Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) — Attraction in Trawsfynydd

2019: Quite nice all of round, thoroughly recommend the coffee and walnut cake at Mallory's cafe!

August 2025 update Snowdonia (Eryri for the Welsh among us) wowee. Any words I could find to attempt to sum up the majesty and wonder of this hallowed place would never suffice. Therefore i turn gratefully to my learned friends at Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) for some of their esteemed input on this delicate matter.

Background: The Environment Act 1995 defines the role of national parks in England and Wales as being:

•To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park, and •To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Parks by the public.

With these goals ever present in my mind, I set out to explore the managed wildnerness that is Snowdonia. Snowdonia was one of the four initial National Parks established in 1951. At 2,142 km² it is also the 4th largest in the UK. As I was only spending a long weekend in the area there was no way i could explore it all. Arguably no one is likely to have explored every nook, cranny, highway or byway the park has to offer, but I'm sure many have spent a lifetime trying.

My experience of it was alright, the people I went with were all a bit dull and quite annoying at times but I made the best of a difficult situation. One of them particularly reminded me of a wristless sloth but I shan't name names or be drawn into mudslinging over this, that would be lowering myself to their level and as a proud level 7 local guide I know that's not what Google would want or expect from me. Just know that my review would have been higher quality without their unfortunate and incessant input, plus a new Google Pixel 9pro or even 9a (I'm not fussy) would have helped me take better pictures for this review and all the others I'm pumping out atm. It was also a bit overcast which dampened my mood somewhat but I did my best to get over this in challenging circumstances.

Go there if you like, probs worth a trip but I prefer the North York Moors or Lakes, plus the Peaks are easier to get to and closer to better cities idk what else...

We climbed the Llamberis path this time last year, first time climbing any mountain.

We parked at the Llamberis mountain train station car park £1 per hour! We did 8 hours, but this August going to do the parking for 12 hours, machine only took coins so make sure you have plenty of pound coins, just so we can explore a little more at the top, and touch the summit as queues were about an hour long last time! So never bothered as conscious of the time with parking!

If you do park there, be mindful of the 15-20 min steep yes steep hike up a concrete road to get you to the start gate! The mountain is some what easier to climb than the road to get you to it.

The mountain, all I can say is WOW, the views and sense of achievement at every stage. It was breathtaking.

I have asthma, so I was concerned to if I'd be ok, but I must admit my breathing never bothered me. Must have been all that clean air I was breathing in.

Don't get me wrong, it's not easy by any means, but when you do find that somewhat flatish ground, it's nice, oh, and plenty of little breaks they help. Just a quick drink, or you'll never get to the top.

People of all ages, shapes & sizes and physical conditions were all climbing, so no excuses 😊 even little to big dogs, were eager to get up to the top.

There are plenty of places to sit to stop for a snack to top your energy back up.

Also, this time around, the cafe at the top is now open. Oh, and half way their is a little snack hut, so when you reach there, you know you're roughly halfway to the top. (Keep going, promise you it's worth it)

We are re going again this month. And using walking poles this time, everyone had them said they really help, I will update on how i...

One of the main highlights of the park is Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales. Hiking up Snowdon was a memorable experience, and there are several trails to choose from, each offering a unique perspective on the mountain. Reaching the summit was incredibly rewarding, as it provided panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Beyond Snowdon, the park offers a vast network of hiking and walking trails suitable for all skill levels. Whether tackling the challenging Glyders or enjoying a leisurely stroll along one of the park's lower-level paths, we found each trail to be a delight. The trails often lead to picturesque lakes, such as Llyn Padarn, Llyn Ogwen, and Llyn Crafnant.

Snowdonia is also home to stunning waterfalls, such as Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls. These serene spots were perfect for a peaceful walk or to take in the calming sounds of cascading water. The park's diverse terrain provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, and water sports.

As someone who loves history, I was drawn to the park's historic sites, including Dolwyddelan Castle and other ancient structures.

One of our favorite aspects of our road trip was the scenic drives through the park. The Llanberis Pass and the A470 offered stunning views of the mountains and valleys, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

The charming villages scattered throughout the park added to the overall experience. Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert, in particular, stood out for their cozy accommodations, local shops, and delightful eateries serving traditional Welsh cuisine. These villages were perfect for a relaxing break after a day...