In the upcoming edition of #LonelyPlanet Best in Travel, North Wales has flown in at number 4 on the list and is the only region in the United Kingdom to be included. North Wales comes in behind Choquequirao in Peru, Taranaki in New Zealand, and The #Azores in Portugal. That's not a bad standing at all and, to be honest, it's about time.

North Wales' inclusion has mainly been based on its range of outdoor activities. Within the region lies Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales, and the second highest in the UK (behind the mighty Ben Nevis in the Highlands of #Scotland) and we have quite a reputation for drawing in adventurous, outdoorsy type tourists.

Snowdon is within the confines of snowdonia National Park and this has more than enough adventure to last you a lifetime.

Longest Zip Wire in Europe

North Wales is home to the longest zip wire in Europe, which sounds terrifying and, well, it is. Zip World is based from three different locations in the region, offering wild flying-through-the-air adventures for all the family. In Bethedsa's Penryhn Quarry, you can ride the longest and fastest line in Europe, whilst you can do it all beneath the quarries at their site in Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog. In Blaenau you can fly off on the first 4 person zip line in Europe and not worry about the great British weather as it's all underground.

In Betws y Coed, you can explore Zip World Fforest, if you like to take things just a *little* bit easier. The latter site is also open to over 3s.

Meanwhile, over in Dolgarrog in Conwy Valley, you can rock up and catch a wave at the world's first commercial artificial surfing lake and the only artificial onein theUK, at Surf Snowdonia.

You don't even really have to like surfing to visit, there's a ton of other activities to get your blood pumping, from gorge walking, to paddle boarding and the amazing Crash and Splash Lagoon, which is a bit like Ninja Warrior on water. I once broke my wrist walking my dog (true story) so these antics are not designed for the likes of me.

You go right ahead, though.

White Water Rafting

If you head down towards Bala, you'll find the largest natural lake in Wales and you can canoe across the body of water, or merely walk around it, if this is more your thing. #Bala Lake is also home to the National Whitewater Centre, so if you fancy a spot of fast paced crashing through the water at the UK's largest centre, be my guest. You can also fish, sail, walk, and get involved in a host of other activities. Plus, Bala's town centre is a pretty spot for a walk, lunch, drinks, and a bit of shopping.

Deep beneath the caves of Snowdonia in Betws y Coed sits Go Below Underground Adventure. Yes, it's just as creepy as it sounds. Here, you can explore the abandoned mines of the area, sail through the underground lakes and gape at the age old machinery that's been left behind.

If that isn't quite exciting enough for you, there's also abseiling, scrambling and zip lining on offer.

A More Relaxed Pace...

If you're not the mad adventuring type that enjoys heart racing activities, there are far more gentle activities on offer throughout North Wales. We are home to wonderful walking trails (the North Wales Coastal Path, for one), beautiful blue flag beaches, rolling hills, pretty seaside towns and much, much more. You can simply wander along our white sands, enjoy lazy days drinking Welsh cider, explore our fantastic history, and take in our unrivalled scenery. What are you waiting for?