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Snowdonia Way
Arrival day: Arrive in Machynlleth
Your trip starts on arriving at your Bed and Breakfast in Machynlleth. Machynlleth is a pretty market town located in the Dyfi Valley and is easily reached by train from Birmingham or Manchester. There are plenty of pubs in the town and shops in which to stock up on provisions before your walk.
B&B in Machynlleth (breakfast)
Your trip starts on arriving at your Bed and Breakfast in Machynlleth. Machynlleth is a pretty market town located in the Dyfi Valley and is easily reached by train from Birmingham or Manchester. There are plenty of pubs in the town and shops in which to stock up on provisions before your walk.
B&B in Machynlleth (breakfast)
Stage 1: Machynlleth to Dolgellau
Blue 4 (grade) 24.6km with 760m ascent, 760m descent
Although quite long, this stage is a straightforward introduction to the Snowdonia Way. From Machynlleth the route heads straight for Dovey Forest, passing the old slate mining villages of Corris and Aberllefenni via the pretty Llefenni Valley. Great views open up to the mountain of Cadair Idris before the Way drops through in woodland to reach Dolgellau. Much of the route is on tracks and lanes meaning navigation is easy and ground can be covered quickly.
B&B in Dolgellau (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 24.6km with 760m ascent, 760m descent
Although quite long, this stage is a straightforward introduction to the Snowdonia Way. From Machynlleth the route heads straight for Dovey Forest, passing the old slate mining villages of Corris and Aberllefenni via the pretty Llefenni Valley. Great views open up to the mountain of Cadair Idris before the Way drops through in woodland to reach Dolgellau. Much of the route is on tracks and lanes meaning navigation is easy and ground can be covered quickly.
B&B in Dolgellau (breakfast)
Stage 2: Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd
Blue 4 (grade) 22.2km with 860m ascent, 650m descent
A day of thirds. Firstly, the wonderful mature deciduous woodlands on the ascent out of Dolgellau, with some high open hillsides and views back towards Cadair Idris. Secondly, a walk among the pleasant trees in the Coed y Brenin woodlands. Finally, the route takes to the open hillsides with views of the high mountains to the North. and your bed for the night.
Non-ensuite accommodation in Trawsfyndd (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 22.2km with 860m ascent, 650m descent
A day of thirds. Firstly, the wonderful mature deciduous woodlands on the ascent out of Dolgellau, with some high open hillsides and views back towards Cadair Idris. Secondly, a walk among the pleasant trees in the Coed y Brenin woodlands. Finally, the route takes to the open hillsides with views of the high mountains to the North. and your bed for the night.
Non-ensuite accommodation in Trawsfyndd (breakfast)
Stage 3: Trawsfynydd to Penrhyndeudraeth
Blue 2 (grade) 15.8km with 350m ascent, 560m descent
This is a pretty and relaxed stage to Penrhyndeudraeth. On this stage you'll cross from the Southern to the Northern part of Eryri National Park, and with that comes a change of landscape. No more rolling hills with big forests, now we enter mountain country with rocky peaks and small woods of native trees. The approach to Penrhyndeudraeth affords fantastic views out to sea across the sandy estuary of the River Dwyryd.
B&B in Penrhyndeudraeth (breakfast)
Blue 2 (grade) 15.8km with 350m ascent, 560m descent
This is a pretty and relaxed stage to Penrhyndeudraeth. On this stage you'll cross from the Southern to the Northern part of Eryri National Park, and with that comes a change of landscape. No more rolling hills with big forests, now we enter mountain country with rocky peaks and small woods of native trees. The approach to Penrhyndeudraeth affords fantastic views out to sea across the sandy estuary of the River Dwyryd.
B&B in Penrhyndeudraeth (breakfast)
Stage 4: Penrhyndeudraeth to Beddgelert
Red 2 (grade) 14.9km with 540m ascent, 510m descent
From Penrhyndeudraeth the path rises through forests into the foothills of the Moelwyn Mountains. This stage offers great views down to the coast on the West and to the mountain of Cnicht on the East. Finish the stage by walking through the rocky Pass of Aberglaslyn for a night in the mountain village of Beddgelert at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
B&B or Hotel in Beddgelert (breakfast)
Red 2 (grade) 14.9km with 540m ascent, 510m descent
From Penrhyndeudraeth the path rises through forests into the foothills of the Moelwyn Mountains. This stage offers great views down to the coast on the West and to the mountain of Cnicht on the East. Finish the stage by walking through the rocky Pass of Aberglaslyn for a night in the mountain village of Beddgelert at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
B&B or Hotel in Beddgelert (breakfast)
Stage 5: Beddgelert to Dolwyddelan
Blue 4 (grade) 20.1m with 710m ascent, 610m descent
Today's stage starts with a pleasant stroll along the Afon Glaslyn past the picturesque lakes of Llyn Dinas and Llyn Glaslyn. From the heart of the Nantgwynant valley, the route then climbs into the Moelwyn hills. From the ridge top, Bwlch y Rhediad, enjoy a wonderful view of the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales, then descend to the small village of Dolwyddelan. A short bus or train ride takes you to the charming forest village of Betws-y-Coed for the night.
B&B or Hotel in Betws-y-Coed (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 20.1m with 710m ascent, 610m descent
Today's stage starts with a pleasant stroll along the Afon Glaslyn past the picturesque lakes of Llyn Dinas and Llyn Glaslyn. From the heart of the Nantgwynant valley, the route then climbs into the Moelwyn hills. From the ridge top, Bwlch y Rhediad, enjoy a wonderful view of the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales, then descend to the small village of Dolwyddelan. A short bus or train ride takes you to the charming forest village of Betws-y-Coed for the night.
B&B or Hotel in Betws-y-Coed (breakfast)
Optional Stage: Ascent of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) from Pen-y-Pass
Purple 2 (grade) 12.2km with 790m ascent, 790m descent
This optional day's walk is an out-and-back ascent from Pen-y-Pass, reached on a regular bus service from Betws. Our routecard describes the Miner's Track, which skirts the large lakes on Yr Wyddfa's Eastern flanks before leading up to an excellent and extensive summit view. While Yr Wyddfa is very popular and our described route does not involve technical terrain, it is a serious mountain and should not be underestimated, espeically in poor weather.
B&B or Hotel in Betws-y-Coed (breakfast)
Purple 2 (grade) 12.2km with 790m ascent, 790m descent
This optional day's walk is an out-and-back ascent from Pen-y-Pass, reached on a regular bus service from Betws. Our routecard describes the Miner's Track, which skirts the large lakes on Yr Wyddfa's Eastern flanks before leading up to an excellent and extensive summit view. While Yr Wyddfa is very popular and our described route does not involve technical terrain, it is a serious mountain and should not be underestimated, espeically in poor weather.
B&B or Hotel in Betws-y-Coed (breakfast)
Stage 6: Dolwyddelan to Bethesda
Blue 4 (grade) 25km with 600m ascent, 600m descent
Catch the bus or train back to Dolwyddelan to begin perhaps the Snowdonia Way’s boldest stage, and the most scenic in terms of rocky mountains. The Ogwen valley section is one of the most spectacular of the whole route, surrounded by the iconic peaks of Tryfan and Carnedd Llewelyn. After passing the Ogwen falls, the route enters the Nant Ffrancon with its glacial features. On reaching Bethesda, hop on the bus to Bangor to enjoy a night on the coast.
Hotel in Bangor (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 25km with 600m ascent, 600m descent
Catch the bus or train back to Dolwyddelan to begin perhaps the Snowdonia Way’s boldest stage, and the most scenic in terms of rocky mountains. The Ogwen valley section is one of the most spectacular of the whole route, surrounded by the iconic peaks of Tryfan and Carnedd Llewelyn. After passing the Ogwen falls, the route enters the Nant Ffrancon with its glacial features. On reaching Bethesda, hop on the bus to Bangor to enjoy a night on the coast.
Hotel in Bangor (breakfast)
Stage 7: Bethesda to Llanfairfechan
Blue 4 (grade) 21km with 720m ascent, 850m descent
Catch the bus back to Bethesda for a final day in the mountains before tomorrow's more coastal stage. From Bethesda the route climbs along the northern flanks of the Carneddau with views to the Isle of Anglesey. The Aber Falls are a highlight on this stage with an impressive 37m cascade of water! The stage ends with a relaxed walk along a stretch of Roman Road before dropping into the seaside town of Llanfairfechan. From here travel to Bangor or Conwy for your accommodation.
B&B in Llanfairfechan (breakfast)
Blue 4 (grade) 21km with 720m ascent, 850m descent
Catch the bus back to Bethesda for a final day in the mountains before tomorrow's more coastal stage. From Bethesda the route climbs along the northern flanks of the Carneddau with views to the Isle of Anglesey. The Aber Falls are a highlight on this stage with an impressive 37m cascade of water! The stage ends with a relaxed walk along a stretch of Roman Road before dropping into the seaside town of Llanfairfechan. From here travel to Bangor or Conwy for your accommodation.
B&B in Llanfairfechan (breakfast)
Stage 8: Llanfairfechan to Conwy
Blue 3 (grade) 16.5km with 560m ascent, 560m descent
This final stage offers something totally different again; coastal views and open moor around Tal y Fan. This is an easy stage crossing the Sychnant Pass before dropping to the characterful estuary town of Conwy with its impressive castle and myriad of independent shops. Enjoy a drink at a local restaurant to congratulate yourself on completing the Snowdonia Way!
B&B or Hotel in Conwy (breakfast)
Blue 3 (grade) 16.5km with 560m ascent, 560m descent
This final stage offers something totally different again; coastal views and open moor around Tal y Fan. This is an easy stage crossing the Sychnant Pass before dropping to the characterful estuary town of Conwy with its impressive castle and myriad of independent shops. Enjoy a drink at a local restaurant to congratulate yourself on completing the Snowdonia Way!
B&B or Hotel in Conwy (breakfast)
Departure Day: Depart from Conwy
Enjoy breakfast, a stroll along the Estuary and a visit to Conwy Castle before catching the train home. If you're looking for further travels in the UK, we love to share our knowledge so please ask for information.
Enjoy breakfast, a stroll along the Estuary and a visit to Conwy Castle before catching the train home. If you're looking for further travels in the UK, we love to share our knowledge so please ask for information.
Options
Make the trip shorterMaking your Snowdonia Way more challenging is possible by walking the full route over 6 long stages instead of our normal 8. This is suited to experienced hikers who are willing to hike 25-30km per day on consecutive days. This 6-stage trip combines stages 3 and 4, walking from Trawsfynydd to Beddgelert in a single 30km day, and also combines the final 2 stages from Bethesda to Conwy into a single day, making this stage 33km.
Make the trip longer
It is possible to shorten the long stage between Dolwyddelan and Bethesda by splitting it up with a night at Capel Curig. This means that you will have one 7.9km day between Dolwyddelan and Capel Curig, and one 17.7km day between Capel Curig and Bethesda. This makes for a trip of 9 stages. It's hard to recommend trips longer than 9 stages due to the spread of accommodation along the route. Some days can be shortened by using public transport so please ask us for details if you'd prefer shorter walking days.
Add a rest day or climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales, at 1,085m, and can be climbed by a number of walking routes. Although it is not on the official Snowdonia Way route, the appeal of Yr Wyddfa for walkers visiting the area is obvious and it is very feasible to add a day to climb it. The easiest ascent, described in our routecards, is from Pen-y-Pass via the Miner's Track, and for this route we'd recommend adding a second night in Betws-y-Coed, connected to Pen-y-Pass by the regular 'Sherpa' bus service. Please note that while these routes involve walking paths, Yr Wyddfa is a serious mountain and should not be underestimated, especially in poor weather. The ability to navigate using a map and compass is essential.
Betws is a lively and scenic village, nestled by a river among forests with an almost Alpine feel, and would be our recommend location for a rest day on the route.
Hike with a guide
Hike with confidence in the company of our fully qualified International Mountain Leaders (IMLs), with the navigation, accommodation and arrangements taken care of. You're welcome to walk on any date within our season and we can adjust the hike to suit your needs. We are also happy to include an ascent of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)in our Private Guided trips. Please get in touch for more details.
Prices
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Snowdonia Way Early bird price for 2027 |
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| Classic | |||
| Self-guided | |||
|
6 stages (7 nights) |
GBP 870 Singles 290 105 per dog |
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8 stages (9 nights) |
GBP 990 Singles 315 135 per dog Main Trip |
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9 stages
Including Snowdon (10 nights) |
GBP 1,060 Singles 350 150 per dog |
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| Options | |||
| Baggage transfer |
Please ask us |
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Accommodation
Where we stay
This holiday stays in a mix of friendly bed & breakfasts in the villages and hotels in the larger towns along the route. We place a lot of value in a friendly welcome and comfortable accommodation. Due to the location of villages along the route, we use the local buses to reach your accommodation on two nights of our main trip. From Dolwyddelan we take the bus to Betws-y-Coed, and from Bethesda we take the bus to Bangor.
Comfy
We don't have a set 'comfy' trip as accommodation options are quite limited on the trail. If you would like us to upgrade you where we can we'll do what we can and add a supplement to cover any differences where needed.
Hutty
We don't have a ready-made 'Hutty' option for our Snowdonia Way. However, it may be possible on some nights to stay in more basic accommodation. Snowdonia has a few good independent hostels and Youth Hostel Association ones. Please ask us for details if you are interested in a more basic option.
Single Room Supplement
If you would like to stay in single rooms rather than sharing a double, twin or triple room we add our single room supplement. This covers the additional cost of booking single occupancy rooms.
Solo Travel
We do not take bookings for solo walkers on self-guided trips. If you are still interested in this trip, we do have availability on our guided trips.
Bring your dog
We're delighted that you can walk with your dog! We’ll follow our normal schedule in our classic mix of accommodation with a few adjustments. Sadly, there is no dog-friendly accommodation in Penrhyndeudraeth. In place of Penrhyndeudraeth at the end of Stage 3, we would book a night in Porthmadog, a short journey away on the train or bus.
This holiday stays in a mix of friendly bed & breakfasts in the villages and hotels in the larger towns along the route. We place a lot of value in a friendly welcome and comfortable accommodation. Due to the location of villages along the route, we use the local buses to reach your accommodation on two nights of our main trip. From Dolwyddelan we take the bus to Betws-y-Coed, and from Bethesda we take the bus to Bangor.
Comfy
We don't have a set 'comfy' trip as accommodation options are quite limited on the trail. If you would like us to upgrade you where we can we'll do what we can and add a supplement to cover any differences where needed.
Hutty
We don't have a ready-made 'Hutty' option for our Snowdonia Way. However, it may be possible on some nights to stay in more basic accommodation. Snowdonia has a few good independent hostels and Youth Hostel Association ones. Please ask us for details if you are interested in a more basic option.
Single Room Supplement
If you would like to stay in single rooms rather than sharing a double, twin or triple room we add our single room supplement. This covers the additional cost of booking single occupancy rooms.
Solo Travel
We do not take bookings for solo walkers on self-guided trips. If you are still interested in this trip, we do have availability on our guided trips.
Bring your dog
We're delighted that you can walk with your dog! We’ll follow our normal schedule in our classic mix of accommodation with a few adjustments. Sadly, there is no dog-friendly accommodation in Penrhyndeudraeth. In place of Penrhyndeudraeth at the end of Stage 3, we would book a night in Porthmadog, a short journey away on the train or bus.
Route
We follow the official Snowdonia Way route from Machynlleth to Conwy in 8 stages, 9 nights, wihtout any rest days as standard. For those interested in climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), we can offer the option of a second night in Betws-y-Coed making the trip 10 nights in total.
You'll set off from a characterful market town, Machynlleth, before meandering through the forests, along rivers and up to higher ground with long mountain views. As you travel North, the mountains get bigger and the views more dramatic. You'll walk through the mountain ranges of the Rhinogs, Moelwyns, Yr Wyddfa, the Glyderau and the Carneddau before reaching your final stopping point at the coastal town of Conwy in the far North of Snowdonia National Park.
The Terrain
The walking is generally good underfoot and comprises a pleasant mix of tracks, country lanes, woodland paths, field paths and a few short sections of rocky mountain paths. One particular rocky section is encountered at the Pass of Aberglaslyn and care will be needed, especially in wet weather, as the path above the river is quite narrow. In places, the path is not always visible on the ground, necessitating good navigation, particularly in low cloud. Our route sticks mainly to the valleys and shoulders of the mountain ranges, with the mountains providing an exciting backdrop to this trail.
Is it for me?
The Snowdonia Way is a long-distance trail suited to most fit walkers able to walk between 6 and 8 hours per day. The scenery is consistently varied and interesting, starting in wooded valleys and progressing to the open hillside around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and then to the coastline of North Wales. The route, completed in 8 stages, has no unduly long days and the longer days are on solid trails making the miles pass easily. Similarly, the ascent and descent on each day is reasonable and would be achievable for most fit walkers.
Although the route mostly follows solid paths the trail is not sign-posted and care is needed during navigation. Compared to routes like the West Highland Way, the directions need more attention. The landscape should be treated as wild terrain in which you will need to be self-reliant. It is essential that at least one person in your group knows how to navigate with a map and compass.
Difficulty
The Snowdonia Way would be a great trip for those who are confident walkers in the hills. but also for those who this would be their first long-distance multi-day trail. It’s not technically difficult and, taking the standard stopping points, none of the days are exceptionally long.
For walkers up for a challenge, the Snowdonia Way lends itself to further exploration of the Eryri National Park. Please ask us to book you extra nights to climb Yr Wyddfa or Tryfan. While your routecards make up the walking for the trip, you are of course free to walk wherever you choose, taking side trips or going by a different route of your own choice. Please note that if you follow your own route you will have left the holiday for the duration.
Snowdonia Way Walking Guide - a more detailed read
How to get there
Your holiday starts in Machynlleth in Powys, Wales's largest county. Machynlleth has a train station which is served by direct trains from Birmingham New Street Station or from Manchester Picadilly with a change in Shrewsbury. Both Birmingham and Manchester airports give easy access to the train network.
From Conwy at the end of your holiday, trains are again available to key cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham. We recommend boarding the train at the Llandudno Junction platform instead of the Conwy platform. Due to the short platform at Conwy, occasionally the trains are unable to stop here. If you're travelling elsewhere in the UK after your trip, we'd be happy to make recommendations and welcome you to ask our team about their favourite places in the UK.
Travel to and from the trip is not included in the holiday price. We take care to give the most useful notes possible about all the travel options. We supply these both on booking and in your info pack, and we offer personalised tips at any point. The aim is that our trekkers arrange their travel by the simplest and most scenic means as suits their plan.
Included
- Bespoke accommodation and Itinerary - tailored to your preferences
- Breakfast every morning
- Detailed Routecards SNW1-8 of the Exploratory system, printed on waterproof paper
- The topographical maps needed
- Downloadable GPX Tracks covering the route
- Expert advice and local information
- A comprehensive Season Update following our pre-season recce
- Full support during your trip from the Alpine Exploratory team (8am until 8pm in the UK)
Not included
- Travel to and from your trip
- Transport to reach off-route accommodation (unless otherwise specified)
- Any other local transport taken whilst on the trip
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and evening meals
- Baggage transfer (available as an extra)
Baggage transfer
Our baggage option on the Snowdonia Way takes your bag to each night's accommodation. Each morning simply leave your bag with your host or at reception and it will arrive at your next accommodation. Alternatively we offer a direct baggage transfer from Machynlleth to Conwy. Please ask us for details and costs.
Questions about the Snowdonia Way?
Feel free to ask any questions about your planning. Ben, Eve, Ione, Katy, Lucy, Rob, Simon, Skylar or Steph will reply with expert advice. We spend a lot of time hiking our routes (and trails around the world) so please ask us anything.
 
Enquiry Form
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If you prefer, please feel welcome to email or call us. Thanks!
| Contact Alpine Exploratory | |
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| Phone | +44 (0)131 214 1144 |
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From the USA: 646-757-1102 From Canada: 416-628-3473 From Australia: 02 8319 2266 From New Zealand: 04 889 4515 |
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