Britain's most mountainous national park
Snowdonia — Eryri in Welsh, meaning "place of eagles" — covers 823 square miles of mountain, moorland, ancient woodland and wild coastline, designated a national park in 1951. Capel Curig has been a base for mountaineers and walkers for over 200 years.
At its highest point stands Yr Wyddfa — Snowdon — at 1,085 metres the highest peak in England and Wales. But the mountain that dominates the skyline from Capel Curig is only the beginning. The park contains fifteen peaks over 3,000 feet and some of the finest mountain terrain in Britain.
The village sits where the Ogwen Valley and the Llugwy Valley converge — two of Snowdonia's most dramatic approaches — giving immediate access to the mountains in every direction. It is home to Plas y Brenin, the National Outdoor Centre, which has trained generations of British mountaineers.
And if you believe the legends — and in Snowdonia it's hard not to — King Arthur himself slew a giant on these slopes, and his sword Excalibur lies beneath the waters of Llyn Ogwen, a few minutes' drive down the road.
Whatever brought you here
Mountains, water, history, adventure — or simply the hot tub at the end of a long day. Snowdonia has more than enough to fill your days.
Within easy reach
Capel Curig is well placed. Here's what's on the doorstep and within a short drive.
Capel Curig
Caffi Siabod at the bottom of the lane. The Tyn y Coed pub 7 minutes on foot. Plas y Brenin — the National Outdoor Centre — a short walk away.
Ogwen Valley
Tryfan, Pen yr Ole Wen, Cwm Idwal and the Devil's Kitchen. Some of Snowdonia's finest peaks, with car parks at the foot of the routes.
ZipWorld Penrhyn
The world's fastest zip line at Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda. Velocity2 reaches speeds of 100mph over a former slate quarry. Not for the faint-hearted.
Betws-y-Coed
The Victorian mountain resort of Snowdonia. Restaurants, galleries, outdoor shops, and Swallow Falls — one of Wales's most visited natural landmarks.
ZipWorld Fforest
Tree-top adventures and the UK's only alpine coaster at Betws-y-Coed. A great option for families and those who want their thrills at a slightly lower altitude than the Penrhyn zip line.
Llanberis
Gateway to Snowdon via the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Also home to the National Slate Museum and Dolbadarn Castle.
Coed y Brenin
Britain's original purpose-built mountain bike trail centre, with over 70km of trails from green to black. Café and bike hire on site.
Beddgelert
One of North Wales's prettiest villages, set where three valleys meet. Visit the grave of Gelert — faithful hound of Prince Llywelyn — and judge for yourself.
Portmeirion
The extraordinary Italianate village built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis over 50 years. Gardens, architecture, estuary views and excellent food.
Conwy
Edward I's finest medieval walled town. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The smallest house in Britain is on the quayside.
Harlech
A magnificent castle on its rock above one of Wales's finest beaches. Dog-friendly sands stretching for miles, with the Rhinog mountains behind.
Criccieth
A charming seaside town on the Llŷn Peninsula with a castle, a beach, and — according to many — the best ice cream in Wales.
Worth the walk. Worth the drive.
From a coffee before the mountain to a proper meal after it.
Caffi Siabod
At the bottom of the lane. Good coffee, proper breakfasts, and the kind of lunch that sets you up for a day in the hills. A cottage institution.
The Tyn y Coed
One of the great Welsh mountain pubs. Good food, local ales, and a fire in winter. Seven minutes on foot — allow a little longer for the return.
Plas y Brenin
The National Outdoor Centre has a café and a good bar — and the view of the Snowdon Horseshoe from the bar is worth the walk on its own. Informal, welcoming, open to all.
The Ugly House (Tŷ Hyll)
A quirky 15th-century cottage café on the A5 into Betws-y-Coed. The Victoria sponge is, by some accounts, the best in Wales. Worth stopping for.
Hangin' Pizzeria
Betws-y-Coed's most talked-about restaurant. Outstanding pizzas, ape-themed décor (they support orangutan charities), and a genuinely fun atmosphere.
Olif
Welsh tapas in Betws-y-Coed. A short, considered menu with exceptional quality. One of those places that locals are quietly pleased visitors haven't discovered yet.
Pen y Gwryd Hotel
The 1953 Everest team trained here and their signatures are still on the dining room ceiling. Worth the drive for a drink in a place steeped in mountaineering history. Check opening times before you go.
Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
A working farm, artisan food shop, restaurant and cookery school in the Conwy Valley. Come for lunch, stay for the shop — Welsh cheese, charcuterie, local produce. A half-day destination in its own right.
Snowdonia in every season
The short answer: any time. The longer answer is below.
The hills empty out, the light turns low and golden, and the hot tub comes into its own. Snow on the peaks, frost on the valley floor, and not another soul on the ridge.
Waterfalls at full flow from the snowmelt, lambs in every field, and the mountains turning green almost overnight. One of the best times to be here.
The most popular season, and for good reason. Long evenings, warm river swimming, the Snowdon paths busy with walkers. Book early — it fills up fast.
The bracken turns gold and rust, mist hangs in the valleys in the mornings, and the summer crowds disappear. Many walkers say autumn gives the best conditions on the ridges.