Snowdon - accommodation recommendations

[stevesuk]

Hi guys,

In June, we're thinking of taking a short holiday to Snowdonia, primarily to go to the top on Snowdon.

We'll be driving up from the south (Dorset), and I'm looking for accommodation recommendations. Need something for 2 adults, and 1 child - probably for two nights. Don't want to spend a fortune, but also don't want to end up in something too basic (in the UK, we usually pick something like a Premier Inn, so we know what to expect, but there doesn't seem to be anything nearby to the south).

Any other general tips on climbing Snowdon also appreciated!

Thanks,

Steve

[towser44]

stevesuk said:

Hi guys,

In June, we're thinking of taking a short holiday to Snowdonia, primarily to go to the top on Snowdon.

We'll be driving up from the south (Dorset), and I'm looking for accommodation recommendations. Need something for 2 adults, and 1 child - probably for two nights. Don't want to spend a fortune, but also don't want to end up in something too basic (in the UK, we usually pick something like a Premier Inn, so we know what to expect, but there doesn't seem to be anything nearby to the south).

Any other general tips on climbing Snowdon also appreciated!

Thanks,

Steve

Premier Inn Caernarfon is very close to most of the walking routes up to Snowdon. It's less than 10 miles to Llanberis where the easiest of the routes to the summit starts (the Llanberis path).

[torqueofthedevil]

Bryan Dinas glamping is brilliant and very near snowdon

[mikebradford]

AFON VIEW GUEST HOUSE
BETWS-Y-COED
Great little b&b in a very pretty little village. Lots of facilities in the village and close to most of the walks.

Snowdon has lots of routes up it
Plenty of young kids on the longer but easier walk.
Also possible to take the train up part way, but don't. Better to walk as that's what it's about.

Take a rain Mac even if the weather's nice as nearer the summit the weather is likely to change.

Edited by mikebradford on Sunday 10th April 21:46

[stevesuk]

Thanks for the recommendations and tips - will check out the suggestions

[pidsy]

Stayed at The Royal Victoria in Llanberris a couple of years ago. They were just starting a major refurbishment and the work they’d done was very nice.
Just make sure you enquire about a room in the original part of the hotel - not the later extension.
Huge gardens, a castle in the grounds and a nice little bar as well as a restaurant.

[popeyewhite]

pidsy said:

Stayed at The Royal Victoria in Llanberris a couple of years ago.

There and here: Saracen's Head, Beddgelert
https://www.saracens-head.co.uk/

To my mind location is key to walking up Snowdon, leave your car at the hotel and begin your hike straight from the doors of your lodgings. Royal Victoria for Llanberis path, Saracen's Head for Watkin path (more challenging) Also Beddgelert is lovely. Llanberis a bit...grim, in a Welsh way.There are buses to get you to the start of the other hikes.

[stevesuk]

Thanks all.

A bit of Googling suggests that the Llanberis Path is the easiest route up - and the Royal Victoria looks like its also more or less opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway station, in case my 11 year old's legs aren't up to the challenge

No mention of parking on the hotel website - but I assume they'll have someone (free) for guests to park?

[pidsy]

stevesuk said:

Thanks all.

A bit of Googling suggests that the Llanberis Path is the easiest route up - and the Royal Victoria looks like its also more or less opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway station, in case my 11 year old's legs aren't up to the challenge

No mention of parking on the hotel website - but I assume they'll have someone (free) for guests to park?

There’s loads of parking - it’s a big place. It’s literally opposite the railway station.

[GreatGranny]

Llanberis Path should be ok for your 11 year old but take plenty of liquid and food.
Also as above warm gear, it can be cold on the top even if hot when you start.

The cafe/visitor centre at the top is closed until 2023.
Due to essential works there's no access to get supplies etc up there.

Also if it's busy you can be ages waiting to get a photo at the top

[768]

mikebradford said:

AFON VIEW GUEST HOUSE
BETWS-Y-COED
Great little b&b in a very pretty little village. Lots of facilities in the village and close to most of the walks.

Snowdon has lots of routes up it
Plenty of young kids on the longer but easier walk.
Also possible to take the train up part way, but don't. Better to walk as that's what it's about.

Take a rain Mac even if the weather's nice as nearer the summit the weather is likely to change.

I think I stayed in that B&B about 15 years ago, was certainly nice then.

Start early and don't do what my wife did and freeze the water bottles. Even on a hot day they were still frozen at the top.

[torqueofthedevil]

stevesuk said:

Thanks all.

A bit of Googling suggests that the Llanberis Path is the easiest route up - and the Royal Victoria looks like its also more or less opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway station, in case my 11 year old's legs aren't up to the challenge

No mention of parking on the hotel website - but I assume they'll have someone (free) for guests to park?

The Llanberis is a really boring route up and is actually quite difficult as it’s so long and monotonous - I think it would put kids off walking. The Pyg Track is much more interesting and is not difficult. Did it with a 6yr old and 9yr old and toy poodle - no problem!

Beddgelert is a great spot.

[WelshRich]

torqueofthedevil said:

The Llanberis is a really boring route up and is actually quite difficult as it’s so long and monotonous - I think it would put kids off walking. The Pyg Track is much more interesting and is not difficult. Did it with a 6yr old and 9yr old and toy poodle - no problem!

Beddgelert is a great spot.

This… Plus, starting from Pen Y Pass means you’re about a third of the way up already whereas Llanberis isn’t much above sea level.

[towser44]

stevesuk said:

Thanks all.

A bit of Googling suggests that the Llanberis Path is the easiest route up - and the Royal Victoria looks like its also more or less opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway station, in case my 11 year old's legs aren't up to the challenge

No mention of parking on the hotel website - but I assume they'll have someone (free) for guests to park?

Our 7 year old did the Llanberis up and down a couple of years ago no problem. It isn't the most inspiring of the paths up, but it's by no means rubbish, still a fantastic experience.

Snowdon is soooo popular though, that's the only off putting thing now. We much preferred the walk up Cadair Idris that we did a few weeks later.

[Rh14n]

And don't forget that the locals will appreciate you calling it Yr Wyddfa (pronounced Er Withva)

[WelshRich]

towser44 said:

Our 7 year old did the Llanberis up and down a couple of years ago no problem. It isn't the most inspiring of the paths up, but it's by no means rubbish, still a fantastic experience.

Snowdon is soooo popular though, that's the only off putting thing now. We much preferred the walk up Cadair Idris that we did a few weeks later.

As hinted by my username, I’m originally from North Wales and I grew up walking/climbing in Snowdonia. I appreciate the draw of Snowdon but if you want to give the kids a great day out, my recommendation would be Tryfan. Parking is much less hassle, it’s a properly “mountain” shaped mountain if that makes sense and the route up past Llyn Bochlwyd (Australia Lake) to Bwlch Tryfan then up to the summit from behind is a great first trip out. It was my first mountain aged six, the first route I introduced my wife to and also chosen for the first time I took my kids up the hills - I’m possibly somewhat biased!