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Thinking of going to Snowdonia for a week in the summer, where's a good place to stay that offers good walks from the doorstep, a good pub, and good riding within a short drive (ideally from the doorstep but can't have everything)? I've only ever been to Dolgellau which I liked and would be happy with, just wanted to see if there are any other options!
For context, we really like Hawkshead in the Lakes which offers all of those things but we've been a few years in a row now and it's time for something different. While I'd be happy to go somewhere else in the Lakes, Wife is generally unenthused by the idea and isn't a cyclist so I can't tempt her with all the awesome trails I've still to explore up there!
I'd stick with Dolgellau, especially if there for a week, as you've got easier access to more types of stuff (i.e. you can do a walk up a mountain or a walk to the seaside from your door). Plus, it's got a reasonable selection of reasonable pubs/places to eat which, *dons flameproof suit*, cannot be said for most North Wales towns
Betws-y-Coed is nice, but busy !
Depends on what 'good walks' means - big hills, or just good walks?
Hawkshead-like? Maybe Beddgelert, Betws-y-coed or Llanwrst? None of them are quite as chocolate-boxy, obviously.
Ones I'd rule out would include Llanberis and Blaenau Ffestiniog, which aren't Hawksheady, TBH.
Depends on what ‘good walks’ means – big hills, or just good walks?
Good walks is fine, hills are good but we tend not to do big big hills as we walk on the days I'm not on the bike.
I'd seen Betws-y-coed mentioned as somewhere good to stay, will check out accommodation there as well!
Not far from Betws is Trefriw which is quite nice. I can't vouch for accommodation as I've only ever stayed in a hut up in the hills but the Old Ship Inn is a nice pub which does good food. Apart from the Betws area you also have access to Llyn Cowlyd and the area north of there (e.g. Drum).
I'd go for Porthmadog, it's got a bit of a buzz, nice location on the waterfront, pretty accessible with the advantages of the Ffestiniog Railway and Welsh Highland Railway that both terminate there, which makes for a pleasant train-walking combo for days out.
Betws. Marin and Penmachno from your doorstep. Lots of lovely walks. Biggest mountains 10 mins drive.
Dioni have some really nice places around that neck of the woods:
Rhyd Du?
Quieter side of the hill?
As someone who is there very regularly I’d stay in Betws-y-Coed. I’m going at the end of this month with my partner who also isn’t interested in cycling and only fairly straight forward walks.
There’s a really simple walk from Betws-y-coed up to the reservoir where the views can be really nice on a clear day. It’s a good enough walk to allow a non Walker/non outdoors person to feel remote and challenged, but it really isn’t. There’s also another nice and flatter walk following the river to the Ugly Tea House.
It’s also not that busy these days. I was there last week and it’s no where near the same as pre lockdown. Even in the summer it wasn’t crazy busy.
Riding wise you can’t really go wrong:-
So downsides, because it has the shops and bars in a fairly small place, it probably has more of an Ambleside vibe to it. It’s not as busy as it was, but you’ll still need to plan ahead and book where to eat.
For days out Llanberis is a nice and pleasant 20 minute drive. As a suggestion, you can book the train to the top of Snowdon, or walk it up and train down.
Conwy again is 20 minutes away. Nice castle worth a visit. My partner likes going over to Colwyn Bay for fish and chips and a stroll along the prom. Probably 25 mins.