Snowdonia National Park
Getting There
Snowdonia National Park is located in Northern Wales. The closets airports to Snowdonia include Manchester airport and Liverpool airport. Then to reach Snowdonia, consider renting a car or taking the train to reach your accommodations. If traveling from London, driving or taking the train will be the best option. Trains depart from London Euston station to Bagnor in Wales which is close to the town of Llanberis (one common location to stay in if looking to climb Snowdon). The route to Wales from London will likely require at least one connection and the journey time between London and Wales will be about 4 hours. Upon arriving in Bagnor, you will likely need to organize a taxi to take you to your accommodations. Consider booking this in advance if possible as there are only a few taxi companies in the area.
Getting Around
It is very helpful to have a car when visiting Snowdonia, as it provides you with flexibility to find different hikes and explore the towns. Without a car, plan to have less flexibility and allow more time to reach your destinations. There are taxi companies in the area, but the taxis will be a bit pricey and often there are not cars available immediately. Ride sharing services like uber do not operate here. There is also a public bus which can be used to reach different areas. Depending on where your accommodations are located will impact how easy it will be to use the bus and get around the area.
Accommodations
When visiting Snowdonia National Park, there are a lot of different options on where to stay and will depend on what your plans are for the trip. If looking to climb Snowdon Mountain, then staying in or around the town of Llanberis would be most convenient. Look for a nice bed and breakfast, hotel, or cottage in the area.
Things to do and see
Hike Snowdon
One of the main reasons to visit Snowdonia National Park is to summit Snowdon. There are multiple different routes up Snowdon and you can choose to do an out and back route, or one that starts and ends in different locations. We took the Snowdon via Llanberis Path, which is easily accessed if staying in or around Llanberis. It is an out and back trail with a total distance around 9 miles and about 3215 ft in elevation (approx. 980 meters). It is highly recommended to use a map tool like Alltrails to help navigate the route. This is especially important if choosing to do the hike early with hopes of reaching the top to watch the sunrise.
The route ultimately starts at the Llanberis Snowdon railway. Your climb will commence quickly as you will walk up a road before meeting the trailhead. Keep an eye out for the trailhead. In the daylight, it is easy to find the route, but in the dark it is possible to wander down a farmer’s driveway on accident if not looking for the correct trailhead. The route up Snowdon via Llanberis path is a more gradual climb but longer route than some of the other options. The last part of the climb is the most difficult as the incline is greater, but at this point you are very close. Your endurance and physical shape will impact how much time to plan for the hike. The full hike likely will take 5 – 7 hours as you will also want to plan in time to take breaks and enjoy the views.
Often it is much colder and windier at the summit. With this in mind, be sure to pack layers and bring adequate food and water supplies. From Llanberis, there is a train which takes people up the mountain. Check out the Llanberis Snowdown Railway website for more information on times, cost, and availability. At some times, the railway is closed or does not go all the way to the top due to construction. For those who also want to shorten the hike and perhaps do not want to hike down, consider using the train for one single direction.
Llanberis
Small town at the base of Snowdon with a mix of shops, cafes, and pubs in the area
Betws-y-Coed
Cute village in Snowdonia with a variety of outdoor stores, restaurants and simply a nice little town to stay in when visiting Snowdonia National Park. There is a national railway station right in town, which is very convenient considering the village is quite small.
Scenic Bus & Train
If staying in Llanberis to hike Snowdon, consider catching the public bus in town to Betws-y-Coed. The journey itself will be a nice scenic ride and takes about an hour. Once you have arrived in Betws-y-Coed, enjoy walking around and finding a spot to grab a meal or drink. From Betws-y-Coed, catch the train to Llandudno Junction for another scenic ride. Then, if this is the end of your trip to Snowdonia, make your way back to your end destination.
For those returning to London, Llandudno Junction is an easy train station to transfer to another train in the direction of London. Assuming you purchased an open-return train ticket from London to Wales, be sure to buy a ticket for the train route from Betws-y-Coed to Lllandudno Junction as this will not be included in your pre-purchased ticket.
Llyn Padarn
Nice lake near Llanberis with paddle board rentals available for those looking to get out onto the water
Food and Drinks
Penceunant Isaf
Location: Llanberis
A coffee and tea house just before the trailhead on the Llanberis path to summit Snowdon. The owner is a kind Welsh man who invites hikers and visitors in to have a cup of coffee, glass of mulled wine, or tea next to the fire place. There are also picnic tables outside, which can be nice to enjoy a drink at after hiking up Snowdon.
Cafe llygad yr Haul
Location: Llanberis
Small cafe in Llanberis village great for lunch
Peak Restaurant
Location: Llanberis
Nicer restaurant in Llanberis village, which is constantly busy. Consider making a reservation in advance before visiting.
Y Stablau
Location: Betws-y-Coed
Good restaurant with a large menu offering a variety of options. There are nice outdoor tables or space inside if the weather is not ideal for sitting outside. Try the Wild Horse Brewing Company beer for a nice beer.
Siop y Bragdy
Location: Betws-y-Coed
Stop by this brewery shop to purchase some different beers to bring with you on the train or enjoy following an active day spent hiking.
Hangin’ Pizzeria
Location: Betws-y-Coed
Well-liked pizzeria spot offering pizzas for sit-down or take-away
Navigation
Transportation and Accommodations
Things to do and see
Food and Drinks