| Issue 17 | |
March 2003 |
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YHA Bryn Gwynant is a Victorian mansion set in extensive grounds overlooking Llyn Gwynant, four miles from the village of Beddgelert. Nearby is the start of the Watkin path to the summit of Snowdon, a route involving over 1000m of ascent. It is naturally very popular with serious mountain walkers but there are many less strenuous walks in the area and the views from the hostel itself are sufficient reason to pay it a visit
The Gwynant valley unfortunately is not immune to the vagaries of the British climate and my recent visit to the hostel was a complete washout in the meteorological sense. Heading towards the hostel the rain was lashing down and I stopped at the Clogwyn cafe in Capel Curig for lunch. While eating my hot homemade soup I watched walkers plodding past, forlorn in their hoods and overtrousers. Only the canoeists looked happy, excited even, as they plunged through the white water of the swollen river Llugwy.
Pressing on I took the road towards Pen-y-Gwryd. The countryside was veined with foaming white cataracts, spilling over onto the road, washing the winter salt from beneath the car, adding a new dramatic dimension to the spectactular scenery: this was fine when viewed from the warmth and dryness of the car.
Arriving at the hostel in early afternoon, a short dash from the car park was followed by a leisurly time in the lounge, drinking coffee and watching the sheets of rain drifting through the valley.
Sadly the following morning brought only a brief respite before the rain returned, so a short walk up the lower reaches of the Watkin path was followed by an early return home.
[NOTE: The photos accompanying this article were taken on another occasion ]
Snowdon is the big magnet. The approach from this southern side of the mountain is not for those looking for a quick easy way to the top. Setting off from little above sea level the Watkin path involves an 8 mile round trip with 3363 ft of ascent. The early stages of the route are attractive and easy but the final push to the summit is up a steep, rather unpleasant, shaley slope.
An alternative and probably better route vears to the left just before the Gladstone Rock and follows the southern ridge to Bwlch Main and the summit.
Around the lake. From near the entrance to the western drive to the hostel a footpath crosses a bridge over the Afon Glaslyn and leads to a route around Llyn Gwynant, returning to the hostel by the east drive; an enjoyable walk of around 1½ hours.
Woodland Walk This is a waymarked trail through the extensive hostel grounds, giving some good views of the lake and surrounding mountains: follow the brown triangles and look out for the remains of the Japanese garden. Time for this walk is around 45 mins.
Bryn Gwynant youth hostel, with its position overlooking the lake, must be in one of the most picturesque settings in the whole of Wales. The lake can be viewed from the well furnished, spacious and comfortable lounge. The approach to the hostel is up one of two drives, both relatively lengthy and at the time of my visit both a little rough in parts. There is a small members kitchen with an attractive dining area nearby, separate from the main dining room, and there is a full meals service available. The large parking area is situated by the coach-house, a few minutes walk from the main building of the hostel. The coach house also contains some of the bedrooms.
YHA Bryn Gwynant provides good value hostel accommodation in a superb setting, with access on foot to the summit of Snowdon, and only 4 miles from the popular tourist village of Beddgelert.
