Walking in Snowdonia National Park

8 Days & 7 Nights

4.3

Walk amidst the mightiest peaks of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales
Uncover the history of Wales including Gelert's Grave and its connections to a Welsh prince
Discover hidden Llyn Crafnant on the edge of Gwydir Forest and the famous Swallow Falls
A memorable ascent of Mount Snowdon the highest peak in England and Wales
Riverside walk into the spectacular Abergaslyn Gorge through ancient and peaceful woodland

Walk in the iconic landscapes of Snowdonia National Park surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. An exceptional corner of Britain, this special region of North Wales entices many walkers from all over the world. This tour has been specifically designed for you to access the sensational mountain views, whilst keeping the walks moderately rated and not too challenging. Staying in the three pretty villages of Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert and Llanberis gives you an insight to life here, where 65% of the population still speak the local Welsh language, Cymraeg. Historically speaking, this region has a lot to offer, with its slate and copper mining heritage and legends of welsh princes and kings. Partake of a local beer in a cosy pub, take walks through breathtaking scenery of crystal clear lakes and magical woods and even ascend Mount Snowdon if you choose.

From £895.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Betws-y-Coed and Overnight

Arrive in Betws-y-Coed, described as the "Gateway to the Snowdonia National Park". It is easily accessible from Chester by train via Llandudno in approximately 1H35. You can also drive if you wish as there are 24H car parks in the town. If you arrive with time to spare perhaps take a little warm-up walk on one of the many trails around the town or through the heart of the beautiful Gwydir Forest, a magical setting. If you are missing any essential walking gear, you will find it here as Betws-y-Coed is a much-loved centre of the outdoors. Try one of the many restaurant's that provide locally-sourced produce.

Overnight Betws-y-Coed

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Coed-y-Fron B&B | Bed and breakfast

A charming Victorian Guest House with a superb outlook over the village and the Conwy Valley. All six guest bedrooms have been newly decorated and upgraded and all have en-suites. In addition there is a superb outlook all around the house and from all of the rooms. You can also enjoy the views from the garden seating areas, which have been set out for the guests. there is free Wifi and all the rooms are well equipped and comfortable to ensure that you will have a good nights sleep.

Royal Oak Hotel | Hotel

This former coaching Inn boasts scenic views of the Mountains of Snowdonia National Park, located in the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed. The hotel offers comforable rooms with room service, free wifi and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has on site parking - bike storage and an onsite restaurant.

Dolweunydd b&b | Bed and breakfast

Dolweunydd is a fine late Victorian building providing comfortable, cosy and clean rooms for our guests throughout the year. This lovely house is situated in a quieter area of the village away from the centre, yet only a very short stroll to shops, cafes and restaurants.

Day 2 Walk Capel Curig to Betws-y-Coed via Llyn Crafnant 9 miles / 15 km

A short bus ride (15 mins) brings you to Capel Curig. From here you will ascend to Llyn Crafnant, a hidden gem missed by many visitors. It is a reservoir that is three quarters of a mile long and set at the northern end of the Gwydir Forest. At the head of the lake it could be argued that this is one of the finest views in North Wales. Then descend down to a trail alongside River Llugwy where you can view the spectacular Swallow Falls before heading into Betws-y-Coed.

Elevation gain/loss: +281m/-464m

Overnight Betws-y-Coed

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Coed-y-Fron B&B | Bed and breakfast

Royal Oak Hotel | Hotel

Dolweunydd b&b | Bed and breakfast

Day 3 Walk Pen-y-Pass to Beddgelert 8 miles / 13 km

After a delicious and fortifying breakfast board the same Sherpa Snowdon bus as yesterday (30 min ride) bringing you to Pen-y-Pass. Descend slowly to the lush Gwynant Valley and then to the twin lakes of Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas, both nestled among the wooded foothills south of Mount Snowdon. Upon arrival in the small mountain village of Beddgelert, why not treat yourself to a delicious ice cream (Cadwalader's if possible, Wales' own homemade icecream).

Elevation gain/loss: +56m/-380m

Overnight Beddgelert

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Plas Tan y Graig B&B Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Plas Tan y Plas Tan y Graig is an award-winning family-run B&B Guest House with hotel quality rooms located in the centre of Beddgelert. There are five large comfortable en-suite rooms to choose from with stunning mountain and river views.

Sygun Fawr Country House | Country House

This is a former Welsh manor house dating back from 1644. Located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, just a short walk away from the picturesque village of Beddgelert.

All rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities, Egyptian cotton linen bedding, goose down and feather quilts,tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, and radio alarm.

Ty Afon - River House | Bed and breakfast

Ty Afon - River House was built as a farm house, a short stroll from the heart of the historic, alpine village of Beddgelert. With elevated 360 views and boasting probably one of the best vistas in North Wales.

Day 4 Beddgelert Circular via Moel y Dyniewyd and Aberglasglyn Gorge 7 miles / 11 km

As well as walking up Moel y Dyniewyd, you will also pass through the spectacular Aberglaslyn Gorge and past Gelert's Grave, which legend says is named after a dog called Gelert that belonged to the medieval Welsh prince, Llywelyn the Great. From the top of Moel y Dyniewyd (on a good day) there are spectacular views over Snowdon and other mountain ridges.

Elevation gain/loss: +399m/-395m

Overnight Beddgelert

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Plas Tan y Graig B&B Guest House | Bed and breakfast

Sygun Fawr Country House | Country House

This is a former Welsh manor house dating back from 1644. Located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, just a short walk away from the picturesque village of Beddgelert.

All rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities, Egyptian cotton linen bedding, goose down and feather quilts,tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, and radio alarm.

Ty Afon - River House | Bed and breakfast

Day 5 Walk Beddgelert to Llanberis via Rhyd Ddu 11 miles / 17 km

Today's walk begins by walking through the forest above the village towards Rhyd Ddu. You may well see steam trains on the Welsh Highland Railway working hard to climb this steeply graded line through a series of horseshoe bends.

After Rhyd Ddu the scenery opens out and the path takes the western flank of Snowdon, ascending steadily to Bwlch Maesgwn, the col that separates Snowdon from Mount Eilio. At 467 metres this is the highest point on the walk so far. From here it’s a steady downhill walk to the village of Llanberis at the foot of Snowdon.

Elevation gain/loss: +559m/-488m

Overnight Llanberis

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Erw Fair Guest House | Guest House

Erw Fair Guest House is a charming Victorian house conveniently situated centrally on Llanberis High Street. Erw Fair, pronounced Air-oo Vire, is an 18th Century former slate manager's home. It provides an ideal base to explore the area or relax in the heart of Snowdonia. The dining room, sun lounge and utility room are open all day for guest use.

Plas Coch Guest House | Hotel

Elegant Victorian Guest house nestled in Dyffryn Peris valley in Snowdonia National Park. Breakfasts and evening meals are available as well as transfers and pick ups (upon arrangement) as well as nearby parking.

Padarn Hotel | Hotel

The Padarn Hotel is situated at the foot of Snowdon in Llanberis and is surrounded by the Snowdonia National Park. There is 17 rooms available with Free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities. There is also parking available, with 2 electrical vehicle charging points.

Day 6 Padarn Lake Loop Walk 6 miles / 9 km

A relatively short circular walk around Llyn Padarn at the foot of Snowdon offers a more relaxing day before your mountain ascent of Snowdon tomorrow. The trail at times follows the lakeside path, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains before heading back to Llanberis through the historic slate quarries.

Finish your walk at the excellent (and free) National Slate Museum. This is well worth a visit to see the demonstration of slate splitting and the atmospheric miner's cottages.

Elevation gain/loss: +177m/-177m

Overnight Llanberis

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Erw Fair Guest House | Guest House

Plas Coch Guest House | Hotel

Padarn Hotel | Hotel

Day 7 Snowdon Summit 8 miles / 13 km

The big one! After a hearty breakfast the day starts with a short bus ride (10 mins) to Pen-y-Pass high on the mountainside. From here take the famous Pyg track as it climbs steadily past the glacial lakes heading for the summit. After around 3 hours of ascending you will reach the summit and proudly become the highest person in Wales and England! Descend via the more gently-graded Llanberis path, and celebrate your achievement with a well-deserved drink in one of the village pubs on arrival in Llanberis.

This big mountain walk is best completed in good weather. If the forecast is more favourable you may wish to climb Snowdon on Day 6 instead.

If you do not wish to walk up Snowdon or the weather prohibits it, you can take the Welsh Highland Railway steam train to the top.

Elevation gain/loss: +621m/-878m

Overnight Llanberis

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Erw Fair Guest House | Guest House

Plas Coch Guest House | Hotel

Padarn Hotel | Hotel

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This holiday is for those who love walking amidst sensational mountain views and dramatic landscapes. A tour in the mountains, but with moderate walks, that take you within the mountains, alongside lakes and rivers, to pretty villages with the discovery of Welsh history at every turn. You can ascend Snowdon if you wish, which is rated as moderate to strenuous, but this is purely optional.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 17 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

National Parks

Grade & Terrain

On this tour you will be walking in Snowdonia National Park and along mountain trails, wooded and lakeside routes. You can enjoy stunning mountain views. Sometimes you will walk at a lower level, but at times higher up, where there could be some snow at the beginning and end of the season. We have rated this tour as moderate as generally the walks are not too difficult, but some days do have elevation gains and losses. You will need to be an active and fit person to enjoy the walks on this tour. We have tried to balance the harder walks with easier walks in between where possible. The day before the Snowdon summit is the easiest walk on the tour as it will give you a chance to simply have a more relaxing day before you ascend Mount Snowdon. The walk up Snowdon is rated moderate to strenuous and ultimately is physically demanding.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnights in B&B's, guest houses, small hotels
Breakfasts
Luggage Transfers
Detailed Information Pack
GPX tracks and access to our GPS Macs Adventure smartphone app
OS Snowdon Map
24/7 telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel Insurance (required)
Travel to Betws-y-Coed
Travel from Llanberis
Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
Personal Equipment
Local buses to the beginning of walks
Entrances to museums, etc

Extras

Additional Nights, before, during or after the walk

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

If you are going to book the Escape to Snowdonia tour, please be aware that it is challenging to confirm 1-night stays in Beddgelert on Friday and Saturday nights. Therefore if you have the flexibility it would be advised to try and secure your booking so that you avoid your start date being on Thursdays or Fridays.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen etc. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walk boots, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a daypack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

What personal equipment do I need? What happens if I can't walk a stage? How fit do I need to be? How far in advance do I need to book? When is the best time of year to walk in Snowdonia?

WHY MACS?

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