Remote Eryri Bunkhouse Weekend 2026
8 people attending
0 places left
1 person waitlisted
Come to the mountains with a sense of adventure and embrace the remoteness!
The Carneddau is the northern most mountain range within Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), and is often referred to as the largest area of continuous upland in the UK, south of Scotland. It contains a significant number of Wales' highest peaks and high mountain lakes. Most importantly (for the purposes of this event), it also contains our basic and remote accommodation.
The bunkhouse is basic! Not "basic" in the sense that it's not a hotel... BASIC basic. This is going to be a true mountain adventure, with a degree of challenge and hardship, but with the satisfaction of waking up deep within the Carneddau, far from the nearest road.
Our mountain Cottage is owned by a mountaineering club and is around a 3 mile walk in from the nearest parking area, just south west of Llyn Eigiau, at about 420m. There are basic cooking facilities, alpine style bunks, a chemical toilet, solar lighting and a cold tap!
The first part of the weekend will involve the logistics of getting us, our gear and our provisions from the car park to the cottage. Nearer the time we will discuss how best to do this, depending upon arrival times, car sharing etc, maybe with two meeting/set-off times, depending on leader availability. Everyone will need to do a share of the carrying and other chores. This includes cooking and cleaning, lighting and tending to the coal stove, heating water and "administering" the toilet facilities (this apparently requires the use of a spade!).
To aid your planning we will probably look to meet around 2-3pm on Friday to walk in though as there are only 8 people on this event we can probably be a bit flexible and agree a time.
Aside from our cottage chores, the main part of the weekend will, of course, involve a walk on the Saturday within the mountains which are, quite literally, on our doorstep. There are a number of options which we can do from the front door.
At the end of March it's anyone's guess what the weather will be like. We will need to be prepared for cold and wet conditions, and nearer the time we will study the forecast carefully to enable us to make plans.
Dogs: sorry, this event is not suitable for dogs.
Main photos provided by Rugby Mountaineering Club and used with permission.
Other photos by Mark House and Neil Williams, used with permission.
What to bring
The standard mountain walks kit list is set out below. Please bear in mind that we may have extreme weather at this time of year.
In addition, you will need:
Bedding/sleeping bag/pillow (or something to make a pillow out of)
Towel
Wash kit (no showers available - cold water only unless heated)
Battery pack to charge phone
MOUNTAIN WALKS KIT LIST
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
We will have to carry all our provisions, so we're going to have to be wise about our food.
Friday evening: we will either coordinate buffet items as there only a few of us, or self-cater, we can discuss this nearer the time.
Breakfasts: included in the event cost.
Saturday lunch: please bring a packed lunch, bearing in mind there isn't proper refrigeration.
Sat evening: dinner is included in the event cost. My aim will be to plan a meal which accounts for all dietary requirements, so please make these are up to date ASAP. Help will be required to prepare and clear up dinner.
Drinks: tea, coffee and water provided. You are welcome to bring whatever else you are willing to carry!