Top things to see and do in and around Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park and it’s surrounding areas offer a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. I enjoyed spending a week cruising around the heart of the national park in July. I choose it as my first destination to visit and break myself into living and working in the van full time.

Growing up in the Midlands, I often came to North Wales as a child. However, I didn’t start visiting Snowdonia until I was an adult and had discovered my passion for hiking. I first climbed Mt Snowdon in 2012 with my geologist friend from Cardiff. This steadfast outdoors Welshman took a chance on dragging me up the moutain in nothing more than a pair of trainers and a pair of jeans armed with a bag of haribo. My outlook on the outdoors was very different back then, my active wear was no more than a pair of trackies and a snickers bar for extra protein. I was very much inexperienced with mountaineering and looking back quite comically under experienced. In the following years I have developed a passion for hiking, wild swimming, and moutain biking through the great outdoors and hopefully learnt how to dress myself a little better now.

Therefore as an acumination of my experience of this region, if you would like to explore landscapes of rolling mountains, dramatic coastlines, forests that elves would envy to tread trough and crystal clear soft water lakes, go ahead and make a note of these places to visit on your journey.

1. Climb Mount Snowdon: Scaling the highest peak in Wales is a must-do activity for many visitors. Choose from several routes, including the Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miner’s Track, or more challenging options like the Snowdon Horseshoe. The views from the summit are simply spectacular.

1. Ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway: If you prefer a more leisurely ascent of Mount Snowdon, hop on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. This historic narrow-gauge steam train takes you to the summit, allowing you to admire the scenery without the physical exertion.

A taste of the Amalfi with the multi coloured homes of Portmeirion

Visit Portmeirion: Explore the whimsical Italian-style village of Portmeirion, located on the coast of Snowdonia. The village is known for its colorful buildings, beautiful gardens, and unique architecture. It’s a fantastic place to wander and discover hidden corners.

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Kayack at Llyn Padarn, with toilets multiple car park and the Lone Tree Cafe nearby the lakeside has lots of amities. You can take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Llyn Padarn. There is a footpath that follows the lake, providing an opportunity to take in the serene atmosphere and enjoy the natural beauty of the area and the local forest and panoramic views of the mountains. Try kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on the lake. There are rental facilities available in Llanberis where you can hire equipment.

Step back in time at Conwy Castle: Just outside Snowdonia National Park, the medieval Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece. Explore its impressive walls, towers, and interior to get a glimpse into Wales’ rich history.

Get your adrenaline fix at Zip World: Thrill-seekers should head to Zip World, an adventure park offering exhilarating experiences. Try the fastest zip line in the world at Zip World Velocity, soar through the forests on Zip World Fforest Coaster, or challenge yourself with the treetop nets and mazes at Zip World Nets Adventure.

Take a tea break in Betws-y-Coed: Known as the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed is a charming village nestled in the heart of the national park. Visit Swallow Falls, explore the enchanting Fairy Glen, and take in the picturesque surroundings. The village also offers quaint shops, cafes, and the interesting Conwy Valley Railway Museum.

Beach Hop around Anglesey: A picturesque island just off the coast of North Wales, Anglesey offers stunning landscapes and historic sites. Visit the magnificent Beaumaris Castle, explore the beautiful beaches, and enjoy activities like hiking, birdwatching, and watersports. Don’t miss the enchanting South Stack Lighthouse and the historic village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (Llanfair PG for short).

Bala and Llyn Tegid: The market town of Bala is a gateway to Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), the largest natural lake in Wales. Enjoy water activities such as sailing, canoeing, and fishing on the lake. Bala also offers scenic walks, historic sites, and the Bala Lake Railway

Paddleboard over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: Visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a remarkable feat of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat trip along the Llangollen Canal, crossing the aqueduct for stunning views over the Dee Valley.

Places to stay, camp and wild camp.

There are numerous fantastic campsites in North Wales. I choose to wild camp and to use Park for the Night App and my knowledge of the area. In the past I have stayed at lots of campsites in North Wales here are my favourite ten top campsites in the region for location and scenery.

1. Tyddyn Isaf Camping and Caravan Park (Dulas): This family-friendly campsite near Anglesey offers stunning sea views, spacious pitches, modern facilities, and a convenient location close to sandy beaches.
2. Beddgelert Campsite (Beddgelert): Nestled in Snowdonia National Park, this campsite provides a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by mountains and forests. It offers well-maintained facilities and is an ideal base for exploring the park.
3. Shell Island (Llanbedr): Known as one of the largest campsites in Europe, Shell Island is located on a stunning peninsula with golden beaches. It offers various pitch options, on-site amenities, and beautiful views of the Cardigan Bay.
4. Rynys Farm Camping Site (Betws-y-Coed): Situated in a tranquil countryside setting near Betws-y-Coed, Rynys Farm offers a relaxed camping experience with spacious pitches, excellent facilities, and access to scenic walks and hiking trails.
5. Tyn Cornel Camping (Bala): This campsite, located on the banks of the River Tryweryn, is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It provides riverside pitches, opportunities for water activities such as kayaking and rafting, and access to the surrounding Snowdonia landscapes.
6. Llyn Gwynant Campsite (Nant Gwynant): Positioned beside a picturesque lake in Snowdonia, Llyn Gwynant offers a tranquil camping experience. It features stunning mountain views, easy access to hiking trails, and basic facilities that blend with the natural surroundings.
7. Dinarth Hall Camping and Caravan Site (Rhos-on-Sea): Situated on the North Wales coast, Dinarth Hall offers a peaceful camping experience with sea views and direct access to a sandy beach. It provides modern facilities and is within reach of popular attractions in the area.
8. Hendre Mynach Touring Caravan & Camping Park (Barmouth): Located near the seaside town of Barmouth, this campsite offers scenic views of Cardigan Bay, well-maintained pitches, and easy access to the beach and coastal walks.
9. Cae Du Campsite (Tywyn): Set on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Cae Du Campsite offers a peaceful setting with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Cardigan Bay. It provides basic facilities and is ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat.
10. Graig Wen (Dolgellau): Situated on the Mawddach Estuary, Graig Wen is an eco-friendly campsite offering stunning views, spacious pitches, and access to nature trails. It is a great choice for nature lovers and is within reach of popular attractions in Snowdonia.

Before planning your camping trip, be sure to check availability, facilities, and any specific regulations or booking requirements for each campsite.

Travelling Solo

Life as a female and adventuring solo in a van is not all skinny dips in waterfalls and booty shots on mountain tops. The reality is a lot grittier, I am always thinking about my safety and striking a balance between documenting my adventures with actually experiencing it. This blog focuses on three areas the balance of reality of expectations vs vanlife and real life responsibilities, travelling smart and safely, and the loneliness of travelling solo.

a balance of reality

Over the past 5 years since I put myself on a plane to Asia and Japan on my own. I have been all over the world from New Zealand to Norway sometimes with friends, sometimes with a partner or on my own. I love travelling solo and really enjoy the challenges it can come with being independent, but I do struggle at times too. I personally find blogging whilst adventuring solo stressful. It can be exhausting being chief driver, navigator, photographer, mechanic, chef, adventurer and document it all in real time. Therefore I have stopped doing that and now just blog it all after and have it as something nice to remember and reflect upon. The reality is it is more important to focus on yourself make sure you get enough rest and not worry about your next post, where has 3g signal, or that your insights are dropping. Instead over years of experience I now give myself the opportunity to meet people and share experiences and stories, whilst fulfilling realistic expectation of paying my bills, doing the food shop and working all at the same time. Balancing the vanlife expectation of wake up with an amazing view, an areo press coffee and surrounded by beautiful tanned people. That is definitely the expectation, however the reality is that sometimes you also wake up at the back of Aldi car park and are just waiting to get your fresh pastry at 10 am when it’s open.

Good old outside shower in a car park!

Prioritising the next insta banger doesn’t leave much time to speak to your family and friends, make new ones and enjoy those moments, because keeping mentally healthy and recharging your body is essential. I try not to prioritise those bangers, I know I was there and that what matters to me so I don’t need to take picture of everything. If I don’t want to spend ten minutes setting up a selfie photo on my DSLR that is cool, but sometimes I would rather call my nan and talk to her sharing the view then I would rather do that it is all about balance.

Fixing a leaky roof in the highlands with some pipe seal tape, well worth an investment it’s even better than gaffa tape!

Some days I shower out the back of a van and poop in a portable loo it’s not all glamours all the time, but it all allows me greater access to wake up and live in the wild. To spend time enjoying the most resplendent views and activities outside. I love to hike, sup, surf, swim, climb and enjoy outdoor activities and by travelling in the van I get to do it in some of the most incredible places across the world. When the roof starts leaking or there is a breakdown I remember in those stressful moments that I am still grateful as I get to be inspired by the best of the nature. I am grateful to anyone and everyone who enabled me to be this ever bolder and braver version of myself.

I asked the vanlife community as well as women and men I know who travel solo their opinions and experiences on travelling around the world on their own.

Being safe

I want to open up the discussion about the importance of feeling safe when travelling on your own. What sparked this article was that I had someone ask me today are you hiking alone recently? It made me instantly feel unsafe, we had exchanged no dialogue to be passing someone on a trail and asked a question like that out the blue when I was not in distress, it spooked me. I felt cautious to disclose any information. I don’t think that was their intention, but it made me think none the less. I used to travel in a van with my ex but on now on my own at times I am more cautious. So what are the things I do to feel safe when out and about camping? Here are some of my travel safety tips when I am sleeping in the van.

1. I don’t post in real time and don’t broadcast my live locations. I share them after I’ve moved on📍

2. I always share where I am going and ish how long ill be there with a family member or friends, even if its for a few days with no signal.

3. I have a dead bolt on the van doors and i don’t sleep with the windows down.

4. I keep the keys and my phone in bed with me, incase I need to make a swift midnight getaway.

5. If I have a GPS tracker on my phone which I turn on at all times.

6. I use park for the night to find my night stops and read the reviews, to know more about a sleeping spot before I arrive.

7. I don’t tend to tell people I am travelling alone when I met them.

When I posted the question what do you do to feel on my instagram other people also shared some great tips and ideas.

tonysvan

Great trips. Just started my van journey. I made the error of posting real time without thinking. I definitely won’t be doing that again. 🙌 I think making sure I can access my drivers seat from my van will be something I’ll prepare for at night. For that swift exit! 🤘👍

ken.graham.aka_madman

Stay in touch wherever you go , you are never alone with a phone 

vanmonkeys

Such an important post! Great tips all round. Our friend jojo was a solo van traveller through necessity. She told us some great tips – dog bowl outside the van to give the impression a dog is inside and a pair of mens workboots on the passenger seat. Little things like that definitely help!

annie_in_the_great_outdoors

I am constantly looking for exit points and making mental notes of nearest towns etc. I feel better knowing that if I ever need to get away quickly I’ve already scouted potential escape routes.

overlandingsophia

I love all these tips 🙏 Not surprised that comment gave you the creeps! Who would ask that 😢 Safety on the road is something I think about a lot even with Ben, but it’s so much more to think about when you’re on your own. Not sharing live locations is a big one for us – once we’ve moved on then we’ll share on stories etc. Keeping the driver seat clear at night too, so we can get away quickly if we needed to. So many great ideas in this post, thank you for sharing xx 🤍

rathrjack

Always keep drivers seat clear so if anything happens, can jump in the front and drive off!

suziwill295

I solo wildcamp and never post anything in real time, I mix my journey up, people must think I took a strange route! 😂 I also let home know where I am or where I’m expected to be (timings more or less) and I have my little sidekick with me too 🐕

beachy_becks

Sometimes I don’t upload my stories in real time – I think I’ve watched too many horror movies 😂

Loneliness

tonysvanGreat trips. Just started my van journey. I made the error of posting real time without thinking. I definitely won’t be doing that again. 🙌 I think making sure I can access my drivers seat from my van will be something I’ll prepare for at night. For that swift exit! 🤘👍8 w1 likeReply

Making new friends with Charlotte and Peter from Ireland in 2018 on the Tongariro Alpine Trail I spent 10 miles with them chatting away and shared a campsite and some beers that night.

Views from the top of the volcano taken by Charlotte New Zealand

I always get asked do I feel lonely when travelling around on my own. The answer is no, not really. I have a phone and keep in daily contact with friends and family. I also meet lots of people travelling, hiking and from the vanlife community so I have friends everywhere all over the world. I deliberately plan trips to incorporate some time to see friends or have the opportunity to make new ones. When hiking or visiting places with popular trails I always end up chatting and making friends with new people even if it is pleasant small talk.

Meeting Darcy in Singapore and exploring Sentosa Island

So there are very few days without some kind of interaction even in foreign countries. Most places I try to learn a few phrases and most folks have some pigeon English. Japan was the most isolated I have ever felt immersed in a foreign landscape, culture and a language but everyone was generally very friendly, I was often stopped hiking for a photo as you don’t get many blonde western women scaling the hills out there. So I was happy to stop for a photo and some heavily gestured chat.

Hiking Kurodake (Kuro) in Japan upto the summit and being stopped by people for a photo with the random white women

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In 2017 travelling to Japan and hiking up Mt Kurodake in the mist and snow. On a clear day this is the best view of Fuji however the weather gods said NO that day.

But I did climb another mountain the next day and got this view! NAILED it at last.

This brings me to my next point I feel I have more random adventures on my own. I think it is because I want to interact more, or I feel braver I open myself up to more opportunities on my own and then end up having a fun time.

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Sometimes I try to make little videos for myself of what I am doing when I get a minute I never post them, but it is like a personal diary for me to remember where I am and what I did as I always forget to write in a diary.

I have had some really random times from meeting people in a car park and joining with their jam in the middle of a car park at the Falls of Bruer in Scotland last year.

Meeting these beautiful Scottish musicians in a car park having a friendly chat and a jam, so i offered them my eclectic to plug in their keyboard and my stool and then I sat and jammed with them.

To getting let in to a mansion to use the bathroom after falling off my bike outside their house in Norway. Or stumbling across a full acid rave in the woods and having the French dancers tap on my window asking me if I would like a beer and joining them.

Being invited for a traditional tea ceremony as a guest in Asia

I have made some truly awesome and lifelong friends, who just happened to be in the same place and time as me with the same mindset and it is hard to feel lonely when you fill your life with folks like that. A big shout out to facebook to instagram and facebook as platforms where I could meet alot of these friends and share our love for the outdoors.

Van friends @shedwithabed and @lisa.outdoors

Hiking and camping buddy @impalaontrail

wyeexplorermarkOn top of it all there Luci. Lovely.8 w1 likeReply

the_overweight_photographerI’ve got a bulkhead in my van, so there’s no quick escape. But also no windows so your pretty safe. That said, I usually rely on being a very large man for my saftey. Sorry to see the lengths so many female travellers have to go through, although I’m glad that they do.