Areas: where to base yourself
- Llanberis: the railway, the main summit path and a lakeside setting; lively with climbers.
- Betws-y-Coed: the classic village base, with the widest choice of hotels and a station.
- Beddgelert: small and pretty, close to the Rhyd Ddu and Watkin paths.
- Caernarfon: a castle town with restaurants, between the mountains and the sea.
Climbing Yr Wyddfa safely
Even in summer the summit can be cold, windy and wrapped in cloud. Wear walking boots, carry waterproofs, food, water and a map, check the mountain forecast (the Met Office and MWIS publish them), and turn back if the weather turns. In winter conditions the mountain needs ice axe and crampons and real experience.
Food and drink
Expect hearty pub food: Welsh lamb, cawl and local ales. Village cafés serve bara brith (a spiced fruit loaf). Book dinner ahead in Betws-y-Coed and Llanberis in summer.
Money-saving tips
- The National Slate Museum is free.
- Use the Sherpa’r Wyddfa buses instead of paying for scarce parking.
- A Cadw pass can pay off if you add Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech.
Sample plans
One day
Ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway (or hike), then walk round Llyn Padarn and visit the Slate Museum.
Two days
Add Caernarfon Castle in the morning and Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass in the afternoon.
Three days
Spend the third day in Betws-y-Coed and the Ogwen Valley, with the Cwm Idwal walk.
