Frequently Asked Questions about Llyn Gwynant Campsite
Nantgwynant, North Wales

Below we have tried to anticipate your questions about the site, fishing, shopping, climbing, eating and more. Read our information pages for full details on the site. More information on the area is available from our Useful Links page. If you want us to add a question please contact us.

What facilities are offered at the site?

The campsite is aimed at nature lovers who want to enjoy the countryside, so we have been careful not to let it become over-developed. However we do have a large stone toilet block tucked beside our mound, which has Mens and Ladies toilets, each with many basins with hot and cold water, as well as a single hot shower in each of the main toilet area as well as 5 more showers for either gender at the back of the block. These showers are free for campers. There is also a level entry toilet with baby changing table at the back of the block. In the busy season we also put portaloos on the site, usually 4 portaloos next to Bridge field at the back of the site, each of these has a cold water basin as well as a toilet. At each end of the toilet block are large stainless steel basins with hot water for dishwashing, again provided free. The campsite also has a small reception block with power where you can leave appliances for free charging (at your own risk), and where there is a pay telephone accessible 24 hours per day. In addition to the camping fields we also offer Barn accommodation to groups, see our Barn information page, with sleeping platforms, electricity and gas cooking.

Can I choose to reserve a particular pitch?

No, we do not have organised pre-defined tent pitches, just rolling green fields where you can find a place to pitch your camp, or park your campervan. As there are no organised pitches, we do not allow pre-booking. Apart from large groups (of more than 20 people) the campsite operates strictly on a first-come first-choice basis.

Do I need to book in advance?

Individuals and small groups do not require bookings. We do not have pre-defined pitches but instead expect you to find yourself a place on the site. However to use our barns, or for groups of 20 or more however bookings are required - if you turn up with a large group without having booked, we may have to turn you away. In special circumstances we will take bookings for groups of less than 20, but charge an additional £10.00 booking fee, payable in advance. For example we do take bookings for caravans as only a limited number are allowed on site. In addition a group of less than 20 may wish to reserve part of Barn field or Cae Hendre, our special fields set aside for groups.

Any booking must be made on a booking form. We offer information pages and booking forms for camping groups, those using the barns as well as for touring caravans, see for example our Group information page as well as Barn information page, and information for touring caravans. Simply print out the appropriate booking form accessible from these information pages, fill in the details, and enclose payment. Full payment for the barns is required in advance, but a deposit of one day's camping fee or 25% (whichever is greater) will be sufficient advance payment for camping groups, while caravans or other special individuals merely pay a £10.00 booking fee. Post the completed form and payment to the address on the top of the form or make a payment online using our Payment page.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are welcome on the site so long as all dog owners respect the camspite rules. Dogs must be on a leash, or inside a vehicle, at all times on the site, and owners must clean up after them. However we now have a dog walking area just off the camping fields in a small woodland beside Ddol Fawr and Ddol Fach where dogs can be let off the lead, and where cleaning up is not required.

What are the hours of operation for the campsite?

If you arrive at the site later than 10:00pm (or 11:00pm on Friday or Saturday) you must camp near the main carpark in the area provided. No cars are to drive onto the site after this time. This is to ensure that campers on the main site are not disturbed by the late arrivals.

What time do we have to leave the site on the last day?

We are pretty relaxed about when you leave the site, and many of our regulars enjoy two full days on the site over a weekend while only paying for one night. We will charge you for a second night if you are still around after 6pm however!

Can I drive my vehicle to my camping spot?

On most of the campsite this is possible, and we simply ask that you drive very slowly and carefully. However Bridge field at the back of the main site, and Cae Hendre at the back of our barn field, are both reserved for those who wish to camp away from vehicles. Here you can park your car in an adjacent carpark then carry your camping gear to your chosen site - under no circumstances are any vehicles allowed in these fields! Because of our strict adherence to this rule the grass is of very high quality, and the lack of cars makes for a peaceful camping experience. In very wet weather there may be other parts of the site that are temporarily closed to vehicles.

What dates is the campsite open?

Groups can use the campsite by arrangement throughout the year. The public campsite is open from mid-March to late October. Opening and closing dates can move by a week or two depending on the weather.

How are the fees collected?

Our site manager or other staff will either collect fees as you enter the site or call at your pitch in the late afternoon/early evening or at other hours during the day. If there is no warden on duty at the gate when you arrive, simply pitch your tent (please keep at least 6m from other groups), and the warden will visit you for your fees later. A receipt will be issued, please keep this with you to show wardens. If you intend to leave early please advise our staff.

What facilities do you have for caravans?

We are permitted to have only 10 caravans under our site license, with all other pitches being tents. We have no electrical hookup for caravans, but do have a chemical toilet emptying point. We keep caravans to a certain area of the site (next to the tree line between the main field Pen Helen and Ddol Fach) so we may ask you to move if you have chosen another area, depending how busy the site is. You can book a caravan pitch with us in advance because of the limited number, see our information for touring caravans which has a link to our caravan booking form. We charge a one-off fee of £10.00 for this service.

Can I walk up Snowdon from the site?

Yes, it is possible to walk up Snowdon (and enjoy many other scenic walks!) directly from the site. You can leave your car at the campsite and enjoy a scenic walk to the beginning of three main Snowdon paths.

For the Watkin path head down to Nantgwynant where this path begins. You can walk down the road (A498), or else walk through woodland on the far side of the lake - turn left over the stone footbridge at the back of Bridge field (see our layout map) and take the woodland path which will take you directly to the beginning of the Watkin path at Nantgwynant - a walk of 30 - 45 minutes. For the PYG track or Miners track either go up the main road (A498) or take the old valley road (by turning left as you leave the campsite at the cattle grid) to Pen-y-Pass. The old road has much less traffic, is scenic, and joins the main road a few hundred yards below Pen y Gwryd. You will now walk up the main road, turn left at the Pen y Gwryd hotel, and go up to the Pen y Pass carpark opposite the youth hostel. The Miners track starts wide and level at the carpark, while the PYG track climbs steeply away to the right.

Our campsite wardens can give you a single sheet summary map of the 10 routes up Snowdon, or you can download it yourself from the Walk Eryri website, http://www.walkeryri.org.uk/Routes/wyddfa10.html.

We strongly advise you not to walk directly up Gallt y Wenallt, the very steep scree slope behind the site, unless you are extremely confident on steep ground. There have been serious accidents and even fatalities there in recent years. Our photo 3 is just one showing of Gallt y Wenallt.

What equipment is needed for a walk up Snowdon?

Walking up Snowdon you must be prepared for a change in the weather, which means you must take some warm, waterproof clothing with you however fine it is when you set off. Inadequate footwear is also a common cause of accidents - wear a good walking boot that supports your ankles rather than simply trainers, however good their tread. Of course when there is snow on the mountain you need to take special precautions, and you should be aware that the weather can change very quickly and visibility can suddenly reduce. These mountains are not high when compared to mountains in many other countries, but they are classic mountain terrain and have the dangers associated with this. Be respectful of the environment and weather, and take care.

How long does it take to walk up Snowdon?

Each of the routes up Snowdon takes approximately 5 - 6 hours round trip to the path start, though of course some people take much longer than this - make sure you allow at least 3 hours before dark for the return trip.

Do the Snowdon Sherpa buses go past the campsite?

There is a network of bus routes known as the Snowdon Sherpa around the Snowdon group of peaks. This includes a route from Caernarfon through Beddgelert and up the Nantgwynant valley past the campsite to Pen-y-Pass (route S4) and another from Porthmadog to Betws-y-Coed which also passes the site (route 97/97A). You can find the routes and timetables for the local buses (Snowdon Sherpa) at http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk .These timetables operate on their peak schedule from 23rd May to 25th September. The buses will stop and pickup from the main A498 road near the campsite entrance on request. You can use the bus to get up the hill to Pen-y-Pass for a walk up Snowdon via the PYG or Miners track (thus saving the parking fee at Pen-y-Pass) or to pick you up at the end of a walk from Nantgwynant up Snowdon and down to Llanberis or Rhyd Ddu.

Can we canoe down the Glaslyn River beyond Llyn Gwynant towards Beddgelert?

Yes, in the right conditions. There is an access agreement between landowners, the National Trust and fisherman that allows access all the way down the river when the water level is high enough so that salmon spawning beds are not disturbed. There are water level guages at the outflows of Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas that will indicate if the water level is adequate. The paddle between Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas is quite gentle with no difficult water. From Llyn Dinas to Beddgelert is somewhat harder and is grade II to III in places. Below Beddgelert is the Aberglaslyn Gorge which is grade V. If you are not a very experienced paddler you must exit the river before the gorge by getting out to your right just after passing under the railway bridge downstream from Beddgelert. This is next to a large layby. For more information on access and egress points on the Glaslyn see this map.

How far is the nearest shop?

The nearest shop is the new Caffi Gwynant at Nantgwynant 2 miles down the road towards Beddgelert, which sells good home made food in the old chapel - you can see their menu on their website. There is a lovely walk to Nantgwynant - go over our stone bridge (at the back of Bridge field) and turn left for the path down the side of the lake opposite the road. This path goes through woodland with great views over the lake at the top of Elephant rock. It is a 30 - 45 minute walk to Nantgwynant. There is also a grocers shop, along with outdoor clothing, craft shops and hotels in Beddgelert, approximately 5 miles (8 km) south of the site on the A498, see our map. Alternatively Llanberis is a larger small town and has a bank, post office and other facilities.

Is there cellphone reception at the campsite?

No, none of the cellphone networks have coverage in this area. There are not many places left where you can throw away that mobile! Orange customers will find reception at Beddgelert, 5 miles south of the campsite. Vodafone customers will need to go to near to Portmadog or Capel Curig (on the A5) for reception. There is a public payphone in the campsite reception building which is available 24 hours a day. The nearest public phone box open all hours is at Nantgwynant village 2 miles south of the campsite.

How far is the nearest pub?

The Pen y Gwryd hotel is only 2 miles north up the road from the site, on the A498, see our map. You can walk up the old road by turning left at the campsite cattlegrid, a scenic walk that avoids the traffic. This is a cosy pub famous for its use by the Everest climbers. There are several hotels in Beddgelert approximately 5 miles (8 km) south of the site on the A498, see our map.

Where is the nearest place to get a meal?

The new cafe at Nantgwynant, Caffi Gwynant, is now the nearest place to buy a meal. They sell excellent home-made food and you can check out their hours and their menu on their website, use the link above. It is a 30 - 45 minute walk from the campsite - you can take the scenic route down the far side of the lake by turning left over the stone bridge. The Pen y Gwryd hotel is also quite close nd is also open in the evenings, see question above. Beddgelert has many restaurants to choose from, approximately 5 miles (8 km) south of the site on the A498, see our map.

How would you get to the campsite by train?

The nearest train stations are Bangor and Porthmadog. The service to Bangor from London is fast (just over 4 hours) but getting to us from Bangor needs either a complicated bus trip via Caernarfon or a £30.00 taxi trip. To come by bus you will have to get a bus 9A from Bangor via Caernarfon and Llanberis to Pen y Pass. Once here you can walk to the campsite (it is about 3 miles downhill) or you can get a Sherpa bus S97 which will stop on request outside the campsite. Porthmadog station connects with mid Wales and the Snowdon Sherpa bus S97 comes up to Nantgwynant from there via Beddgelert.

Can I fish in the lake or river?

The Llyn Gwynant campsite has a No Fishing policy. The lake is not stocked and our view is that there is only enough fish for the otters, herons and occasional experienced fisherman from the Glaslyn Angling Society. There are local stocked lakes for fishing, for example check out Glasfryn Parc at http://www.glasfryn.co.uk.

Are there any mountain biking routes nearby?

There are a number of mountain bike tracks within an easy ride of the campsite. The Forestry Commission forests at Beddgelert and at Coed-y-Brenin near Capel Curig have mountain bike routes, and the tracks up and down Snowdon can be cycled with some restrictions. The Snowdon bridleway is now governed by voluntary cycling restrictions that mean you cannot cycle to or from the summit between 10am and 5pm between 1st Mat and 30th September. The Snowdonia National Park Authority website has a useful 'Code of Conduct' and a downloadable map that will help mountain bikers to plan their routes outside of the restricted times. Click here to view under the > recreation section. (NB. From October to the end of April there is full access to the bridleways.)

What good rock climbing is near the site?

One of the earliest recorded climbs in Snowdonia - Lockwoods Chimney - is a 20 minute walk up the river from the campsite. Immediately opposite the site, only 10 minutes walk over the old stone bridge is the crag on Gallt y Wenallt called Clogwyn y Wenallt which has a range of climbs for experienced climbers. Clogwyn y Bustach is just a short walk from the head of the lake Note though that the climbs on the cliffs of Nantgwynant vary a great deal from crag to crag. Bustach may be too loose for some people. Craig y Llyn is rather slopey in character and tends to mossiness; it is a 'big boys' crag - so beware. Check out the Pete's Eats website or other of our useful links if you want more information about climbing in our area.

Can I bring my own canoes or boat?

Yes, campers can bring their own canoes and kayaks, and may use the lake and also the river upstream to the stone footbridge. Wind surfers or sail boats can often catch a great breeze in the relatively calm waters of the lake.

Are power boats allowed on the lake?

Power boats are not permitted on the lake or river. However a small speedboat is kept at the site for rescue purposes.

Are there places to stay off the main campsite?

Nutshell caravan is sited apart from the campsite in a woodland field overlooking the lake. This is a static caravan that sleeps up to 4 people (with one double bedroom separate from the living area). It has gas cooking, running water and a flush toilet. Check out the detail on our Nutshell information page, or look at the Nutshell location map or Nutshell photos. Rent is per week, bookings in advance. If you are interested, please contact us.

What is the connection between the campsite and Portmeirion?

Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, architect of Portmeirion Village bought the site of the present campsite in the 1930's to save it from unsuitable development. He gifted a large tract of land above the campsite to the nation (the National Trust soon after) as part of his campaign to start up the Snowdonia National Park. The campsite land and an adjacent farm remain in Sir Clough's family, and the campsite adheres to his visionary conservation principles. You can read our pdf document on Sir Clough's connection by using this link.

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