Snowdonia

Eryri or the Snowdonia National Park has been a National park since 1951. It is the second largest National park in England and Wales, covering some 2,171 square kilometres (838 square miles) of north west Wales. Yr Wyddfa (the Tomb in Welsh), or Snowdon, from which the Park takes its (English) name. The welsh name Eryri is usually translated as ‘place of the eagles‘ but in fact it means quite simply Highlands, as leading Welsh scholar Sir Ifor Williams proved.

Diverse in its nature, the area has dramatic coastlines and mountains, all within easy reach of each other. You could be sailing in the morning and climbing in the afternoon.

Snowdon

SnowdonThe mountain, at 1085m (3560ft), is the highest peak in Britain south of the Scottish Highlands. It forms the centrepiece of a dramatic upland range of rocky summits – known as the ‘Horseshoe’ – plunging screes, razor-sharp ridges and mountain lakes, a magnet to outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of spectacular scenery. The peak gives its name to the 845-square-mile Snowdonia National Park. Beddgelert is one of the favourite bases from which to climb Snowdon and many of its surrounding peaks.

Aberglaslyn Pass

A mile or so to the south of the village of Beddgelert, the river Glaslyn forces a passage through the Aberglaslyn Pass. This rocky, wooded defile, flanked by sheer, 213m (700ft) cliffs is one of North Wales’ most famous beauty spots. The A498 and the Welsh Highland Railway line, currently under re-construction run alongside the river, taking full advantage of this break in the mountains.

Beddgelert Forest

This Forestry Commission woodland, 1 mile north of the village boasts an excellent range of amenities, including marked walks, picnic sites, a sprawling campsite and cycle trails.

Glaslyn Osprey Project

Just three miles out of the village is the Glaslyn Osprey Project, where you can see the only pair of breeding ospreys in Wales.

Llanberis Pass

Llanberis is almost due north of Beddgelert. The two are linked by spectacular mountain passes. From Llanberis the pass runs south-east, with a classic mountain road winding its way through the boulder-strewn slopes of Snowdon. Climbers can be seen testing their skills on the fearsome rock slabs (the training ground for the first successful, British, ascent of Everest) which line the pass. Pen-y-Pass, at the road’s summit, is the starting point for two popular walks to the top of Snowdon.

The area is incredibly rich in climbing and mountaineering history and has been home to climbs at the cutting edge of difficulty and strong pioneering climbers. This is something that few other areas can boast.

Nant Gwynant

Nant Gwynant Valley This beautiful valley slices through the mountains to the north-east of Beddgelert, its narrow floor largely filled by two idyllic lakes, Llyn Dinas and Llyn Gwynant, along with three campsites and Dinas Emrys, steeped in the Legends of King Arthur. As the A498 climbs the shoulder of the Nant Gwynant pass there are panoramic views of Snowdon Horseshoe and its neighbouring peaks.

Rhyd-Ddu

This pretty little village is located 3.5 miles north of Beddgelert on the A4085. It stands close to the picturesque lake of Llyn Cwellyn. A popular path to the summit of Snowdon starts in the village.
For further information on staying in the village please see the Beddgelert Tourism Association’s website, with comprehensive details of the hotels, self catering, bed and breakfast, camping, shops and much more.