Accessible Activities in Snowdonia

Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, is home to stunning Welsh landscapes that are there to be enjoyed by all. The national park authority prioritises accessibility, and visitors with disabilities are free to come and explore the area, where there’s much to see and do. Whether you're looking for wheelchair-friendly trails, scenic mountain train rides or high-adrenaline attractions that can be visited by all, this guide covers the best of Snowdonia for visitors with disabilities. 

Accessible trails

While Snowdonia is rightly regarded as a hub for mountaineering and hillwalking, not all routes in the national park involve steep ascents, and many are accessible to wheelchairs. While different people will have different needs, the following walks are a good place to start if you’re looking for inspiration. 

• Llyn Cwellyn in the north of the park has a flat lakeside trail with stunning views. The entire trail is on a boardwalk that runs along the water's edge and passes through woodlands. There are great views of Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon and the surrounding mountains, so make sure to bring your camera – even though you might not see the top on cloudy days, it's still a very atmospheric place to explore. This walk is under half a mile long, so can be completed within an hour or less – ideal for those wanting a stop-off along the A4085 to and from Caernarfon. 
• Another lakeside favourite is the Tegid Trail, a longer tarmac track that's suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. Running for around six miles along the northern/western edge of Bala Lake (known as Llyn Tegid in Welsh), the route has access to the water's edge in a number of places as well as plenty of places to stop off for a rest or to admire the view. 
• Snowdonia is best known for its mountains and lakes, but it’s also home to a spectacular stretch of coastline. For an accessible walk by the sea, head to Morfa Dyffryn National Nature Reserve, a beautifully sandy seaside spot about five miles from Barmouth. This route is made up of a boardwalk, so it should be accessible to all, and passes through sand dunes – an important habitat for Snowdonia’s coastal wildlife. 

For more route ideas, check out our guide to walks in Snowdonia.

Scenic train rides

You don’t have to drive to see the best of Snowdonia. Eryri National Park has two scenic mainline railway lines: the Conwy line, which runs north from the coast inland to Blaenau Ffestiniog via the popular town of Betws-y-Coed, and the Cambrian line, linking Machynlleth to Snowdonia’s small coastal communities. Both are operated by Transport for Wales, allow assistance dogs and are broadly accessible – to check the accessibility of the station you’re planning on travelling to, and to book assistance, check out this dedicated page on their website. 

The region is also home to several heritage railway lines, taking visitors into the heart of the area's mountains and countryside. 

Snowdon Mountain Railway

The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a must-do for any visitor to Snowdonia. This historic rack-and-pinion railway, operational since 1896, takes passengers on a thrilling ascent to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. As the train chugs uphill, panoramic views unfold, revealing rugged valleys, shimmering lakes, and a patchwork of gorgeous green hills. While reaching the summit on foot might be challenging for some, the Snowdon Mountain Railway offers a more accessible experience. Accessible toilets are available at Llanberis station, and there's designated accessible parking nearby. Ramps are provided for access to the platforms and trains, and staff are available to offer assistance when required. 

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway

For a longer journey through the national park, check out the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. Spanning 40 miles, this narrow-gauge railway winds its way through the heart of Snowdonia. Lush valleys carved by glaciers, stunning lakes like Llyn Ogwen, dramatic slate mountains and cute villages are just some of the highlights along the way, but exactly what you see will be determined by whether you travel all or just some of the route (return journeys range from lasting just a couple of hours to full-day excursions). A number of stations along the railway, including Porthmadog and Caernarfon, have accessible toilets, and some carriages have designated wheelchair spaces. A comprehensive accessibility statement is available online. 

Accessible adventure parks

Adventurous activities in Snowdonia may be more accessible than you think. 

• GreenWood Family Park, located just to the north of Eryri between Caernarfon and Bangor, has many accessible areas and indoor attractions, and carers accompanying people with disabilities can enter for free. Many of the paths and walkways are flat and wheelchair accessible, but there are some rides which won’t be suitable for all. To check out what’s on offer, or to see the park’s access statement, visit GreenWood’s website.
• Zip World is a collection of three adventure parks across North Wales, with locations at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Betws-y-Coed and Penrhyn Quarry (near Bethesda). Each location has its own character, but all have zipwires that take you over long distances at lightning speed; other attractions include a woodland rollercoaster, underground caves and subterranean go karting. The zipwires in particular can accommodate people with many disabilities, including most wheelchair users and those with learning difficulties. For a full list of locations and disabilities that are compatible with the various rides, check out the Zip World website.

Nature and wildlife experiences

This part of North Wales is teeming with wildlife. Red kites, the Welsh national bird, can often be seen soaring above, while buzzards and peregrines hunt from cliffs and peaks. The Eryri coastline is also a haven for nature, with dolphins and puffins commonly spotted near the shore. Here are just a few recommendations for nature spotting in Snowdonia when you have a disability:

• Head to an accessible nature reserve. RSPB Ynys-hir, just to the south of Snowdonia National Park, has good accessible facilities, dedicated parking and wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, while Gwydir Forest Park near Pont-y-Pant has clearly waymarked nature trails for all abilities. 

• Book a nature cruise. Sightseeing Cruises Conwy can accommodate most wheelchairs, while operators like Rib Ride at Menai Bridge can accommodate anyone who can board and disembark (with assistance, if needed) and hold on while the boat is moving. 

• Find other like-minded people. The RSPB regularly runs events throughout the year in Snowdonia, as does the National Trust. 

Eryri has a wide range of accessible activities, walks and other leisure options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its natural beauty first hand. If you've been inspired to seek out more things to see and do in the national park, check out our full guide to Snowdonia. 

Ready to find somewhere to stay? Pitchup has a wide range of camping, caravan and glamping sites, many of which have accessible amenities. Find a full list of local campsites with online booking and real-time availability here.