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Snowdonia Way

8 stages . 9 nights . Snowdonia National Park

Self-guided walking holiday

Key Information

  • Grade: Red
  • Start: Machynlleth, Mid-Wales
  • End: Conwy, North Wales
  • Season dates: 1 May to 18 Sept 2025
  • Length: 8 days' walking
  • Typical walk: 20km, 650m ascent
  • Total distance: 156km or 97 miles
  • Highest altitude: 405m
  • Group size: 2 or more trekkers
  • Grade: Red (Walking grades) Purple with ascent of Snowdon Group size: 2 or more trekkers
From GBP 940 per person
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The Snowdonia Way runs for 156km (97 miles) through the unique countryside of the Eyri National Park (Snowdonia) in North Wales. With dramatic mountains, atmospheric forests, quiet river valleys and comfy accommodation, the Snowdonia Way makes for a fantastic week-long walking holiday.

Starting in the rural market town of Machynlleth in the Dyfi Valley, the route winds its way through peaceful valleys with mountain views to the pretty coastal town of Conwy in the North. The views along the way are inspiring and the mountains of Eryri provide a wonderful backdrop to this trail.

We walk every step of the Snowdonia Way, using buses on a few nights to reach accommodation where options on the trail are not possible. We also offer flexible itineraries, ranging from 6 to 10 days and we would be happy to book additional nights along the way to allow for rest days, local exploration or to climb the highest peak in Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Please just ask us for details.

Walk at your own pace on a self-guided trip, or please email us for details of walking with a leader.

Alternative trips in the UK
Prefer a different style or length of trip?
 Lake District Tour – 6 days in the English Lake District
 West Highland Way – 7 days in the Scottish Highlands
 Kerry Way – 9 stages around the Kerry Peninsula in Ireland

Oct, 2025 - We're no longer taking bookings for 2025

Map

Trip Information

Slide 1
Arrival day: Arrive in Machynlleth
Your trip starts on arriving at your Bed and Breakfast in Machynlleth. Machynlleth is a pretty market town located in the Dyfi Valley and is easily reached by train from Birmingham or Manchester. There are plenty of pubs in the town and shops in which to stock up on provisions before your walk.
B&B in Machynlleth (breakfast)
Slide 1
Stage 1: Machynlleth to Dolgellau
Blue 4 (grade) 24.6km with 760m ascent, 760m descent
Although quite long, this stage is a straightforward introduction to the Snowdonia Way. From Machynlleth the route heads straight for Dovey Forest, passing the old slate mining villages of Corris and Aberllefenni via the pretty Llefenni Valley. Great views open up to the mountain of Cadair Idris before the Way drops through in woodland to reach Dolgellau. Much of the route is on tracks and lanes meaning navigation is easy and ground can be covered quickly.
B&B in Dolgellau (breakfast)
Slide 1
Stage 2: Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd
Blue 4 (grade) 22.2km with 860m ascent, 650m descent
A day of thirds. Firstly, the wonderful mature deciduous woodlands on the ascent out of Dolgellau, with some high open hillsides and views back towards Cadair Idris. Secondly, a walk among the pleasant trees in the Coed y Brenin woodlands. Finally, the route takes to the open hillsides with views of the high mountains to the North. On reaching Trawsfynydd, an easy bus ride takes you back to Dolgellau (20 mins) and your bed for the night.
B&B in Dolgellau (breakfast)
Slide 1
Stage 3: Trawsfynydd to Penrhyndeudraeth
Blue 2 (grade) 15.8km with 350m ascent, 560m descent
Return by bus to Trawsfynydd to start this pretty and relaxed stage to Penrhyndeudraeth. On this stage you’ll cross from the Southern to the Northern part of Eryri National Park, and with that comes a change of landscape. No more rolling hills with big forests, now we enter mountain country with rocky peaks and small woods of native trees. The approach to Penrhyndeudraeth affords fantastic views out to sea across the sandy estuary of the River Dwyryd.
B&B in Penrhyndeudraeth (breakfast)
Slide 1
Stage 4: Penrhyndeudraeth to Beddgelert
Red 2 (grade) 14.9km with 540m ascent, 510m descent
From Penrhyndeudraeth the path rises through forests into the foothills of the Moelwyn Mountains. This stage offers great views down to the coast on the West and to the mountain of Cnicht on the East. Finish the stage by walking through the rocky Pass of Aberglaslyn for a night in the mountain village of Beddgelert at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
B&B or Hotel in Beddgelert (breakfast)
Slide 1
Stage 5: Beddgelert to Dolwyddelan
Blue 4 (grade) 20.1m with 710m ascent, 610m descent
Today’s stage starts with a pleasant stroll along the Afon Glaslyn past the picturesque lakes of Llyn Dinas and Llyn Glaslyn. From the heart of the Nantgwynant valley, the route then climbs into the Moelwyn hills. From the ridge top, Bwlch y Rhediad, enjoy a wonderful view of the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales, then descend to the small village of Dolwyddelan. A short bus or train ride takes you to the charming forest village of Betws-y-Coed for the night.B&B or Hotel in Betws-y-Coed (breakfast)
Slide 1
Optional Stage: Ascent of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) from Pen-y-Pass
Purple 2 (grade) 12.2km with 790m ascent, 790m descent
This optional day’s walk is an out-and-back ascent from Pen-y-Pass, reached on a regular bus service from Betws. Our routecard describes the Miner’s Track, which skirts the large lakes on Yr Wyddfa’s Eastern flanks before leading up to an excellent and extensive summit view. While Yr Wyddfa is very popular and our described route does not involve technical terrain, it is a serious mountain and should not be underestimated, espeically in poor weather.B&B or Hotel in Betws-y-Coed (breakfast)
Slide 1
Stage 6: Dolwyddelan to Bethesda
Blue 4 (grade) 25km with 600m ascent, 600m descent
Catch the bus or train back to Dolwyddelan to begin perhaps the Snowdonia Way’s boldest stage, and the most scenic in terms of rocky mountains. The Ogwen valley section is one of the most spectacular of the whole route, surrounded by the iconic peaks of Tryfan and Carnedd Llewelyn. After passing the Ogwen falls, the route enters the Nant Ffrancon with its glacial features. On reaching Bethesda, hop on the bus to Bangor to enjoy a night on the coast.
Hotel in Bangor (breakfast)
Slide 1
Stage 7: Bethesda to Llanfairfechan
Blue 4 (grade) 21km with 720m ascent, 850m descent
Catch the bus back to Bethesda for a final day in the mountains before tomorrow’s more coastal stage. From Bethesda the route climbs along the northern flanks of the Carneddau with views to the Isle of Anglesey. The Aber Falls are a highlight on this stage with an impressive 37m cascade of water! The stage ends with a relaxed walk along a stretch of Roman Road before dropping into the seaside town of Llanfairfechan. From here travel to Bangor or Conwy for your accommodation.Hotel in Bangor or Conwy (breakfast)
Slide 1
Stage 8: Llanfairfechan to Conwy
Blue 3 (grade) 16.5km with 560m ascent, 560m descent
This final stage offers something totally different again; coastal views and open moor around Tal y Fan. This is an easy stage crossing the Sychnant Pass before dropping to the characterful estuary town of Conwy with its impressive castle and myriad of independent shops. Enjoy a drink at a local restaurant to congratulate yourself on completing the Snowdonia Way!B&B or Hotel in Conwy (breakfast)
Slide 1
Departure Day: Depart from Conwy
Enjoy breakfast, a stroll along the Estuary and a visit to Conwy Castle before catching the train home. If you’re looking for further travels in the UK, we love to share our knowledge so please ask for information.