3 Days in Snowdonia National Park
Travel ItineraryItinerary Contents
Itinerary Introduction
Snowdonia is the biggest National Park in Wales. It contains the highest mountain in the country, called Snowdon or “Yr Wyddfa” in Welsh, which rises 1,085 metres. From the freeze-shattered rock in the Ogwen Valley to the lofty peaks of the Glyders and the Carneddau range. A scramble up the sheer arete to Snowdon or zip-lining into a cavernous slate mine that dangles precariously between two mountains. Snowdonia has something for all outdoor lovers and the possibilities could easily fill a week. Overall, there are fourteen peaks in Snowdonia that rise above 915 metres. In fact, there is a hiking challenge that involves summiting all fourteen peaks back to back. It’s safe to say that hikers, hill-walkers, and mountaineers will have their work cut out for them! In this itinerary, you will visit one of the most spectacular areas of the National Park – the north. Ten of the highest mountains in Snowdonia all reside in this northern section and it is renowned for its soaring alpine features. Three days is the perfect amount of time to sample the highlights of this region and to get to grips with the landscape. Just be careful, you may start with three days, but find yourself wanting to come back to explore more! Photography by the author.Useful information about Snowdonia National Park
The history of Snowdonia National Park
Perched in the north of Wales, Snowdonia is famous for its dramatic mountainous landscape and epic glacial features, formed during the last ice age 10,000 years ago. Around 500 million years earlier, an enormous subterranean upheaval lifted the mountains of Snowdonia from the sea producing a landscape that once rivalled the great mountain ranges of Europe. Over millennia, the subsequent ice ages have continued to carve out the rugged scenery we see today. Snowdonia has recently achieved UNESCO World Heritage status for its slate mines which are said to have “roofed the world” from the 1780s right through to the turn of the 20th century. Slate mining began thousands of years ago with the Romans who used Snowdonia slate to roof the fort at Segontium. At its peak, the Snowdonia slate mines employed 17,000 people and produced 485,000 tonnes of slate per year. In Conwy, you can visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 13th century Conwy Castle. Llanberis and Bethesda are both in the vales of Snowdonia with a rich mining history. Bangor has numerous sites of historical interest and is wedged between the landscapes of Anglesey, Snowdonia, and the Mire Straits. Wherever you choose, you should be spoilt for choice with history and nature! Wales is a land shrouded in myth and mystery. Many ancient tales cloak Snowdonia with stories of knights and quests, magic and wonder. Pagan fables of the Mabinogi and legends of King Arthur’s knights are interwoven with the very formation of the mountains, rivers, and lakes. A visit to this cherished National Park is packed with fantastic walking opportunities, interesting cultural sites, and a variety of adventure sports waiting to be discovered.The language in Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is partially located in the the country of Gwynedd and partly in the county of Caernarvonshire, In the county of Gwynedd, according to a 2001 census, 69% of the population could speak Welsh. Walk around the villages, go into a local pub or shop and Welsh may well be the predominant language spoken. For the visiting tourist, rest assured, the population is also fluent in English.Best times to visit Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia faces the wrath of every season. Storms can blow in off the Irish Sea cloaking the summits in freezing fog and a thick coating of snow. Yet, in the spring, the valleys can be filled with the bleating of newborn lambs and blankets of colourful wildflowers. Summer is a popular time to visit with steady warm weather making excellent conditions for hikers. Whilst the autumn can offer a little of everything and suit all tastes. One thing to bear in mind is how busy it can get in Snowdonia. It’s not uncommon for the car parks around the big mountains such as Snowdon to be filled by 8 am on a warm summer’s day. Hotels, pubs, and guesthouses can also be fully booked. Some of the tranquillity is lost as you bustle your way to the summit. The spring offers a good compromise for weather with slightly less crowded trails. Though spells of rain and even snow on the summits has happened on occasion right into May! The autumn is a spectacular time to visit. Piercing blue skies and frost on the ground makes for great photography opportunities as the colours of nature are accentuated by the autumn foliage. Only experienced hikers should seriously consider a trip in winter. Heading into the mountains when wrapped in snow can be very dangerous indeed. Whiteouts can cover trails and disorientate even the steeliest hikers. Though, you can almost guarantee the paths will be empty and the views from the summit, spectacular.Getting to Snowdonia National Park
By far the most convenient way of reaching Snowdonia is by car. It is also possible to visit via train and the Snowdonia Mountain Railway .Getting around in Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is a large area, 823 square miles in size. As with many National Parks, public transport options are limited. You can reach north Wales via train or coach from London and many areas throughout the UK. The Conwy Valley Line takes you up to the fringes of the mountains but is certainly limited in its coverage. Once you’ve arrived in north Wales, there is a Sherpa bus service that can get you to and from the big mountains with relative ease. However, to be on your own schedule and to branch out further into the National Park, travelling by car will give you the freedom and flexibility to explore all the nooks and crannies. If you don’t have use of a car, it may be worth hiring one to make the most of your 3 days in Snowdonia. - Make sure you book parking in advance and be sure to bring cash with you! Lots of the parking slots are limited, particularly those at the base of Snowdon – looking at you Pen-y-Pass. Simply arriving early hoping to beat the crowds isn’t good enough, many require 24 hours booking in advance. - You may find yourself driving a few miles away from the path and adding on a significant distance to your already challenging hike. It’s not uncommon for roadside parking to contain no card options so be sure to carry plenty of spare change before you embark on your trip.Where to stay in Snowdonia National Park
Camping is a very popular pastime in Snowdonia National Park. Whether you want to try your hand at wild camping on one of the remote peaks or wish to pitch a tent in one of the numerous campsites scattered around the National Park, your options are expansive. If camping isn’t your thing but you’re looking for a relatively cheap hill-walkers alternative, bunkhouses could suit you well. The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) have bunkhouses scattered throughout Snowdonia. There are YHA centres at the following locations: Snowdon Llanberis, Snowdon Ranger, Snowdon Bryn Gwynant, Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, Idwal Cottage. Many of these are at the base of hiking trails up Snowdon and the Ogwen Valley. Guesthouses and B&Bs are common throughout Snowdonia. If you target some of the larger settlements such as Bangor, Llanberis, Conwy, and Bethesda, there will be plenty of places to stay. In each area, you'll find a unique sample of Welsh culture. Accommodation can be found on sites like Airbnb and Booking.com.Alternative locations
- Climb Glyder Fawr, the highest peak in the Glyderau range. - Stand on the edge of Cantilever stone on your ascent of Glyder Fach. - Walk up to the Llyn Padarn and Llanberis View Point.Snowdonia National Park - Travel Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Bangor & Explore the Ogwen Valley
Bangor
Notes
Spend the morning settling into your accommodation and taking a stroll around Bangor.
Getting there
Bangor has a railway station which runs on National Trails operated lines. National Express also offer coach services to Bangor from throughout the UK.
The Ogwen Valley
Notes
Drive from Bangor to the Ogwen Valley. Opportunities to stop for photos along the way and to admire the mountains towering up either side of you.
Getting there
A5 road leads directly from Bangor into the Ogwen Valley.
Travel time
0 hours 15 minutesLlyn Ogwen
Notes
Admire Llyn Ogwen. Possibility for a short stroll up to the lake shores.
Getting there
The lake is clearly visible at the mouth of the valley, the A5 road runs alongside it.
Travel time
0 hours 5 minutesOgwen Partnership Centre
Notes
Have a read of the placards and information at the Ogwen Partnership Centre to learn a bit about the landscape.
Getting there
The Ogwen Partnership Centre is in a hub alongside the car park, Ogwen Cottage, Ogwen Ranger Centre, Ogwen Snack Bar, and the start of some trail heads.
Travel time
0 hours 5 minutesOgwen Snack Bar
Notes
Grab a quick bite to eat and a drink from the cafe to fuel you before your hike.
Getting there
In the same building as the Ogwen Partnership Centre.
Travel time
0 hours 5 minutesOgwen Valley Hike
Notes
The hiking options vary widely depending on what route you choose and your walking ability. Make sure you leave the afternoon free so you aren't rushed and can enjoy your hike around this sensational area of the National Park!
Day 2
UNESCO Slate Mines & Adventure Sports
Zip World
Category | Price | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Standard | 75.00 - 109.00 GBP |
Notes
Enjoy a variety of activities at Zip World depending on your appetite for adrenaline-fuelled adventures!
Getting there
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry is in Bethesda, near Bangor and Llanberis depending on where you are staying.
Penceunant Isaf
Notes
Have a mid-morning tea break at this local tea room.
Getting there
From Zip World, you need to leave the National Park and drive one valley south to get to Llanberis where you will find the tea rooms.
Travel time
0 hours 30 minutesThe Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales - UNESCO
Notes
The rest of the afternoon will be spent visiting the UNESCO slate mines. You've already come from one of the sites at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry. Now to explore some of the other locations.
Getting there
The sites are spread throughout northwest Wales. The closest one that will be visited next is Dinorwig.
Travel time
0 hours 5 minutesLlanberis Lake Railway
Getting there
The Llanberis Lake Railway terminal is on the eastern edge of Llyn Padarn alongside the National Slate Museum.
Travel time
0 hours 5 minutesNational Slate Museum
Getting there
The National Slate Museum is directly next to the Llanberis Lake Railway
Travel time
0 hours 5 minutesDay 3
Summiting Snowdon - Wales' Highest Peak
Snowdon
Notes
Climbing Snowdon is no easy feat and you will spend the majority of your day summiting the peak then returning down the valley again. It's better to start early to give you plenty of time for your ascent and to beat some of the crowds.
Getting there
Lots of hiking trails have different locations. There is a trail that heads up Snowdon from almost every direction. Pen-y-Pass and Llanberis are two of the most popular starting points due to this being the trailheads for some of the most popular routes (Pyg Track, Miner's Trail, Crib Goch, Llanberis).
Hafod Eryri Visitor Centre
Notes
After reaching the summit, you may fancy a warm (or cold) drink depending on the weather conditions. If you haven't brought any food with you, this is a good place to get some. There are also toilets in the station. A long glass viewing gallery provides you with an excellent panorama and is a good place to duck for cover if the conditions are awful!
Getting there
The visitor's centre is slightly below the summit marker. It is clearly visible and impossible to miss.
The Heights Pub
Notes
A pint of local craft bitter or a cold soft drink after a long day of hiking. Just what the doctor ordered. The food is tasty with hearty portions to heap back all those calories you just burned hiking!
Getting there
The pub is a 10-15 minute walk from the Llanberis trailhead. It's a 10-15 minute drive from the Pen-y-Pass carpark along the A4086.
Travel time
0 hours 15 minutesAbout the author
I have visited nearly 50 countries so far with some of my favourite destinations being: New Zealand, Norway, Japan, Mongolia, Iceland. I love hiking and all activities that involve exploring the outdoors. If you're interested in nature, walking, and adventures outdoors then you're going to enjoy my articles! Check out my website for some other travel blogs from around the world: https://mattwalkwild.com/ .
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