 THE JEWEL in the North Wales crown, Snowdonia forms a magnificent centrepiece for the region's tourism. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to sample its unique combination of scenery and culture. More properly known as Eryri (place of eagles), Snowdonia is beautiful in all seasons. It offers endless opportunities for hillwalking and climbing, as well as less energetic pursuits - like visiting pretty hill villages, fishing, riding 'great little trains' or just experiencing a different culture. In contrast to scenic parts of other Celtic countries, Snowdonia is not a living museum. The local people do not put on costumes for visiting tourists. Nor, contrary to popular belief among some ill-informed - and rather paranoid - visitors, do they 'start speaking Welsh' when you enter a shop. In never seems to occur to these visitors that Welsh is the everyday language of communication, and has been for a thousand years - long before English even existed. Welsh is spoken by about three-quarters of Snowdonia's inhabitants and is, for most, their first language. This living and thriving culture is one of the region's main attractions. Less than two hour's drive from Liverpool and Manchester is a different country, with its own language, history and culture. Agricultural shows, local Eisteddfodau and other community events take place throughout the year. They are conducted primarily in Welsh, and are not laced with bogus Celtic colour for visitors - although all will of course be warmly welcomed.
 When talking about Snowdonia's scenery, it is easy to run out of adjectives - and very difficult to pick highlights. Of the major valleys, there is a great deal of variety - from the occasionally intimidating grandeur of the Llanberis pass to the bucolic tranquility of Nant Gwynant. The accessible valleys of the Conwy and Lledr offer exquisite scenery for the motorist, while further south the crowds lessen for you to enjoy the wonderful scenery around the towns of Bala, Harlech and Dolgellau. | 
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