On the Slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - Eryri
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Join us for a weekend in the Nant Gwynant area, staying in a recently renovated mountain bunkhouse beneath the southern slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
Nant Gwynant is one of the main gateways into southern Eryri (Snowdonia). The Watkin Path starts directly outside the front door, while Beddgelert, the Glaslyn valley and the lakes of Nant Gwynant are all within easy reach. The area combines mountains, lakes, rivers, woodland and the remains of Eryri's industrial past, making it an excellent base for a walking weekend.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is that all walks will start directly from the bunkhouse, allowing us to leave the cars behind for the weekend and explore the area on foot.
We'll arrive on Friday evening, with our traditional OutdoorLads buffet to start the weekend. Breakfasts are included on both mornings, along with a shared evening meal on Saturday.
Walking
The walks offered will depend on the leaders available for the weekend.
If sufficient Mountain Walk Leaders are available, we hope to offer mountain walks on both days. Possible routes include Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via the Watkin Path and Cnicht.
If mountain leadership isn't available, we'll instead make use of the extensive network of paths around Nant Gwynant, Beddgelert and the Glaslyn valley. These lower-level routes still provide access to some of the best scenery in Eryri without venturing onto the higher mountains.
Final walk details will be confirmed once the event attendance is known.
The Bunkhouse
Our base for the weekend is a traditional stone mountain bunkhouse that has recently undergone a major refurbishment. It combines modern facilities with the character of a historic mountain property, creating an excellent base for exploring this part of Eryri.
Facilities include comfortable bunk rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, dining area, sitting room with a wood-burning stove, drying room and modern shower facilities. With the Watkin Path passing the front door, we can simply step outside and start walking.
The Area
The bunkhouse is ideally located for exploring the Nant Gwynant area. Nearby are the Watkin waterfalls, Llyn Dinas, Llyn Gwynant, Cwm Llan and the Glaslyn river, while Beddgelert can be reached on foot along public footpaths.
The surrounding area includes some of Eryri's best-known mountains, including Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Cnicht, Moel Hebog and the Nantlle Ridge, alongside quieter valleys and woodland for lower-level walks.
Parking
Parking at the bunkhouse is available for around eight vehicles. The nearest public parking is in Beddgelert, approximately 3.5 miles away. Car sharing may therefore be required for this event. If you can offer lifts, or would like one, please indicate this by messaging the event leader once you have booked, so we can coordinate transport before the weekend. We will get everyone there somehow!
Staying on Sunday Night
The event officially finishes on Sunday afternoon. However, you're welcome to stay for a third night on Sunday at no additional cost if you'd like to make more of the weekend and reduce the amount of travelling.
If you choose to stay, there will usually be enough food available for breakfast on Monday morning, but an evening meal on Sunday is not included. You'll therefore need to provide your own meal, either by cooking at the bunkhouse or eating out locally.
Please let the leader know nearer the time if you intend to stay on Sunday night. A walk will still be offered on the Sunday before the event finishes.
Dogs: This event is not suitable for dogs.
Photos: All images are event leaders own with permission given to OutdoorLads for use and reuse
What to bring
A mattress protector, one pillow and a pillow protector are provided, but you will need to bring all other bedding/sleeping bag.
You will also need appropriate clothing and equipment for whatever walks or activities you intend to take part in. For higher level walks this will include boots and waterproofs. See the kit list below...
- Water: bring at least two litres
- 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
- Boots: waterproof (or waterproof socks...) and breathable and designed for hiking. If you wear your best trainers they may get ruined.
- Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, I would recommend waterproof socks.
- Layered clothing:
- A base layer (thermal/t-shirt) to keep you warm in all conditions
- A mid layer (fleece/jumper) that keeps you warm but can be removed if necessary
- Trousers: No jeans (weather dependent) as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and if it is warm, shorts are OK.
- We are in a wildlife area, so ticks are a problem and they can carry lymes disease. I would suggest a full check for ticks after the walk.
- There may also be stinging nettles
- Gaiters: These are optional but can keep mud off your trousers and water out of your boots. These should be worn over your trousers
- Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
- Waterproof trousers: essential. You should be able to put these on over your boots should the weather become poor
- Headtorch: The walk should finish before dark but given the time of year, a fully charged headtorch should be taken
- Hat or cap: to provide some shade from the sun
- Sunglasses: so you're not squinting in the sun
- Sun cream: Yes, essential even if overcast (Get a SFP30+ with UVA 5*, most supermarket own brands are good here)
- 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
Food & drink
Friday night buffet: Please bring one item for the buffet that can be shared easily. Just enough for one or two people and please think imaginatively and try to avoid quiche, pizza and oven chips! If you are unsure what others are thinking of bringing, a Telegram group will be set up nearer the time to coordinate plans.
Saturday and Sunday breakfasts: Included in the cost and likely to be options of toast, cereals and fruit
Saturday lunch: You will need to bring your own packed lunch, snacks and drinks for the day walk.
Saturday dinner: Included in the event cost and please make sure your dietary requirements are up to date on your profile! Dinner will consist of a main course and a dessert
Teas and Coffees: Included in the event cost and provided throughout the weekend
You should additionally bring any snacks you wish to have throughout the weekend, along with any drinks you wish to consume
If you are staying through Sunday night then please note the following:
There is no dinner provided for Sunday night so you'll need to cater for yourself. If you intend to walk with us on Sunday also then you will need a packed lunch in addition to the one for Saturday