My First Ascent of Snowdon - Bunkhouse Weekend

Ever wanted to get to the top of one of the UK's most loved mountains but not had the confidence? 

Do you feel like the other mountain walking events are for more experienced hikers? 

Well, this could be the trip you've been waiting for.

This weekend event is designed especially for those with less experience of hiking up mountains, or wishing climb their very first mountain.

We'll be heading up Snowdon, taking the gentler path, and at a pace to ensure we all get to the top and back again in one piece and have a great day out.

Even if you've done Snowdon or other mountains before but want a great weekend away and a more relaxed walk up to the peak, you'll have a great trip too.

We'll be staying in a well equipped bunkhouse in the valley, from where we are well placed to tackle this challenge.  We’ll definitely be avoiding the steep ridges of Crib Goch, and instead we'll take the Llanberis Path up - this is the shortest route to the summit, on a well made path, however this is no stroll in the park - there are still some short, steep sections.  Nothing dangerous or precipitous, and the ruggedness of the nature and the stunning mountain scenery will keep you motivated throughout.

At the top, the Snowdon summit awaits us with stunning views across the valleys below. There is a cafe at the top where you might wish to buy a drink etc, but you MUST bring water and your own full packed lunch as well, as it is often busy and there is no guarantee of there being anything left when we arrive.

Depending on the group, and how ambitious or not people are feeling, there are options for the route down and we can split the group if people what to do different things. You can chose to retrace our steps and head down the Llanberis Path and back to the bunkhouse, or if anyone is feeling more ambitious, there's also the option to take the Miners' Path, a well trodden course that goes down a different aspect of Snowdon, with a steeper walk down followed by gentle finish that passes the lakes on the way down. From the bottom of the Miners' Track there's a regular shuttle bus back the bunkhouse (for which you'll need £2 cash to buy a ticket from the driver). Whilst waiting for the bus there's a cafe and a bar where you can get some refreshments. 

If on the morning of our walk you do not feel comfortable to head up the mountain, taking the Snowdon Mountain Train both up and down to the summit might be a possibility (you'll need to make your own way to/from the mountain train station and "buy on he day" tickets are often scarce).

There are several other options for days out in the area too, including the Electric Mountain Tour, Bounce Below, or a trip to the coast. You'll need to make your own arrangements to do any of these, but we'll help you sort them out on the day if you decide you'd rather do something other than hike up Snowdon.

The Bunkhouse

We'll have exclusive use of a well equipped bunkhouse for the weekend.   

The Bunkhouse has 4 rooms with 3 double bunks in each, a lounge for relaxing in, a well equipped kitchen, hot showers, toilets and a drying room.

There are power sockets throughout. 

There's usually no mobile signal at the bunkhouse, but there is free WiFi.

Food

Unlike most other OutdoorLads hostel events, Friday night dinner will be provided and is included in the price. It will be something designed to be eaten whenever you arrive, so don't worry if that's going to be late, we'll keep food ready for you. 

Saturday breakfast, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast are included.

Please make sure you have set your dietary requirements in your My Account profile.

Bring your own lunches, snacks and any evening drinks/snacks you require.

There is a pub in the nearby village of Nant Peris, a short drive or a 15min walk away.

What to Bring

See the detailed section below about what you'll need to head up to the top of Snowdon and to be safe and protected. We can help if there are things on the list that you don't have, but you will need everything on the list to take part in the walk to the top of the mountain. 

Dogs

Due to the small size of the accommodation and nature of the event we are unable to accommodate dogs (except assistance dogs)

Parking and Car Sharing

Parking -  there is quite a lot of parking space directly in front of the Bunhouse - depending on numbers, we may need to be efficient with the space.

Car Share - please use the comments boxes at the bottom of the event page to offer lift sharing if you’re able to, or to request a lift.