On this trip I stayed in two places:
- YHA Snowdon Ranger. When I found I couldn’t book the B&B for all 7 nights, I went for the obvious option for the first night. It’s just down the road from Beddgelert. Unlike recent experiences though, this time I had to share a room but I did at least get the last bottom bunk. Sleeping accommodation and washrooms pretty standard but no reading light for each bunk. I had a meal of cod, chips and peas (ok) washed down with a pint of Rampart (Conwy Brewery), followed by fruits of the forest crumble and custard (which was superb). Total meal cost £12.90. Bed and breakfast cost £21.35.
- Plas Gwyn B&B, Beddgelert. Weighing in at £30 per night for a single with shared bathroom, this is pretty much what I’d expect for the money. Friendly, it’s all first names and as there are only 3 tables in the breakfast room, it’s a bit communal. Breakfast ok, but would have liked more fruit choice. Being a single, my room was quite small (although it was big enough) and I noticed that it was a fold up bed. But it was sufficiently comfortable for a good night’s sleep. The real star of the show, however, is the drying room which turned soaking wet gear into bone dry gear overnight every time (apart from one time when a fellow guest left the door open, grrrrrr). Would probably stay here again, simply because of the drying room. Note that you have to pay with cash or cheque, but you do get a free pen!
And I ate and drank at the following places:
- Saracens Head, Beddgelert. Bangers and mash washed down with a pint of Double Top. Only 2 sausages and not that £uch flavour in them or the mash. They also lost a point for giving me cauliflower. Despite the fact that the bar was empty and that I sat right by the bar, and paid for my meal straightaway, the barman still asked me if I had a tab open when I ordered dessert. Food was ok, but not spectacular.
- Prince Llewelyn, Beddgelert. The barmaid watched me walk in, study the menu and order a beer which poured and only then told me that they weren’t doing food. I walked out in disgust.
- Tanronnen Inn, Beddgelert. At last I’ve found the decent pub. Very busy when I walked in so got my food and drink ordered and a table secured quickly. Chilli with rice and chips (£8.95) was quite good and the pint of Double top was too (all the pubs in Beddgelert seem to have it). I clearly picked the place the locals go to. Went there on subsequent nights too, having a good roast chicken, ok ham egg and chips, chicken chasseur (good), and steak, leek and ale pie.
