The massive Snowdonia National Park, located in North Wales is known for its breath-taking views and unforgettable experiences that it offers to its visitors. From epic outdoor escapades like hiking, biking, fishing, camping to fun-filled adventures, there's plenty of things to do in Snowdonia National Park for all types of travelers. In short it is a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a quick guide to an awe-inspiring region of Wales that’s sure to fuel up your travel plans.
How To Get To Snowdonia National Park
By Air – Firstly take a flight (Swiss Air, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways or Emirates) to Birmingham International Airport.
By Train - From Birmingham Airport, take a train to Crewe which is approximately 108km which will take around 1 hour 30 minutes. There are trains between Birmingham & Crews every 30 minutes to an hour, twice a week.
By Road – There are two options by road, either take a bus or drive down. The travel time between Birmingham and Snowdonia is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. However a bus ride will take around 5 hours. There are buses leaving Birmingham Coach Station-Digbeth to Bangor daily. From here you can hire a cab to Snowdonia.
By Water - The Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate from Dublin to Holyhead 4 times a day. Once you are here, take a taxi to Snowdonia.
Getting Around The National Park
With excellent rail and road connectivity, Snowdonia National Park is rather easy to reach. There are three scenic railway services within the National park that offer great scenic rides through the mountains. Plan your transport well in advance as nearly ½ a million visitors come in every year to explore this destination.
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway – operates between Porthmadog harbor and the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Conwy Valley Railway – This train transports you from the north coast to the heart of the park.
Snowdon Mountain Railway – The most famous of the lot, this train takes you to the top of Wales's highest mountain, while enjoying the spectacular views throughout the magical ride.
Outdoor Activities At Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park has top rated hiking, cycling, mountaineering and camping options. Due to its many lakes, rivers, and coastline, water sporting activities and fishing are popular throughout the park. Read on to know the best of activities this place has to offer.
Best Hiking Trails
There are hiking trails to suit all types of hikers. From difficult to easier walking routes, Snowdonia National Park has it all. The main highlight here is the accessible walks designed exclusively for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Llanberis Path: The 9-mile-long trail is the most popular tourist hiking trail in Snowdonia Peak. This hike is best suited for intermediate to expert hikers.
Snowdon Ranger Path: It is an 8-mile round trip jaunt with uneven terrain suitable for intermediate hikers.
Pony Path: This 6-mile round trip hike up Cader Idris provides mind-blowing views of the town of Bala and Lake Llyn Tegid. As you go up, this hike can get steep in places. It is recommended for intermediate hikers.
Crimpiau Path: This is relatively a comfortable hike. Its 3.5-mile circular easy walking route passes through Mymbyr Valley, Ogwen Valley, and Lake Llyn Crafnant.
Waun-oer Ridge: This moderate 9-mile walk starts from the village of Dinas Mawddwy and takes you through the bare mountains of Maesglase, Craig Portas, Cribin Fawr, and Waun-oer, and then ends at the Maesglasau Valley.
Best Biking Routes
Rent a bike and get on to explore Snowdonia National Park, it’s the best way to explore the park. From long-distance routes to simpler scenic rides, this place has numerous cycling routes.
Ffordd Brailsford Way: This route which starts at Pen y Pass has two loops, one which is 50-miles long and the other which is 75-miles long.
Gwynedd Recreational Routes: This easy trail is best suited for families and leisure cyclists rather than diehard bikers. Be ready for some dirt and dust along this path as it is meander along an old railway bed.
Coed y Brenin Forest Park: This route is an intricate network of trails with markings of green, blue, and black, each color indicating the level of the ride.
Blaenau Ffestiniog: To experience this downhill mountain trail one needs to take the uphill lift at Antur Stiniog and then ride back down.
Tips While Visiting Snowdonia National Park
- Buy ‘Explore Wales Pass’ for unlimited access and also the North Wales Rover Tickets that allows for a day’s bus and train travel.
- Always check the Met Office's 24-hour online weather forecast service for details on the current ground conditions, visibility, wind speed/direction, and temperature in the park.
- Visit the information centers in Snowdonia National Park before heading out on a trek, a bike ride, or in your car for more details.
- Dress appropriately as per the weather conditions and wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes.
- Carrying food and water, take your litter back home, including food waste.
- Respect plants and wildlife by staying on established paths and not disturbing them.
- Follow all directions carefully and do not ignore any warning signs of danger.
- Don't obstruct paths or tamper with signboards. Be compassionate and considerate of other visitors too.
This magical destination is a must visit for travelers who want to experience some outstanding natural beauty through adventure. Hope this guide to the best of Snowdonia National Park will come handy to plan a perfect holiday.
