Base Camp Snowdonia
Snowdonia hostel, Betws-y-Coed
Gwersyll Cyntaf Eryri
Betws-y-Coed, Eryri
You’ll find us in the village of Betws-y-Coed, about ten minutes’ walk from the station, with the Gwydir Forest all around. Drop your bags, say hello in the Waypoint downstairs and head out for the day.
Where you’ll stay
Rooms at Base Camp Snowdonia
Bed in a shared dorm
Our mixed and female-only dorms are a great way to travel on a budget and meet people along the way. Every bed comes made up with fresh bedding, and some rooms have their own bathroom.
Book a dorm bed
Private room
If you’d like your own space, our private rooms are just right for couples and small groups of friends, with an en-suite or shared bathroom. Coming with a bigger group? Have a look at our group accommodation and exclusive hire in Snowdonia.
Book a private roomIn the hostel
What’s here
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Waypoint Cafe and Bar
Our cafe and bar on the ground floor, and a good place to start and end the day.
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Bike rack
There’s a bike rack in the garage above the car park. Just bring your own lock.
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Make a brew
There’s a kettle, microwave and fridge for guests, plus a long table to sit round. We don’t have a full kitchen.
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Lounge
Big sofas and a good spot to plan tomorrow’s walk with whoever’s around.
Easy without a car
Getting here
By train
Trains from London, Manchester and Liverpool change at Llandudno Junction for the Conwy Valley line, and Betws-y-Coed station is about ten minutes’ walk from us. Our Snowdonia by train guide has all the details.
By bus
The Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus leaves from the village for the Yr Wyddfa trailheads, so you can climb the mountain without a car.
Things to do nearby
Explore Eryri
Hiking
Eryri
Eryri is the Welsh name for Snowdonia. Betws-y-Coed sits inside the national park, so the walking starts from the village.
Cycling
Gwydir Mawr and Bach
Two mountain bike loops in the forest above the village, for days when you’d rather be on two wheels.
Underground
Go Below
Head underground on a guided trip into the old slate mines nearby, with abseils, zip lines and huge caverns.
Walking
Llyn Elsi
A lovely half-day walk up through the forest to a quiet lake above the village. It starts and finishes on the high street, so it’s easy to fit in.
The village
Betws-y-Coed
Betws-y-Coed is a small Victorian village in the Gwydir Forest. Its name means “prayer house in the woods”, as it began as a monastery in the sixth century, and in Victorian times it became a favourite with artists.
Today the high street has a good mix of pubs, cafes and outdoor shops, and walking and cycling trails start right in the village.
Places to eat nearby
Pub
Pont-y-Pair
A village pub just down the road from us.
Cafe
Caban-y-Pair
A cafe in the village centre.
Pizza
Hangin’
Pizza in the middle of the village.
Tea house
Tu Hwnt I’r Bont
A tea house over the old stone bridge, and a nice stop for tea and cake.
A note on language
A little Welsh
You’ll hear Welsh spoken all around Eryri, so here are a few words to get you started.
Eryri (eh-ruh-ree)
Often said to come from eryr, an old word for highland. In English it is known as Snowdonia.
Gwersyll Cyntaf Eryri
Our Welsh name, which you’ll see on our signs. It means the same as Base Camp Snowdonia.
Y Welsh Not
In the 19th century, children caught speaking Welsh in some schools were made to wear a wooden sign called a "Welsh Not," hung around the neck as a punishment.
Diolch
Diolch means thank you. So diolch am wrando, thanks for listening.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is there parking at Base Camp Snowdonia?
We have a few parking spaces on site, and there are pay and display car parks around the village if those are full. Coming by train is easy too, as the station is just a ten minute walk away.
What is the nearest train station?
Betws-y-Coed station is about a ten minute walk from us. From London, Manchester or Liverpool you’ll change at Llandudno Junction.
What rooms do you offer?
We have mixed and female-only dorms and a handful of private rooms. Depending on the room, you’ll have an en-suite or a shared bathroom.
Is there a kitchen guests can use?
We don’t have a full kitchen, but there’s a kettle, microwave and fridge for guests, plus a long table to sit round. The Waypoint cafe and bar is downstairs too.
Are bedding and towels included?
Every bed comes made up with fresh bedding, and towels are available. If you’d like to check anything about your room, just email us at snowdonia@basecamphostels.com.
Is there somewhere to keep bikes?
Yes. There’s a bike rack in the garage above the car park, so just bring your own lock.
How do I reach Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) from the hostel?
The Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus runs from the village to the Yr Wyddfa trailheads, so you don’t need a car. It’s worth checking the timetable before you go.
Come and stay
Pick your dates and book direct with us. We’d love to see you.
Travelling as a group? See our group accommodation in Snowdonia and the Peak District, or explore our Peak District hostel in Hathersage.