About Snowdonia
In the heart of North Wales, Snowdonia National Park, known locally as Eryri National Park, remains one of the UK's most beloved and picturesque destinations. Its enduring popularity, with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and diverse outdoor activities, continues to attract visitors from far and wide. Despite this, Snowdonia offers ample space and tranquillity, allowing everyone to find their own slice of serenity.
Owning a holiday home here means you have more opportunities to explore the local sites at your leisure, whether it's hiking through the mountains, visiting historical landmarks, or enjoying the serene coastlines. Each visit promises new adventures and a deeper appreciation for this stunning area.
Whether you're looking for a challenging hike, a serene family outing, or a thrilling adventure, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this enchanting region. Let's go!
Hiking and Walking Trails
Exploring Snowdonia's diverse landscapes on foot is an experience like no other. Here are some of the best hiking and walking trails that cater to various fitness levels and interests:
Popular Hikes
Snowdon from Llanberis (via Pyg Track)
The Pyg Track is a popular and scenic route to the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), known for its stunning views of lakes, valleys, and mountains. Starting from the Pen-y-Pass car park, this approximately 7-mile round trip typically takes about 6 hours, offering manageable terrain and rewarding vistas along the way.
A classic route up Mount Snowdon, offering stunning views and a moderate challenge. Avoid peak season crowds by starting early in the morning.
Snowdon Horseshoe
The Snowdon Horseshoe is a renowned and challenging ridge walk encompassing Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain, Snowdon, and Y Lliwedd. This approximately 7.5-mile route, starting and ending at Pen-y-Pass, includes technical scrambling and exposed sections, making it suitable for experienced and confident hikers while offering some of the most spectacular views in Snowdonia.
Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path
The Minffordd Path to Cadair Idris is a challenging and scenic 9.5 km (6.5 miles) circular hike starting from the Dôl Idris car park. It ascends steeply through woodlands and past waterfalls to the stunning Llyn Cau, then continues to the summits of Craig Lwyd, Craig Cwm Amarch, and Cadair Idris, descending via Mynydd Moel. This route offers breathtaking views and diverse landscapes, requiring good fitness, and typically takes 4-5 hours to complete.
Glyderau Circular Hike (from Ogwen Valley)
The Glyderau Circular Hike from Ogwen Valley is an exhilarating and strenuous route through some of Snowdonia’s most dramatic landscapes. Starting at Ogwen Cottage, this 12.52 km (7.8 miles) hike ascends to the impressive peaks of Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach. Hikers will navigate rocky terrain and scree slopes, with sections of scrambling, particularly through the notorious Devil's Kitchen (Twll Du). This hike takes about 5-6 hours and is best suited for experienced hikers with good navigation skills. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a sense of achievement at the summit.
Cnicht & The Moelwyns
The Moelwynion range, home to the distinctive Cnicht peak and the summits of Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach, offers hikers diverse and stunning landscapes with panoramic views. Cnicht, often called the "Welsh Matterhorn" due to its sharp silhouette, stands at 689m and is popular for its unique form and challenge. Hikers typically start from the villages of Croesor or Rhyd, each route offering unique challenges and scenic views.
Historical and Cultural Trails
Snowdonia Slate Trail
The Snowdonia Slate Trail is an 83-mile (134 km) loop starting and ending in Bangor, winding through Northern Snowdonia's stunning landscapes. It crosses diverse terrains—mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys—and historic slate mining sites. Established in 2017, the trail honours the area's rich slate history, linking towns like Bethesda, Llanberis, and Beddgelert. With challenging sections and beautiful views, it's perfect for both seasoned hikers and casual walkers, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past and natural beauty.
Snowdonia Way
The Snowdonia Way is a remarkable long-distance walking trail that traverses Snowdonia National Park from Machynlleth in the south to Conwy in the north. The trail offers two options: a low route and a high route, each with unique challenges and breathtaking scenery. The low route covers 97 miles (156 km), while the high route extends to 122 miles (196 km).
This trail showcases Snowdonia's natural beauty and offers encounters with historical sites and local culture. The high route is more demanding and ideal for experienced hikers, while the low route provides a moderate but equally rewarding experience.
Adventure Activities
For thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts, Snowdonia offers a wide range of exciting activities:
Kayaking, Canoeing & White Water Rafting
Popular spots for Snowdonia watersports include Llyn Padarn in Llanberis and Llyn Gwynant near Beddgelert. These lakes offer calm waters and stunning scenery, perfect for beginners and experts alike. The National White Water Centre near Bala offers thrilling rafting experiences on the River Tryweryn. With varying levels of difficulty, there's something for everyone.
Climbing and Scrambling
Crib Goch is a legendary ridge scramble that is part of the Snowdon Horseshoe route, known for its difficulty and stunning views. Not for the faint of heart. Tryfan's North Ridge is a classic scramble that offers a challenging ascent with rewarding views. Known as the "Matterhorn of Wales," this hike is not to be missed.
Various locations, including the Dolmen Ridge on Glyder Fach and Craig Bwlch Y Moch near Porthmadog, offer climbing routes of varying difficulty.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in Snowdonia offers diverse trails for all skill levels, with major centres like Coed y Brenin, Antur Stiniog, Gwydir Forest and Dyfi Forest providing a range of experiences from family-friendly paths to challenging downhill routes.
Notable trails include the iconic Snowdon and Cader Idris, offering adventurous rides with stunning views. Facilities in Betws y Coed, Llanberis, and Beddgelert cater to bikers with cafes, shops, and accommodations. Riders should check weather conditions, carry essential gear, and follow access regulations on trails. Snowdonia is a top destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Scenic and Family-Friendly Attractions
Snowdonia is not just for adrenaline junkies. There are plenty of scenic and family-friendly attractions to enjoy:
Explore underground adventures at King Arthur's Labyrinth, an underground storytelling experience, or Llechwedd Slate Caverns with its deep mine tours and exhilarating zip lines.
For outdoor fun, visit GreenWood Forest Park, an eco-adventure park with rides, playgrounds, and activities like archery. Gypsy Wood Park offers a fairy trail, mini-golf, and a narrow-gauge railway through scenic woodlands. Don't miss the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a scenic train ride up Mount Snowdon.
Bodnant Gardens
Bodnant Gardens is a renowned National Trust property in Tal-y-Cafn, near Colwyn Bay in Conwy, Wales. It covers over 80 acres of landscaped gardens, woodlands, and meadows in the foothills of the Snowdonia mountain range.
Portmeirion
Not to be missed! Portmierion is a magical Italian-style village with colourful buildings and stunning views. This was also the filming location for the cult classic TV series, "The Prisoner." The whole family can enjoy exploring the village and its gardens.
Betws-y-Coed
Known as the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed is a charming village with a variety of shops, cafes, and outdoor activity centres.
Beaches and Coastline
Snowdonia is not only famous for its mountains and waterfalls but also boasts a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches perfect for a relaxing day out or a variety of water activities. Several excellent dog-friendly beaches make Snowdonia ideal for a holiday with your furry friends.
Barmouth Beach (Traeth Abermaw)
Barmouth Beach is a vast sandy expanse located on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. A bustling promenade with a variety of amenities such as cafes, shops, and amusements backs it with direct access to the beach. While dogs are banned from the area between the leisure centre and the river from April 1 to September 30, they can freely roam other parts of the beach. This beach offers unbeatable views of the Welsh coast and countryside.
Harlech
Harlech Beach is a stunning 4-mile stretch of golden sand, overlooked by the historic Harlech Castle. Dogs are welcome all year round, apart from a small seasonal exclusion zone between April and September. Picturesque sand dunes back the beach, providing stunning views of the Snowdonia mountain range. It's a popular spot for walking, birdwatching, and water sports like surfing.
Dinas Dinlle Beach
Located near the tiny village of Dinas Dinlle, this expansive beach offers breathtaking ocean views. Dogs are permitted to the north and south of the main bathing area. Lucky visitors may even spot dolphins frolicking in the waves. The beach is perfect for walking, relaxing, and exploring rock pools.
Criccieth Beach
Criccieth Beach is a beautiful headland beach with shallow waters, making it ideal for family outings. The impressive 13th-century Criccieth Castle dominates the beach. Certain sections of the beach are open to dogs, providing ample opportunity for walking, paddling, and exploring rock pools.
Holiday Homes in North Wales
Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Corwen, North Wales, Hendwr Caravan Park offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking a tranquil escape on a quiet site. This static caravan holiday park is situated within lush landscapes, providing a serene environment perfect for relaxation and leisure.
Snowdon View is one of the popular holiday parks in Snowdonia, surrounded by beautiful scenery and offering various holiday activities such as boating, fishing, walking, and climbing in Snowdonia National Park.
Visitors can take advantage of the park’s excellent facilities and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re looking to explore nearby attractions or simply unwind amidst nature, Hendwr Caravan Park serves as the ideal base for a memorable holiday experience. With all the facilities and amenities you need, including an on-site launderette, fibre optic broadband and EV charging, you can relax and enjoy your stay in North Wales.
A range of brand-new and pre-loved static caravans are available for purchase, so you can have your own piece of paradise in this beautiful part of Wales.
Located in a great location less than 20 minutes drive from Snowdonia, North Wales, the site offers glorious mountain views and a wealth of outdoor activities. The North Wales coast is also easily accessible, with sandy beaches and seaside towns just a short drive away. Within walking distance (while taking in the spectacular views), enjoy a delicious meal at The Berwyn at Llandrillo or venture further to Corwen and enjoy the beer garden at The Blue Lion and a night of evening entertainment.
Ready to Explore?
Snowdonia National Park is a jewel of North Wales, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. With its outstanding natural beauty, fresh air, and fantastic range of activities, Snowdonia is the perfect place to relax, have fun, and create lasting memories.
