Yep, this really is our Lord Of The Rings month, and lucky you because you get to read about/look at these stunning crannies of Wales, as plucked out by Ewa Pałka.
There’s no need to introduce J.R.R. Tolkien is as his legacy lives in The Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit and high fantasy literature in general. When creating the world of Middle Earth, Tolkien drew influences from his life experiences – such as the landscapes around him or particular places. He was also highly interested in language, and Welsh impacted the creation of Elvish languages, in particular Sindarin.
Many fans of Tolkien’s work dream about being able to visit The Shire, marvel at the incredible Khazad-dûm or be graced by the generosity of elves in Rivendell. Not many people know that they don’t have to stay just dreaming. Here is a guide to 10 places in Wales where you can feel like you’re inside LOTR.
LLANIDLOES HIDEAWAY

This beautiful hobbit-like house is a lovely Airbnb place where you can stay for a night and fulfil your Bag End dreams. Situated in the idyllic village on the River Severn, this roundhouse has everything a hobbit needs!
BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK

If you fancy a walk through the Fangorn forest and meeting an Ent, Brecon Beacons is the place you should visit. With its lush wild forests, hillsides and Welsh mountain ponies, you can feel at ease and one with nature.
LLYN Y FAN

AKA the lake associated with the Lady Of The Lake folklore legend. It would be easy to stand on the bank of this beautiful lake and imagine being Durin The Deathless, who is just about to found the great city of Khazad-dûm after seeing a crown made from stars in the lake’s reflection. It indeed does remind of Tolkien’s Mirrormere.
DAN-YR-OGOF AND CATHEDRAL CAVE

Bringing on the dark and mysterious feeling of the Helms Deep, those caves offer an amazing inside to not only the natural wonders of the underground but also an Iron Age village and many more.
DOLAUCOTHI GOLD MINES, CARMARTHENSHIRE

Have you ever wondered how the dwarves from the Lonely Mountain extracted their famous gold? Have a peek into Smaug’s lair but be careful not to wake him up…
LLANRWST

A beautiful 15th-century small Welsh town with many hidden gems that will make you feel like stepping back in time and travelling through The Hobbiton.
FAIRY GLEN, CONWY

A rocky ravine covered with trees and moss by a winding stream. According to legends, it is inhabited by woodland sprites such as hobgoblins or elves, and it’s easy to imagine this as a mysterious Lothlorien where the Lady of Light Galadriel and her husband Celeborn reside.
CARREG CENNEN CASTLE

Looking up at this castle, the only thing coming to mind is Amon Sul and the night when the Wraths attacked the hobbits and pierced Frodo’s chest. Perfect place to dive into your fantasy and imagine yourself as Aragorn, fighting off the Nazgûl.
PEN Y FAN

This majestic peak between other mountains and hilltops gives a splendid view of the nearby valley and a beautiful stream. When going uphill, Pen y Fan seems to be merging into Amon Dîn; suddenly, you are one of the guardians on a mission to light the beacons and ask Rohan for help.
PISTYLL RHAEADR

A mesmerising waterfall near Powys which takes you into Rivendell, where the elvish architecture merged with nature. Imagine sitting by the glimmering water and listening to the hum of one of the Seven Wonders Of Wales, almost intertwining with the singing of the elves…
words EWA PAŁKA

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