The park is large, and public transport is limited outside summer, so group the sights by area: Llanberis and Caernarfon in the north-west, Betws-y-Coed in the east, Beddgelert in the south and the Ogwen Valley in between.
1 Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the Mountain Railway
Six main paths lead to the summit; the Llanberis Path is the longest and gentlest, the Pyg and Miners’ tracks from Pen-y-Pass are the most popular. The Snowdon Mountain Railway has climbed from Llanberis since 1896. The summit visitor centre, Hafod Eryri, opens in the main season.
Practical: Hikes take about 5–7 hours return. The railway runs roughly spring to autumn, weather permitting; check its own site.
2 Llanberis and Llyn Padarn
A former slate town between two lakes. Walk around Llyn Padarn, see the thirteenth-century tower of Dolbadarn Castle and visit the free National Slate Museum in the old Dinorwig quarry workshops.
Practical: Museum free; lake walks free. Kayak and paddleboard hire in summer.
3 Caernarfon Castle
Begun in 1283 by Edward I, with banded walls and eagle-topped towers modelled, it is said, on the walls of Constantinople. It is where the investiture of the Prince of Wales took place in 1911 and 1969.
Practical: Cadw site; ticketed. Allow 2 hours. About 20 minutes by car from Llanberis.
4 Betws-y-Coed and Swallow Falls
A Victorian resort village at the meeting of three rivers, with stone bridges, outdoor shops and forest trails. Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) is a short drive west.
Practical: Swallow Falls has a small entry fee paid at a turnstile. The Conwy Valley railway stops in the village.
5 Ogwen Valley and Tryfan
The A5 runs past Llyn Ogwen under the jagged fin of Tryfan. A popular circular walk climbs to Cwm Idwal, a glacial bowl and nature reserve with a lake and the cliff known as the Devil’s Kitchen.
Practical: Cwm Idwal loop about 1.5–2 hours. Parking fills early in summer.
6 Beddgelert
A stone village where two rivers meet, linked to the legend of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llywelyn. Walk the Aberglaslyn Pass along the river, and watch for Welsh Highland Railway steam trains.
Practical: Free. Ice cream and cafés in the village; the gorge path is uneven.
