Accommodation

In Fig. 1, Llanberis is the closest small town to Snowdon, followed by Betws y Coed. Between Betws y Coed and Snowdon is Capel Curig (a tiny hamlet). Between Pen y Pass and Llanberis is a tiny village, Nantberis. The closest city is Bangor (and we’ll get married the next day on the other side of the water from Bangor between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris). Another city nearby is Caernarfon, which is a spectacular walled castle town. Worth visiting, although very touristy, is Portmeirion, which looks like a fairytale town, just south of Porthmadog. Beddgelert is also a nice village, and features, Beddgelert’s grave, dedicated to a special dog. North of Snowdonia is Conwy, another beautiful castle town. There are lots of castles in Wales. It’s really amazing. Of course, there are hundreds of walks, from undulating paths along rivers, around lakes and around towns to spectacular steep climbs up the north face of Tryfan and Crib Gogh!

Fig 1. Key locations. Starred are Chateau Rhianfa (Isle of Anglesey near Bangor), and Mt Snowdon (middle).

Around Betws Y Coed

This town NE of Mt Snowdon is definitely worth visiting, especially the bridge over the river and the small loop around the river. There is an old railway station and some shops. West of Betws Y Coed, further up the river Conwy, are the gorgeous Swallow Falls waterfalls. One can stay at the Swallow Falls Complex Hotel (around £90 per night). And just south of Betws Y Coed is the Fairy Glen, a 40 minute walk to an enchanting gorge.

Fig 2. Locations around Mt. Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa (red pin).

Around 25 minutes south of Betws Y Coed there’s a nice (mid-range) B&B, Penmachno Hall, just off the B406. Just 5 minutes northeast of Betws Y Coed is Zip World Forest, a fun aerial ropes course. Underground zip lining is also near here.

Travelling from Capel Curig southwest towards Snowdon on the A4086, one can turn right to Pen y Pass and Llanberis (still A4086) or you can travel further southwest on the A498 towards Beddgelert. In Plas Gwynant (halfway between Nant Gwynant and Beddgelert) are glamping options (Bryn Dinas camping pods), which look interesting, and there’s a nice campsite in Beddgelert. Llanberis has more accommodation options. Continuing on the A5 after Capel Curig west, there is a very basic but nice campsite (Gwern gof isaf) halfway towards Lake (Llyn) Ogwen, and another one nearby (Gwern gof uchaf).

There are plenty of B&Bs, hotels, holiday homes, youth hostels, and campgrounds in the wider area, but early booking is strongly recommended, as it will be peak season and many popular places get booked out early, particularly twin/double rooms in youth hostels (especially at Pen-y-Pass, the starting point of the main tracks up to Mount Snowdon). Prices may also go up from March/April.

Suggestions

  • YHA: Pen Y Pass, Snowdon Llanberis, Betws-Y-Coed, Idwal Cottage, Snowdon Ranger, Snowdon Bryn Gwynant
  • Booking.com
  • AirBnB