2026 Buan Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Gyehwa Hall, a restaurant specializing in clam dishes 4-person set: 120,000 won. We ordered the course. It was a place where every single dish, including the basic side dishes, was delicious without exception. Among them, the clam porridge served last was so tasty that I keep thinking about it.

Spanning a massive portion of northern Eryri (Snowdonia), the Carneddau range represents some of the most expansive, high-altitude mountain walking in the UK. Home to seven of the highest peaks in Wales—all topping 3,000\text{ feet}—this landscape is drastically different from its neighboring ranges. Where the Snowdon massif is jagged and bustling, the Carneddau is immense, rolling, and deeply quiet. It is a place for true mountain lovers seeking vast horizons and untamed wilderness. The Terrain & Atmosphere The Scale: The defining feature of the Carneddau is its sheer immensity. The summits form a vast, elevated plateau, meaning that once you slog up the initial ridges, you are treated to miles of high-altitude walking with uninterrupted, sweeping views across to Anglesey, the Llŷn Peninsula, and deep into the heart of Eryri. The Solitude: Because there are no cafes or mountain railways here, the Carneddau naturally filters out the crowds. It is highly common to walk for hours along the high ridges of Carnedd Llewelyn (the highest point at 1,064\text{ meters}) or Carnedd Dafydd without seeing another soul. The Wild Ponies: The lower slopes and high valleys are famously home to herds of wild, semi-feral Carneddau ponies. Seeing them navigate the rocky crags with effortless grace adds a beautifully prehistoric, magical feel to the landscape. Classic Walking Routes The High Ridges (The Classic Horseshoe): Starting from the scenic Ogwen Valley (A5), a steep scramble up Pen yr Ole Wen brings you onto the main ridge. From there, you can complete a spectacular, airy loop ticking off Carnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewelyn before descending back down via the reservoir at Ffynnon Llugwy. The Northern Approaches (Dulyn Reservoir): For an even more isolated route, approaching the range from the Conwy Valley side via the remote Dulyn Reservoir (The Black Lake) offers dramatic cliff faces, deep corries, and the poignant history of several wartime aircraft crash sites preserved among the rocks. Aber Falls to the High Peaks: A longer, linear classic route starts at the thundering Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr) on the coast, climbing steadily past the ancient Roman Road and up onto the northern grassy slopes of Drum and Foel Fras. Navigational Challenge The Plateau Effect: While the summits look like gentle, rolling hills from a distance, the vast, featureless plateau can become an incredibly disorienting place if the weather turns. The Mist: When the cloud drops, visibility can drop to just a few meters in seconds. Because there are fewer distinct paths on the high grass-and-boulder plateaus compared to other popular Welsh peaks, pinpoint navigation is required. Hiker Tips & Logistics Navigation Kits: Do not rely solely on mobile phone apps. The battery can drain rapidly in the cold mountain air, and signal is non-existent in the deep cwms. Carry a physical OS map (OL17), a reliable compass, and know how to take a bearing. Layer Up: Because you spend prolonged periods walking at over 3,000\text{ feet} along an exposed plateau, the wind chill can be biting, even during a clear summer afternoon. Always pack a high-quality windbreaker, a warm mid-layer, and a dry hat and gloves in your pack. Hydration: There are plenty of pristine mountain streams at the lower levels, but once you are up on the main ridge line, water sources are scarce. Carry a minimum of 2\text{ liters} of water for a full-day traverse. Pro Tip: If you finish your walk via the Ogwen Valley route, reward your tired legs by stopping at the Caffi Ogwen visitor center for a hot

Located on the rugged coastline of Gwynedd, just outside the village of Llanbedr, Shell Island (Mochras) is one of Europe’s largest campsites and a legendary destination for outdoor purists. Spanning over 450 acres of sand dunes, wild meadows, and pristine beaches, a weekend here is all about stripping back modern distractions, pitching a tent right behind the dunes, and living by the tides. The Atmosphere & Camping Vibe Pitch Where You Like: Unlike highly structured holiday parks, Shell Island offers a rare "pitch anywhere" freedom. You can choose to nestle your tent in a secluded hollow within the sand dunes, set up in a wide open field for a community vibe, or park right on the estuary edge to watch the boats. The Tidal Causeway: Part of the island's unique charm is its accessibility. It is connected to the mainland via a tidal causeway across the River Artro estuary. The road floods twice a day, meaning you are completely cut off from the mainland for a few hours at a time—which only adds to the sense of true escape. The Views: The island offers stunning 360-degree panoramas. Look west and you have the vast expanse of Cardigan Bay; look east and you are treated to the dramatic backdrop of the Rhinogydd mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). Must-See Highlights & Activities Shell Collecting: The island gets its name for a reason. Thanks to the winter storms and unique currents, the beaches are a goldmine for shell collectors, with over 200 different species of shells washing up on the shores. Crabbing and Rockpooling: The rocky sections near the harbor and the estuary side are teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for kids and families equipped with crabbing lines and buckets. Stargazing: Because of its isolated position away from major towns, the night skies here are remarkably dark. Sitting by a campfire and looking up at a crystal-clear Milky Way is a highlight of any weekend stay. On-Site Facilities While it feels beautifully wild, the island is well-equipped to handle the weekend crowds: The Center Complex: Houses a well-stocked supermarket (selling everything from fresh bakery items to camping gas), a gift shop, and a fast-food snack bar. The Island Bar: A spacious, family-friendly bar and restaurant where you can grab a hearty meal or a pint of local Welsh ale after a long day on the beach. Amenities: There is a large central shower block with hot water, alongside multiple toilet blocks scattered across the fields. Traveler Tips & Logistics Check the Tide Times: This is the golden rule of Shell Island. You must check the crossing times before you travel, as you cannot get on or off the island when the causeway is covered. Prepare for the Elements: You are camping on an exposed peninsula. The sea breezes can become incredibly strong, so high-quality, sturdy tent pegs (especially sand pegs) are a necessity if you choose to pitch in the dunes. No Electric Hookups: This is an authentic camping experience—there are no electric hookups on the island. Bring reliable power banks for your devices, or use the charging lockers available at the main complex. Campfires: Campfires are permitted, but they must be raised off the ground in a fire pit (which you can rent on-site) to protect the beautiful landscape. Pro Tip: For an unforgettable evening, head to the westernmost edge of the dunes with a blanket just before dusk. Watching the sun sink directly into the Irish Sea while the hills of the Llŷn Peninsula glow in the distance is the perfect way to cap off a Welsh weekend.

#mytraveldiary Aberdaron in Gwynedd feels like stepping into a postcard. This little fishing village sits at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, where the sea seems to stretch endlessly and the pace of life slows down. The beach is wide, sandy, and perfect for a quiet walk or a lazy afternoon with the sound of waves rolling in. You will find colorful boats resting by the shore and traditional stone cottages that make the whole place feel timeless. The village has a few cozy cafes and pubs where you can warm up after a breezy stroll. History lovers will enjoy the old church right by the beach, which has watched over the bay for centuries. Aberdaron is a place that invites calm, reflection, and pure coastal beauty.