# Snowdonia and the Welsh Coast

> Eryri, also called Snowdonia, covers about 2,130 km² of mountains in north-west Wales, with a short Cardigan Bay coast. Narrow passes and strict overnight rul

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/snowdonia-and-welsh-coast/

Eryri, also called Snowdonia, covers about 2,130 km² of mountains in north-west Wales, with a short Cardigan Bay coast. Narrow passes and strict overnight rules shape a motorhome trip.

- **Region:** Wales, UK
- **Highest peak:** Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), 1,085 m
- **Established:** National park, 1951
- **Road:** A55, A470, A4086, A5
- **Best season:** Late spring to early autumn

No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.

## What should you know before visiting Snowdonia and the Welsh Coast?

- The national park was created in 1951. Its authority now prefers the Welsh names Eryri for the area and Yr Wyddfa for Snowdon, which is 1,085 m high.
- Overnight stays in a campervan or caravan are not allowed in the park's car parks, including Pen y Pass. Roadsides and lay-bys are also discouraged. Book an official campsite early.
- At Pen y Pass, in the Llanberis Pass, parking must be booked in advance during the main season. Standard spaces take vehicles up to 5 m, so long motorhomes need another plan.
- Some campsites set vehicle limits, for example under 6 m or under 8 m. Check the length of your motorhome against the site before booking.

## The drive

The A55 runs along the north coast, and the A470 links Betws-y-Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Dolgellau from north to south. The A4086 climbs through the Llanberis Pass to Pen y Pass, where parking is limited. Bwlch y Groes, at 545 m, is described as the second-highest public road mountain pass in Wales. Its southern ascent is steep, up to about 1 in 4, on minor roads near Dinas Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn. The park has about 37 km of coast on Cardigan Bay, with Harlech, Barmouth and Tywyn along it.

## Camping

The national park authority says overnight stays in campervans and caravans in its car parks are not allowed, and it advises against roadsides and lay-bys. In England and Wales there is no general right to camp in open country without the landowner's permission. Book an official campsite well ahead, as sites fill quickly. Garth Farm takes campervans under 6 m, Llechrwd vehicles under 8 m. Check the park authority's page for current rules.

## FAQs

**Can I park overnight at Pen y Pass in a motorhome?**
No. Overnight camping and stays in campervans or motorhomes are not permitted at Pen y Pass or in other park authority car parks. Standard spaces also take vehicles only up to 5 m. Check the park authority before you travel.

**What is the alternative to Pen y Pass for walkers?**
A Park & Ride at Nant Peris, about 3 miles down the pass, has buses to Pen y Pass and Llanberis. Services and timetables change by season, so check the Sherpa bus information.

**Is the whole Welsh coast in Snowdonia?**
No. The park itself has about 23 miles (37 km) of coast on Cardigan Bay. The north coast with the A55 lies largely outside it, but it is a quick link to the mountains.

## Places to see

- [Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)](https://camping-spirit.com/places/snowdon/)
- [South Stack Lighthouse](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b15-south-stack/)
- [Portmeirion](https://camping-spirit.com/places/portmeirion/)
- [Beaumaris Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b15-beaumaris-castle/)
- [Porthdinllaen](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b15-porthdinllaen/)
- [Criccieth Castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b15-criccieth-castle/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in United Kingdom](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/united-kingdom/)