Snowdonia 3-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in the Snowdonia National Park to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer David Atkinson.
Website >
Overview >Bucket list experience:
Climb Mount Snowdon [rock-climbing]
Last updated: 25 November, 2022
At 3,560ft (1,085m) above sea-level, Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in England and Wales, rising out of idyllic Welsh countryside. A good full day’s hiking will climb you a mountain; better still, you reap views from the summit, earn a glowing sense of achievement, and can still be home in time for tea.
If you want the splendid views without the effort, the narrow-gauge Snowdon Mountain Railway offers a one-hour scenic ascent direct to the summit.
Whether you walk or take the train, you can refuel and enjoy the view at the Hafod Eryri cafe and visitor centre at the summit, named the UK’s ‘highest watering hole’.
While you're there
If you’ve ever fancied trying rock climbing, this is a great place to do it. These excellent full-day courses will pick you up from Llanberis and take you out to suitable locaitons to experience a variety of different challenges. All equipment and training is provided.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-7 hours
Getting there & doing it
It’s a 5-hour drive from London or go to Bangor station and get a bus into the national park to pick up the trailheads.
There are seven routes to choose from: Pig Track (3.5 miles, moderate+, 3-4 hours), Miners’ Track (4 miles, moderate+, 3-4 hours), Watkin Path (4 miles, moderate/hard, 4-4 hours), Rhydd Ddu Track (4 miles, moderate+, 3-4 hours), Llanberis Path (5 miles, moderate, 3-4 hours), Snowdon Horseshoe (8 miles, hard/severe, 5-7 hours) and Snowdon Ranger Path (4 miles, moderate+, 3-4 hours):
- The Llanberis Path – also known as the Tourist Path – is the easiest path, a 9-mile circuit, with the most gradual climb that follows the train track.
- The Watkin Path, the most beautiful and least-travelled path, was the first designated footpath in Britain opened by Prime Minister William Gladstone in 1892. It starts from Pont Bethania car park.
- The Miners’ Track is the most popular path. It has good flat sections to start and great views of the horseshoe. Starting from Pen-y-Pass car park, you’ll follow the route to the summit that was once used to transport copper.
The Snowdon Sherpa bus shuttles around the start of all the routes, meaning you can ascend by one and descend by another. See all the routes on the website.
If you prefer to go with someone, Snowdon Mountain Guide offer guided walks for groups of 1-6.
When to do it
The mountain is open for hiking all year round — weather permitting. The Snowdon Mountain Railway trains operate daily April to October, at regular intervals from 9am-5pm. Schedules on the website.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Snowdonia rock climbing Course
Birmingham
Enjoy a full day of bespoke Guided rock climbing instruction in the stunning mountains of Snowdonia National park. After a short morning mee...
£400 | Rating 5 / 5 [42 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Plas Weunydd
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[11.3 miles]
A boutique property with a real sense of history, it offers a stylish, central base to explore both the industrial heritage and the ever-expanding adrenaline activities of the region. It sits amid Wales’ latest UNESCO site.
Official star rating:
Plas Dinas Country House
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14 miles]
An elegant country house hotel, located between the mountains and the sea, Plas Dinas is underpinned by a timeless love story of a Royal princess. Expect genteel surrounds and elegant nostalgia from the new Judge’s Room to the Gunroom Restaurant.
Official star rating:
Olif Guesthouse
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[18.3 miles]
Homely, cosy and fuelled by local produce, Olif is a rare find in an area besieged by coach trippers come high summer. Adults only.
Official star rating:
Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[20.8 miles]
Stylish stays and sea salt treatments are de rigueur at this contemporary hotel, located within the grounds of Adventure Parc Snowdonia. Families and surf dues will feel equally at home with activities aplenty on the doorstep.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Snowdonia National Park
Wales, United Kingdom (UK)
Snowdonia’s national park is the rural heartland of North Wales — think mountains, glacial valleys, and sparkling waterfalls. But there’s also plenty here for families, history buffs and Sunday strollers.
Website >
Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
National Slate Museum
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[6.4 miles]
This industrial-heritage museum celebrates the international significance of Welsh slate in ‘roofing the 19th century world’. There are plenty of hands-on exhibitions for families and history buffs alike, plus regular talks and workshops.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free
Welsh Highland Railway
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[10.1 miles]
Rail buffs, wannabe train drivers and anyone who appreciates spectacular scenery will love this gloriously scenic route through the landscape of the Snowdonia National Park.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 2+ hours
![Zip World Penrhyn Quarry [Zip-lining]](https://familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/Snowdonia-National-Park-Zipworld-Penrhyn-Quarry12-DFS-Velocity2.jpg.jpg)
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry [Zip-lining]
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[11.1 miles]
Hard-core adrenaline lovers will make a beeline for this adventure-packed quarry site near Bangor. It’s home to the world’s fastest and longest zipline, with speeds of up to 100mph.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12 | 2+ hours
Ffestiniog Railway
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[12.2 miles]
The world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway offers the chance to travel deep into Wales’ most spectacular mountainscapes.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Zip World Llechwedd
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[11.5 miles]
History and high jinks combine for a family day out at this quarry site near Blaenau Ffestiniog. It’s home to adrenaline adventures like Titan 2 but also offers an insight into the mining heritage of the region.
Best for ages: 7+ | £25
Experience
GreenWood Forest Park
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14.8 miles]
GreenWood is one of North Wales’ favourite family attractions – and one of the greenest. The 17-acre site has the UK’s first solar-powered ride, the Solar Splash. Otters and native birdlife can be spotted on a walk through the woodland grounds.
Best for ages: 4+ | £17
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Caernarfon Castle
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[15.5 miles]
This imposing medieval fortress was originally built in the 11th century, then enhanced by King Edward I at the end of the 13th century. The scene of many a siege and sacking, and then increasingly unnecessary, it fell into disrepair so that only the shell walls remain today.
Best for ages: 4+ | £11
Website >
Overview >
Walk to Swallow Falls
Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[15.9 miles]
A 2-mile walk through the forest to this cascading falls is the most popular day-walk trail in the region, moderately strenuous but accessible by all.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1.5-2.5 hours