Campsites in Snowdonia (Eryri)

Exploring Snowdonia National Park 

Snowdonia National Park boasts a range of natural features – mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, moorlands, forests, glacial valleys and a stunning coastline.

• Mount Snowdon – Standing proud at 1,085 metres, it is the highest mountain in Wales and climbed by over 600,000 people every year. There are several different trails you can take, making it suitable for every type of hiker, ranging from beginners, professionals and everyone in between!
• River Dee – An 81-mile-long river that flows through Snowdonia, Wales and Chester.
• Llyn Tegid – Translate as “The Lake of Serenity”, it is the largest and most popular natural lake in Wales.
• Aber Falls – A waterfall to marvel at, Aber Falls is an easily-accessible walk located at the northern foothills of the Carneddau.
• Gwydir Forest Park – Deep in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park sits this enchanting forest, with different trails catered for both walkers and cyclists.
• Ogwen Valley is a wild glacial valley located in Gwynedd surrounded by all of Snowdonia’s spectacular natural beauty.
• Snowdonia National Park – Snowdonia National Park is home to 200 miles of extraordinary coast, more than 35 beaches and the Wales Coast Path.

Walking is the most popular activity in the Snowdonia National Park. Keen hikers can take on Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and one of the biggest in the UK. While it’s no walk in the park, Snowdon is doable if you’re reasonably fit and used to walking long distance. Make sure you carefully select a walking route to match your capabilities before attempting the long trip up the mountain and back.

Some of the most popular walking trails up Snowdon include:

• The Llanberis Path
• The Snowdon Horseshoe
• The Miners’ Track
• The Watkin Path
• Snowdon Ranger Path

If you are looking for something more local, there are also several walks direct from our Bala Club Site, including the town walk and a 14-mile walk around the lake using hill footpaths (can be six or eight if you use the Bala Railway in part).

Family attractions

Mining was once a major industry in the area, nowadays these former slate quarries and gold and copper mines are popular visitor attractions. Several small railways run through the park and provide a great way to take in the scenery. Enjoy a nine-mile train ride around the lake onboard the Bala Lake Railway. The almost 14 mile Ffestiniog Railway from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog is another way to enjoy the National Park by rail. Snowdon Mountail Railway is an easy way of reaching the top of Mount Snowdon.

North of Bala Club Site, the Conwy Valley Railway Museum at Betws-y-Coed is a great family day out. Near here is also Conwy Castle, where you can step back in time by exploring the abundant history of Conwy.

Head south to the south west corner of the national park for the Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth - a seven acre site on a former slate quarry CAT is heralded as Europe's leading eco-centre.

West of Bala Club Site the 16,000 acre Coed Y Brenin Forest Park is home to world-class mountain biking trails, waterfalls, picnic sites and historical gold mines.

Visit Gwenffrwd-Dinas Nature Reserve, situated near the mouth of the River Dyfi, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. This nature reserve is a birdwatchers paradise, keep a sharp eye for a glimpse of red kites, pied flycatches, grey wagtails and more.