Snowdonia campsite / general area recommendations
Discussion
Planning on a 4/5 day trip over to Snowdonia with wife and 2 kids next week in our Hiace camper/awning combo.
Have never been to that part of the world before so looking for any recommendations on sites to stay that are east of Snowdon itself and quiet/sheltered.
Kids are 8 and 14. Neither are particularly into ‘hiking’ but will happily plod along if the scenery is good (hence the trip to the area) Expect a full climb up Snowdon itself is out of the question, are there any easier climbs that are still beautiful or can you do an ‘easier’ climb up Snowdon itself.
Anything other than the obvious walking/hiking/climbing to do in the area on a colder Easter camping trip? Where else is nice to visit please if anyone has any suggestions?
Ta, Si.
Have never been to that part of the world before so looking for any recommendations on sites to stay that are east of Snowdon itself and quiet/sheltered.
Kids are 8 and 14. Neither are particularly into ‘hiking’ but will happily plod along if the scenery is good (hence the trip to the area) Expect a full climb up Snowdon itself is out of the question, are there any easier climbs that are still beautiful or can you do an ‘easier’ climb up Snowdon itself.
Anything other than the obvious walking/hiking/climbing to do in the area on a colder Easter camping trip? Where else is nice to visit please if anyone has any suggestions?
Ta, Si.
Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon is not that difficult, and so ideal for kids of that age. Whatever you do, choose the best weather day and get up EARLY as the crowds are crazy busy.
How's your navigation and kit for a hill day? There are some great walks around, but a few of the hill days need a bit of navigation, plus of course some kit.
How's your navigation and kit for a hill day? There are some great walks around, but a few of the hill days need a bit of navigation, plus of course some kit.
We based ourselves in Llanberis when we went to Eryri a few years ago. The Llanberis trail up Yr Wyddfa is long but is supposed to be the least taxing but do make sure to dress for the weather if you do it.
There is also the lake at Llanberis plus a castle and the steam railway around the lake as well as the railway up Yr Wyddfa as mentioned. I think the National Slate Mine is temporarily closed for refurbishment until next year which is a shame as it was free to enter and quite interesting.
We stayed at the Llanberis Touring Park when we stayed but there is also this place too if they don't take tents
https://www.campinginllanberis.com/
There is also the lake at Llanberis plus a castle and the steam railway around the lake as well as the railway up Yr Wyddfa as mentioned. I think the National Slate Mine is temporarily closed for refurbishment until next year which is a shame as it was free to enter and quite interesting.
We stayed at the Llanberis Touring Park when we stayed but there is also this place too if they don't take tents
https://www.campinginllanberis.com/
TwinKam said:
We were in the area last summer (not camping), can thoroughly recommend Zip World, not cheap but worth it, and the steam train up Snowdon is great, experience at the summit ruined by the crowds though. If you're thinking of taking the train, book it now!
Yeah theres not alot of space at the top of the mountain. The train station,cafe,gift shop take up at least half of the useable space
There's a couple of sites on the A5 in the Ogwen Valley. Great location, but can't vouch for the quality!
https://gwerngofisaf.co.uk/360/
Snowdon: Train needs to be booked well in advance, return tickets only. You can't walk up and expect to get the train back down.
Llanberis path is easy but long. Pyg track is shorter but has a few steeper sections. Both will be busy. Car parking at the Pen-y-pass needs to be pre- booked - you're probably better off taking the shuttle bus from Llanberis.
Plenty of other places to go for shorter walks - Llyn Ogwen's always worth a visit. Also Conwy Falls from the cafe. Crimpiau from Capel Curig is one of my favourites.
Wherever you're walking, don't expect waymarked routes: Check the weather forecast, carry enough water/snacks and have a proper map.
https://gwerngofisaf.co.uk/360/
Snowdon: Train needs to be booked well in advance, return tickets only. You can't walk up and expect to get the train back down.
Llanberis path is easy but long. Pyg track is shorter but has a few steeper sections. Both will be busy. Car parking at the Pen-y-pass needs to be pre- booked - you're probably better off taking the shuttle bus from Llanberis.
Plenty of other places to go for shorter walks - Llyn Ogwen's always worth a visit. Also Conwy Falls from the cafe. Crimpiau from Capel Curig is one of my favourites.
Wherever you're walking, don't expect waymarked routes: Check the weather forecast, carry enough water/snacks and have a proper map.
I walked up the tourist path along the railway at 5 1/2 - so it’s definitely doable for all ages of the weather ok. Having said that, I’ve also started up in lovely sunshine and ended up sketchy AF up the top in fog and sheet ice so always be prepared!
Pit Pony said:
An 8 year old should be able to do Snowdon..
I went up at 7.
I'd avoid Crib Goch though.
I went up at 7.
I'd avoid Crib Goch though.
I walked up the tourist path along the railway at 5 1/2 - so it’s definitely doable for all ages of the weather ok. Having said that, I’ve also started up in lovely sunshine and ended up sketchy AF up the top in fog and sheet ice so always be prepared!
Pit Pony said:
An 8 year old should be able to do Snowdon..
I went up at 7.
I'd avoid Crib Goch though.
I went up at 7.
I'd avoid Crib Goch though.
I live in North Wales and this campsite has always had good reviews:
https://www.beddgelertcampsite.co.uk/
Tucked in a wood, Welsh Highland Steam Railway running alongside it, very close to Snowdon. Good base for exploring the area I would say. Half an hour to Betws Y Coed, Porthmadog and Portmeirion are about 20 minutes or so away.
https://www.beddgelertcampsite.co.uk/
Tucked in a wood, Welsh Highland Steam Railway running alongside it, very close to Snowdon. Good base for exploring the area I would say. Half an hour to Betws Y Coed, Porthmadog and Portmeirion are about 20 minutes or so away.
Brilliant, thank you very much everyone, that's certainly filled plenty of gaps in 
Looking forward to it and I'm sure I will enjoy it thoroughly, will wait and see how the kids fair! We have done some relatively lengthy hikes and have decent boots/gear so I'm sure they'll cope just fine.
Will take appropriate equipment/maps/supplies too!
Looking forward to it and I'm sure I will enjoy it thoroughly, will wait and see how the kids fair! We have done some relatively lengthy hikes and have decent boots/gear so I'm sure they'll cope just fine.
Will take appropriate equipment/maps/supplies too!
cts1975 said:
Wonderful spot, that. We've stayed in the NT cottage at Dyffryn Mymbyr a coule of times, which is just the other side of the road.robinh73 said:
I live in North Wales and this campsite has always had good reviews:
https://www.beddgelertcampsite.co.uk/
Tucked in a wood, Welsh Highland Steam Railway running alongside it, very close to Snowdon. Good base for exploring the area I would say. Half an hour to Betws Y Coed, Porthmadog and Portmeirion are about 20 minutes or so away.
We’ve stayed here three times now, it’s perfectly placed and has all the facilities while being properly in nature. All the camping showers etc were refurbished/new last year.https://www.beddgelertcampsite.co.uk/
Tucked in a wood, Welsh Highland Steam Railway running alongside it, very close to Snowdon. Good base for exploring the area I would say. Half an hour to Betws Y Coed, Porthmadog and Portmeirion are about 20 minutes or so away.
We’d book here again any time
Edit: not done any zip world stuff but the mines at sygun and great Orme are good visits. The heritage railway from Porthmadog to Caernarfon is a good day out too, we’d not recommend the route to Blaenau Ffestiniog as there isn’t much to do when you get there.
Edited by andburg on Monday 7th April 20:39
Edited by andburg on Tuesday 8th April 11:26
silentbrown said:
There's a couple of sites on the A5 in the Ogwen Valley. Great location, but can't vouch for the quality!
https://gwerngofisaf.co.uk/360/
A few years since I was there, but that's a good site. Rural and scenic plus you can walk into Betws for supplies etc.https://gwerngofisaf.co.uk/360/
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