A dog friendly guide to Snowdonia
A nature-lovers dream location
Located in North West Wales and covering 823 square miles of dramatic landscape with the highest mountain and largest natural lake in Wales, Snowdonia National Park is a nature-lovers dream location for an activity-filled, dog friendly stay. The park is home to both gentle strolls and more mountainous trails and boasts many places to eat, drink and rest weary feet (and paws).
TOP TIP
If you want to walk to the top of Snowdon, we’d recommend The Snowdon Ranger Path as it’s the quietest and also the easiest – for dogs, too – if you’re not that keen on steps. You’ll find sheep on all the routes so be mindful that dogs must be kept on the lead at all times.
WHERE TO STAY IN SNOWDONIA
The Longbarn at Caerfallen is the perfect place from which to explore Snowdonia. Located on an historic farm in the Vale of Clwyd, this newly renovated barn is a short drive away from both Snowdonia National Park and the North Wales coast. Head in any direction from the property and you’ll be greeted with beautiful scenery and incredible walks. It sleeps six humans and welcomes two dogs.
WHERE TO EAT IN SNOWDONIA
A visit to Wales wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a castle; there are over 600 of them, after all. Harlech Castle sits on the edge of the National Park, close to the coast, with stunning views over Cardigan Bay. And you can visit with your dog, too! Ground floor levels only though, so you’ll have to take it in turns to pop to the top and admire the full view, sorry. You’ll find Y Branwen at the foot of the castle; a gorgeous brasserie and bar serving seasonal food and local ales. Book a table in the dog friendly bar so you can be assured of the perfect place to enjoy your lunch with your four-legged friend at your feet. And don’t leave without saying hi to Mia, the resident Chow Chow.
Alternatively, stock up on the best of Welsh produce from the family run Bodnant Welsh Food in the heart of the Conwy Valley. With a deli, bakery, butchery and wine cellar (we love the Ancre Hill Estates Rosé – yes, Welsh wine!), your self-catering holiday will be a delicious-tasting one.
WHERE TO GO IN SNOWDONIA
Dog lovers can’t visit Snowdonia without spending time in the pretty village of Beddgelert and visiting the famous Welsh landmark, Gelert’s Grave.
It’s believed that Gelert was the faithful dog of Welsh Prince, Llewelyn the Great. Alas, Llewelyn tragically slayed Gelert after mistakenly believing that his trusty dog had killed his infant son. However, the brave dog was merely protecting the child from a predatory wolf. A remorseful Llewelyn then buried Gelert close to the river and never smiled again.
But don’t let Llewelyn’s grief stop you from taking the walk from the village to Gelert’s Grave; it’s been voted one of the best short walks in Snowdonia. Follow the National Trust trail.
Tucked away in a forgotten corner of Snowdonia National Park, a visit to Dolgoch Falls will make you feel like you’ve stumbled out of Wales and into a tropical rainforest. The lush gorge where you will find this series of waterfalls is a revelation of just how many shades of green there are: the humidity from the spray and the shelter from the wind has created an environment where hundreds of different plant species can thrive. It definitely feels like you could be in South America rather than the UK.
For more waterfalls, head to Rhaeadr Ddu, ‘the Black Falls’, or venture to Coed-y- Brenin forest park to combine waterfall spotting with mountain biking. For families, the seaside towns of Tywyn and Barmouth are only a short drive away, where hours can be spent playing on the beaches (specific sections are dog friendly) and enjoying the obligatory seaside fish & chips. Families might also enjoy a trip on the Talyllyn Railway, a half day excursion with stops at Dolgoch and Abergynolwyn, with dogs getting their own ‘dog rover’ ticket (£4).
If you love hiking, you are more than spoiled for choice in this part of the world, with the mountains calling left, right and centre. The most popular peak in the region is Cadair Idris (popular but by no means busy), where just a few other walkers are likely to cross your path. To really get into the wild, head for the Rhinogs or the Arans, with Aran Fawddwy the highest mountain in Britain south of Snowdon. You’re unlikely to see any other people on this mountain, but if you’re lucky you might spot some aircraft practising manoeuvres, with the Mach Loop passing through the valley.
