The Best Places to Stay When Climbing Snowdon

So, you’ve decided that you’re visiting Eryri (Snowdonia) to summit the tallest mountain in Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). You know which route you’re going to take, how you’re travelling and have marked the date in your diary. Just one thing remains – sorting out your accommodation.

With so many options available, picking out the right hotel, hostel, B&B or campsite can be tricky. To help you out, we’ve created an in-depth guide that explains why you should stay local and goes on to recommend more than 15 places to stay based on what you’re doing while in the region. From luxury hotels to basic bunkhouses, we’ve got every base covered.

Why stay local?

Every year, Yr Wyddfa attracts more than 600,000 visitors to Eryri (Snowdonia National Park). This has an enormous impact on local communities. On the one hand, it clogs the roads with traffic, results in dramatic increases in littering and causes significant damage to the natural environment. On the other hand, it creates jobs, brings money into the region and helps to sustain rural communities. It’s a delicate balance and you can help tilt the scales in a positive way.

The benefits are only realised if visitors choose to shop, eat and stay locally. It’s all too easy to arrive in Eryri, climb Yr Wyddfa and leave for home without spending a penny in a local shop or contributing to local communities in any way. For those people who live and work in the shadow of Yr Wyddfa, there has to be some sort of pay-off for the disruption the large numbers of tourists cause.

Striking the right balance is the responsibility of both Eryri residents who benefit from Yr Wyddfa’s natural beauty and those visitors who come to the area to experience it. Eryri locals and businesses must operate in a sustainable and environmentally ethical way and visitors must support those individuals and businesses doing so. A failure to strike this balance leads to a future that’s simply unsustainable.

Why sustainability matters

Sustainability matters because it aims to protect those environments and communities that make somewhere like Eryri so special. A recent report by the Snowdonia Society highlighted that Yr Wyddfa is suffering from significant footpath erosion and rampant littering caused by visitors who don’t understand and respect the environment they’re in (Guardian). This kind of damage doesn’t just look bad, it fundamentally alters the local ecosystem and our relationship with it.

For instance, littering has a big impact on local wildlife, causing harm to some species and changing the behaviour of others. As research shows, plastic pollution becomes ingrained in the soil, seabeds and mountainsides that constitute our planet (Natural History Museum) and will affect the natural environment for thousands of years to come.

In terms of local communities, sustainability matters because it allows them to grow and flourish, while also retaining what made them special in the first place. Eryri residents understand that Yr Wyddfa has benefitted their communities a great deal and recognise the need to protect it. But they can’t do so if their businesses lose out to large chain stores or visitors refuse to support them. To find and maintain the delicate balance between protecting the natural environment, supporting local communities and facilitating tourism in Eryri, we all need to be aware of the impact our actions have.

Where to stay when you visit Eryri

Having explained why it’s important to stay and shop local when visiting Eryri and Yr Wyddfa, it’s time to take a look at your accommodation options. To help you out, we’ve broken down our recommendations into distinct groups, making your research that little bit easier.

GREAT FOR: Early morning starts on Llanberis Path

A lot of visitors’ first experiences of Yr Wyddfa are the Llanberis Path. It’s considered one of the easier routes up the mountain, so there’s considerable demand for accommodation near the trailhead. As the path starts on the outskirts of the village, there are plenty of places to stay within Llanberis itself.

Plas Coch Guest House is a fantastic B&B, owned and run by Fiona and Rob who are both avid outdoor fans, It’s housed in a gorgeous Victorian building that dates back to the 1860s. A short distance from the village centre, it features eight ensuite rooms and a beautiful, wildlife-friendly garden for relaxing and unwinding at the end of a hard day of hiking. Alternatively, the Glyn Afon Guest House is located in the heart of the village, just a 500-metre walk to the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Cosy and comfortable, it makes for a great base from which to explore Eryri.

If you prefer staying in a hotel, The Royal Victoria Hotel might be the perfect option. With 104 en-suite bedrooms, it’s a considerable size and boasts the facilities to match. It also benefits from an excellent location between Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, right opposite the Llanberis Path trailhead And with the iconic Dolbadarn castle just behind. If smaller hotels are more your thing, the Padarn Hotel is cool and quirky accommodation with a sports bar twist. It features 18 bedrooms, has a reputation for great food in its 1085 Bistro and is just a five-minute walk from the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Finally, Gallt-y-Glyn is a Llanberis-based hostel that’s known for its friendly and laidback atmosphere. Located a little north of Llanberis, beside Llyn Padarn, it offers high-quality accommodation and does a roaring trade in some delicious pizzas. There are also regular live music, movie and games nights, so keep an eye out for what’s happening during your stay.

GREAT FOR: Departing from Pen-y-Pass

Pen-y-Pass is the departure point for the Pyg and Miners Tracks, as well as Crib Goch and the Snowdon Horseshoe. Anyone who has climbed Yr Wyddfa via these routes will have seen the accommodation we’re about to recommend and some may have even stayed there.

The Snowdon Pen-y-Pass YHA is a supremely popular choice amongst hikers looking to tackle Yr Wyddfa via one of the aforementioned routes or who simply want to spend a few days or weeks immersing themselves in the beauty of Eryri. You’ll often find climbers, ramblers and mountain enthusiasts staying here, as it offers instant access to Yr Wyddfa and its surrounding landscapes. Affordable, friendly and great for getting into nature quickly, the Pen-Y-Pass YHA is an excellent choice.

GREAT FOR: The Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu Paths

If you’re taking on Yr Wyddfa from the other side and are looking for accommodation that puts you within easy reach of the Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu Paths, you can’t go wrong with the Royal Goat Hotel. Located in the picturesque village of Beddgelert, this family-run hotel enjoys a fantastic location, features a brilliant pub and restaurant, and is highly regarded amongst those who’ve stayed there.

As well as climbing Yr Wyddfa, guests at the Royal Goat can check out Gelert’s Grave (the final resting place of Llewelyn the Great’s faithful hound), ride on the Welsh Highland Railway and hike to your heart’s content.

The Snowdon Ranger YHA is also a popular stopover for hikers, as it’s situated at the foot of the Snowdon Ranger Path. Boasting a beautiful, wooded location and a relaxed atmosphere, the hostel features both dorms and private rooms. If you’re hiking in a big group, you can even hire out the whole place!

Finally, the Cwellyn Arms in Rhyd Ddu certainly deserves a mention. A traditional, country inn, it’s dog-friendly, serves up some delicious grub and benefits from two roaring fires that are sure to warm you up after a cold-weather walk up Yr Wyddfa.

GREAT FOR: Making the most of Eryri

Just because you’re climbing Yr Wyddfa doesn’t mean you have to stay right beside it. Nor does the mountain’s prominence and fame mean it’s the only attraction in Eryri. In fact, there’s so much to see and do in the wider National Park that you may want to stay further afield just so you can sample everything that’s on offer.

If you’re looking to mix time in the mountains with a bit of a beach holiday, why not check out Tir y Coed Country House? A great B&B in a spectacular Edwardian country house, Tir y Coed is located just outside Rowen, a quaint village on the northern edge of the National Park. Just a 15-minute drive from the World Heritage town of Conwy and the coast, it’s also a great spot for road cyclists, mountain bikers and walkers.

Another option is the Bryn Tyrch Inn, a four-star hotel that’s located in Capel Curig, just a few minutes’ drive from Betws-y-Coed. As well as easy access to Yr Wyddfa (via car or bus), the hotel ensures guests are able to reach local mountain bike trails with minimal fuss. Zip World and Surf Snowdonia are also nearby.

Also situated in Capel Curig, The Rocks at Plas Curig is a luxury hostel that aims to be a home-away-from-home for curious adventurers. With its central location, it caters to visitors who want to climb Yr Wyddfa one day, fly through the air at Zip World the next, and wind up their holiday with a relaxing day on one of Llandudno’s brilliant beaches.

GREAT FOR: Public transport access

If you’re taking the eco-friendly approach and considering travelling by bus or train, you’ll probably want to stay somewhere with excellent transport links. We would recommend Betws-y-Coed, as not only is it easy to reach from other locations around the country, but it also benefits from being a bit of a transport hub for the local area. You can catch the Snowdon Sherpa up to Llanberis and Pen-y-Pass and there are plenty of public bus services to towns and villages throughout Eryri, too.

With this in mind, the Bod Gwynedd B&B is a fantastic option. Located on the edge of town, it’s been welcoming guests for more than 120 years and benefits from a tranquil location, while also being within easy reach of Betws-y-Coed’s bars, restaurants and shops. The town’s train station connects to destinations across the UK, including London and Manchester, via Llandudno Junction.

GREAT FOR: Groups

If you’re planning on climbing Yr Wyddfa as a group, you’ll probably want to find somewhere you can all stay together. While your options will be limited by how many of you there are, several places cater to larger group holidays.

Snowdonia Mountain Lodge boasts spectacular surroundings and offers fantastic walking straight out of the front door. It also specialises in group bookings and wellness retreats. Located midway between Bangor and Capel Curig, the Snowdonia Mountain Lodge is a great choice if you want to explore the North Wales coastline, too.

The Llys Ednowain Hostel is situated in the village of Trawsfynydd, to the south of Yr Wyddfa and close to the unusual coastal town of Portmeirion. The hostel sleeps 20 guests across three ensuite rooms and you can choose to hire a single room or the whole building. The Coed y Brenin mountain bike trail centre is close by and the quiet local roads make it a perfect choice for cyclists, too. The hostel is also popular amongst anglers, thanks to the wonderful fishing nearby.

GREAT FOR: Escaping it all

Many visitors to Eryri want to ensure they stay in a spot where there are pubs, restaurants and local amenities within easy reach. Others prefer things a little quieter. Fortunately, Eryri offers plenty of accommodation options for those who want to escape it all and keep things a little more wild.

Crashpad Lodges at Yr Helfa is of the most exciting and important new accommodation projects to have emerged in Eryri over the last few years. It’s completely off-grid, powered by renewables as much as possible and enjoys an unforgettable location 10 minutes from the Llanberis Path trailhead. If you want to escape it all, there’s probably nowhere better.

A traditional stone bunkhouse, Ben’s Bunkhouse is located between the Llanberis Path and Pyg Track trailheads and guarantees visitors breathtaking views and true peace and quiet. The hostel is positioned on the Snowdon Sherpa bus route and, even though it’s fairly secluded, is only a short walk from the local pub in Nant Peris. The hostel has space for 24 guests spread across four separate rooms.

Who doesn’t love a little camping? If pitching a tent and rolling out a sleeping bag is your idea of a good time, then you should probably check out The Snowdon Inn (Y Fricsan). With an unbeatable location beside Llyn Padarn and not too far from Llanberis, the campsite ensures you’re close to the Yr Wyddfa action. Affordable and easy to reach, The Snowdon Inn also features bunkhouse accommodation and is famed for its delicious pizzas.

GREAT FOR: A special Snowdonia stay

At the other end of the scale to those who enjoy a little camping, are those who desire absolute luxury. If you’re looking for a special Snowdonia experience, there are a few superb local hotels to consider.

Plas Dinas Country House is an elegant, five-star hotel that’s situated between the Menai Straits and Yr Wyddfa. The former home of Lord Snowdon, it has a long association with the Royal Family and an intriguing history. It also features a highly regarded restaurant, the Gunroom. Close to the coast but also within easy reach of Yr Wyddfa and Eryri’s awe-inspiring landscapes, it’s ideal if you’re looking to enjoy all the region has to offer.

Alternatively, the Ty’n Rhos Hotel is located just outside of the national park and roughly five miles from both Caernarfon and Bangor. Originally a farmstead, it’s been converted into five-star accommodation with a well-reviewed, modern restaurant and large gardens.

What next?

Hopefully, our guide to Eryri accommodation has helped you make a decision about where you’ll be staying. If you need more information on climbing Yr Wyddfa, we recommend checking out our Ultimate Guide to Yr Wyddfa. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the ways Climb Snowdon can help you plan, organise and execute the perfect Yr Wyddfa experience, just get in touch using our enquiry form or by phoning 01286 870870. We look forward to hearing from you.