Ranch campsites near Llanberis

Did we mention that Llanberis is near Wales’ highest mountain? The town is the classic mountain base camp for Snowdon—and ideal for those who want to take things slow and steady on their way up and down. The Llanberis Path is the easiest route up the mountain—but it isn't actually easy. You’ll still be making your way up to a height of 1,085 metres and covering nine miles, but, as that distance is the longest of any of the main routes, it means the ascent is slower and less severe. Even still, staying in Llanberis means you also have the option to sit back and take the easy way up on the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway.

The mountain railway is not the only one in the area—this is Wales after all—so for a scenic route along Llanberis’ Lake Padarn, jump aboard the Lake Railway. It’s not only a nice way to see some views and keep any kids with a train obsession happy, but it also showcases some of the Llanberis’ other attractions. It passes the 13th-century ruins of Dolbadarn Castle and makes a stop close to the National Slate Museum at the disused Dinorwig Quarry, which closed in 1969. Since 1984, the electricity industry has also hidden itself away underground here. An Electric Mountain visitor centre explains how hydroelectric power is generated. Meanwhile, the closest place to visit both an intact castle and the coast is just eight miles north of Llanberis at Caernarfon.

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.