Gateway to Eryri Weekend
17 people attending
0 places left
2 people waitlisted
Eryri National Park offers a whole host of outdoor activities. We are offering the opportunity to spend two nights here in a cosy bunkhouse (with the option of staying the Sunday night at no additional cost), from where we can take to the mountains or forests for possible walking, scrambling, climbing or mountain biking (depending on leaders attending).
The bunkhouse is located on the very eastern edge of Eryri, north of the Migneint and just south of Mynydd Hiraethog, with many walking options nearby. However, we'll also only be a short drive to some of the more famous walking routes in the mountains, or the mountain bike trails at Penmachno, Betws y Coed or Blaenau Ffestiniog.
This bunkhouse is ideal for anyone who hasn't been to a hostel or bunkhouse event before, as it is a smaller event than some of the bigger hostels - easier to get to know everyone!
As with all our hostel events, we will look for volunteers to assist with cooking and chores in the centre and to help lead activities.
Our Accommodation
We will be staying in a 400-year-old, grade II listed former farm building on the edge of Eryri National Park and Mynydd Hiraethog. The bunkhouse is located just south of Betws y Coed on the 8,000-hectare Ysbyty Estate (the largest single estate that the National Trust looks after). The building is full of cosy character, with exposed wooden beams and space to eat outdoors if the weather is fine.
Activities
The hostel leader will offer a full day of walking on Saturday (10+ miles) and there will be similar on Sunday. Depending on the event leaders available, there may be other mountain walks available and the possibility of other activities.
Sunday night
The event is being offered as a two night event, finishing Sunday. However, you can stay a third night on the Sunday at no additional cost, if you wish. This will help to make more of the journey and extend you break, but to be aware that whilst there is likely to be enough food for Monday breakfast, an evening meal on Sunday is not included and if you are staying Sunday, you'll need to provide your own meal, either at the hostel or going out to a pub to eat. Please let the leader know nearer the time if you intend on staying Sunday.
Dogs: Sorry, this event is not suitable for dogs.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Photo of inside of bunkhouse photos used with permission of National Trust.
All other photos leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
What to bring
A mattress protector, one pillow and a pillow protector are provided, but you will need to bring all other bedding/sleeping bag.
You will also need appropriate clothing and equipment for whatever walks or activities you intend to take part in. For higher level walks this will include boots and waterproofs. See the kit list below... We are on the edge of winter so anything from warm weather to snow could be expected (it snowed this weekend in 2024!)
- Water: bring at least two litres
- Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
- Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
- Boots: waterproof (or waterproof socks...) and breathable and designed for hiking. If you wear your best trainers they may get ruined.
- Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, I would recommend waterproof socks.
- Layered clothing:
- A base layer (thermal/t-shirt) to keep you warm in all conditions
- A mid layer (fleece/jumper) that keeps you warm but can be removed if necessary
- Trousers: No jeans (weather dependent) as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and if it is warm, shorts are OK.
- We are in a wildlife area, so ticks are a problem and they can carry lymes disease. I would suggest a full check for ticks after the walk.
- There may also be stinging nettles
- Gaiters: These are optional but can keep mud off your trousers and water out of your boots. These should be worn over your trousers
- Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
- Waterproof trousers: essential. You should be able to put these on over your boots should the weather become poor
- Headtorch: The walk should finish before dark but given the time of year, a fully charged headtorch should be taken
- Hat or cap: to provide some shade from the sun
- Sunglasses: so you're not squinting in the sun
- Sun cream: Yes, essential even if overcast (Get a SFP30+ with UVA 5*, most supermarket own brands are good here)
- Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
- Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Friday night buffet: Please bring one item for the buffet that can be shared easily. Just enough for one or two people and please think imaginatively and try to avoid quiche, pizza and oven chips! If you are unsure what others are thinking of bringing, a Telegram group will be set up nearer the time to coordinate plans.
Saturday and Sunday breakfasts: Included in the cost and likely to be options of toast, cereals and fruit
Saturday lunch: You will need to bring your own packed lunch, snacks and drinks for the day walk.
Saturday dinner: Included in the event cost and please make sure your dietary requirements are up to date on your profile! Dinner will consist of a main course and a dessert
Teas and Coffees: Included in the event cost and provided throughout the weekend
You should additionally bring any snacks you wish to have throughout the weekend, along with any drinks you wish to consume
If you are staying through Sunday night then please note the following:
There is no dinner provided for Sunday night so you'll need to cater for yourself. If you intend to walk with us on Sunday also then you will need a packed lunch in addition to the one for Saturday