpour in August and a mini-heatwave in late September.

It’s completely unpredictable, so you may as well take a chance on a cheaper winter visit and hope the weather gods smile upon you.

Admittedly, since we all found our love of the outdoors during the lockdowns, it’s definitely busier in the winter than it used to be, especially on the ‘bucket list’ mountains like Pen y Fan in Bannau Brycheiniog.

As the highest peak in south Wales, Pen y Fan is loved by walkers and photographers.

People come from across Wales and England to climb the well-traversed mountain, which offers rugged scenery and excellent photo opportunities.

Consistently voted as one of the most “Instagrammable’ peaks in Bannau Brycheiniog, there are often queues at the trig point at the top for those coveted shots of the summit, even in winter.