Nant Gwynant is one of the most beautiful valleys in Wales. Stretching from the foot of Snowdon's southern slopes to the village of Beddgelert, it contains two lakes, ancient woodland, the start of the Watkin Path, and a sequence of views — including the classic long shot of Yr Wyddfa reflected in Llyn Gwynant — that represent some of the finest mountain scenery in Britain.
The valley follows the Afon Glaslyn downstream from Glaslyn on Snowdon's southern face through Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas to Beddgelert. The A498 runs through it, giving access to the Watkin Path car park and several lakeside stopping points. The valley rewards slow exploration on foot as much as driving through — a circuit of Llyn Gwynant, for example, takes under two hours and provides constantly changing views of the mountain above.
Llyn Gwynant
The larger of the two valley lakes, Llyn Gwynant is a natural lake occupying a glacially-scoured basin beneath the southern slopes of Snowdon. The classic view — Yr Wyddfa's summit reflected in the still surface of the lake, with the ridgeline stretching either side — is one of the most reproduced mountain images in Wales. The lake is at its best on calm mornings before wind disturbs the surface and before the light becomes too harsh. A campsite on the western shore provides one of the most scenic overnight camping spots in Eryri.
The Watkin Path
The Watkin Path — the most dramatic of Snowdon's six main routes — begins at the car park in the valley and ascends through ancient oak woodland, past waterfalls and the ruins of Plas Cwmllan, through the spectacular upper cwm and over Bwlch y Saethau to the summit. Sir Edward Watkin, the railway entrepreneur who built the original path in 1892, had it formally opened by Gladstone — then aged 83. The stone on which Gladstone stood to address the crowd can still be seen.
Wildlife
The ancient oak woodland in the lower valley supports a rich community of birds including pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers in summer. Dippers work the river throughout the year. Peregrine falcons hunt above the crags. In autumn, migrating raptors follow the valley south.
Where to Stay
Hotels & Historic Inns
The Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel at the top of the Llanberis Pass is one of the most historically significant hotels in British mountaineering: the 1953 Everest team's base, its bar ceiling bearing their signatures. Simple rooms, excellent food, extraordinary atmosphere — and essential advance booking. The Glaslyn Arms at Beddgelert provides village-based accommodation within easy reach of the valley.
Farmhouse B&Bs
Several working farms in Nantgwynant take B&B guests, giving an authentic Welsh hill-farming experience alongside access to the Watkin Path and the Snowdon approaches. These tend to be well-priced (£70–£95 per room) with outstanding breakfasts from farm produce.
Self-Catering
Self-catering in Nantgwynant is limited but exceptional — stone farmhouses with direct Yr Wyddfa views in one of Wales's most beautiful valleys. National Trust self-catering at Hafod y Llan is among the most sought-after in their portfolio. Booking opens up to a year ahead and goes immediately. Lower valley cottages are available through Sykes and Welsh Country Cottages.
Camping
Llyn Gwynant Campsite (National Trust) is one of the finest in north Wales — lakeshore pitches with Yr Wyddfa visible above the valley head. Swimming in the lake is possible; the Watkin Path starts nearby. It books months ahead for summer. Essential advance booking for peak season.
Independently written — Snowdon.com