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Snowdon is Wales’ most popular outdoor playground—and Britain’s loftiest land south of Scotland’s Highlands. The start of the main trailhead, Llanberis also has a railway coiling up the peak. Snowdon is busy, but campers can hike slightly away from the peak to find fantastic, less-frequented mountain country. Several campsites are gathered near the main approaches to the summit.
Across Llanberis Pass from the Snowdon massif is a range of even more dramatic appearance. The Glyderau, and in particular the mountain chain’s eastern peaks of Glyder Fach and Tryfan, are studded with striking rock formations with standout hillwalking and climbing. Gain access from Llanberis via Nant Peris (Old Llanberis) and from Pen-y-Pass, five miles southeast of Llanberis. Campsites on the southeast side of Llyn Peris make good bases for exploring.
Such is Llanberis’ appeal that people visit year-round. It is, however, very cold and wet for camping outside of the March to October period. (It’s still possible to find plenty else to do even when clouds obscure the mountains.) Snowdon visits between November and April also invariably entail walking across snow and ice, which should only be attempted by those with experience. Snowdon is best climbed between May and September. Every day is busy, so set off early and avoid school holidays to beat the crowds.