Why visit Beddgelert?
Wonderful walks
The pretty stone village of Beddgelert is known as one of the best bases for a Snowdonia walking holiday, partly because of the trails that run directly from the village. Follow the trail to the ancient site of Dinas Emrys (where a dragon’s said to be asleep), discover Gelert’s grave and take a riverside ramble along the old fisherman’s path by the Aberglaslyn Pass – all can be done from the village without any need to drive.
Gateway to Snowdon
There’s no doubt that one of the great attractions around here is Mount Snowdon (or Yr Wyddfa as it’s known in Welsh) – and its popularity means that it often gets rather crowded. There is, however, more than one way to the top of the mountain, and Beddgelert is well placed for one of the less busy routes: the route up from nearby Rhyd-Ddu. It’s not the easiest route (that honour usually goes to the path from Llanberis) but the views over Nantlle Ridge are worth the extra effort.
Going underground
Once you’ve climbed the mountain, head below the surface to see what lies beneath at the Sygun Copper Mine, about a mile outside of the village. Self-guided tours take you through a stunning underground landscape of colourful tunnels and chambers, and there are also extra child-friendly activities on hand including gold panning and a playground.
Essential Beddgelert days out
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Take a heritage-filled ride on the Welsh Highland Railway, which stops in Beddgelert
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Head to the coast for a walk around the pretty Italian-style village of Portmeirion
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Visit nearby Blaenau Ffestiniog to see the slate museum or bounce on the underground trampolines of Zip World Llechwedd
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Take a tour of the area’s many castles: Caernarfon, Harlech and Criccieth are all nearby and worth a trip
- Hit the beach for a day of sandcastles and paddling in Porthmadog or Pwllheli
Less-explored Beddgelert
Wild ospreys
Ever seen an osprey in the wild in the UK? It’s quite a rare experience, but one that’s possible at the Glaslyn Osprey Project, a few miles from Beddgelert. Since a pair of breeding ospreys was found here in 2004 this has become a popular spot for the birds, who return each year to breed and raise chicks. It’s not just a place for keen birdwatchers, either – the visitor centre is family-friendly too, so it’s a good spot for kids who are interested in wildlife.
Glaslyn water activities
The Glaslyn river, which runs through Beddgelert, is a rich source of brown trout, so bring your fishing kit along if you’d like to have a go at catching some (permits and advice available from the Glaslyn Angling Association). Or, if you’d like to get your heart pumping a bit more, have a go at white-water kayaking along one of the wilder stretches of the river (not for the faint-hearted, this one – or the beginner).
Here’s how
Pitchup is designed to make it easy to find a Beddgelert campsite that suits your specific needs. As well as tent campsites, we’ve also got places to park your caravan or motorhome – and some rather smart places for a Snowdonia glamping break.
On top of that, our filters will help you narrow down the choices to the places that have the features you need – perhaps a play area to keep the kids busy, or somewhere you’ll be able to build a campfire?
Not sure where to start? Browse one of these popular collections:
Family campsites in Beddgelert
Beddgelert campsites with electric pitches
Dog-friendly Beddgelert camping
Beddgelert sites open all year
Want to see a bit more of Wales? Expand your search out to the whole of North Wales, or have a browse through all of our campsites in Wales for further inspiration.
