Beddgelert is a small village but it packs in a lot — wild swimming, proper mountain walks, good food and relaxed evenings, all without needing to move the car once you’re here. This is my idea of a perfect day, based on what I’d actually recommend to guests staying at Perthi Holiday Cottages in Beddgelert.
1. Morning Wild Swim at Llyn Dinas
Best for: A refreshing start, scenic mountain views
Getting there: Short drive from Beddgelert
Start the day with a dip in Llyn Dinas, one of the most beautiful lakes in Eryri. Surrounded by woodland and mountains, it’s calm and peaceful first thing in the morning — proper wild swimming rather than a busy tourist spot. Go early and you’ll often have it to yourself.
Parking is available nearby. It’s a short drive from Perthi rather than walkable, so it makes sense as a first stop before swinging back through the village for breakfast.
“Go early — the lake is completely still first thing and you often have it to yourself. It sets you up for the whole day.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
2. Breakfast at Caffi Gwynant
Best for: Breakfast, coffee, locally sourced food
Location: Nant Gwynant — a short drive from Beddgelert
After your swim, drive on to Caffi Gwynant, a much-loved café at the foot of the Watkin Path. The full English breakfast here is a great start to a big day — proper fuel before heading into the hills. Good coffee and locally sourced food, and dogs are welcome outside under the glass canopy.
Note that Caffi Gwynant is closed Monday and Tuesday, and hours vary by season — check their website before you go.
3. Back to the Cottage & Pack a Picnic
Best for: Slowing the pace, preparing for the afternoon
Head back to the cottage, make a cup of tea and pack a lunch. The village shop, Emrys House, stocks everything you need if you haven’t already sorted supplies — and it saves getting back in the car mid-afternoon when you’d rather be walking.
4. Afternoon Walk from the Village
Best for: Getting into the hills without driving
One of the best things about staying in Beddgelert is that serious walks start from the door. Depending on energy levels after the morning swim, there are two good options:
👉 Medium: Aberglaslyn & Cwm Bychan Circular Walk
Through wooded valleys and dramatic river gorge scenery with plenty of good picnic spots. A steady 3–4 hour walk that doesn’t feel too long after an early swim.
👉 Hard: Moel Hebog Circular Route
A proper mountain day with 360-degree views across Snowdonia. Steep in places with a short scramble, but one of the most rewarding walks from the village. If it’s May, the lower slopes are covered in bluebells.
Both routes bring you back into Beddgelert without moving the car.
5. A Well-Earned Pint in the Village
Best for: Recovering after the walk
Back in the village, stop for a drink at one of Beddgelert’s three pubs — Saracens, Prince Llewelyn or Tanronnen. All are brewery-owned and each has its own character. Hard to beat walking straight off the mountain to a pub garden.
“The Saracens is the one closest to Perthi on the walk back — a good excuse to stop there first.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
6. Supper — Bistro or Takeaway
Best for: A relaxed evening
For dinner, Bistro Hebog is my recommendation for a proper sit-down meal — locally owned, high quality without being overdressed. If the duck is on the menu, order it. Book ahead in summer as it fills up quickly.
If you’re too tired to sit down after Moel Hebog, a takeaway pizza from Glaslyn is the easy call. Generous portions and good enough to eat on the cottage terrace with a glass of something cold.
7. Evening Stroll to Gelert’s Grave
Best for: Winding down after dinner
Round off the day with a short flat walk along the river to Gelert’s Grave. It’s a lovely way to wind down — quiet, easy and close to nature. Just enough to justify the pizza.
“This is my favourite time to do this walk — the village is quiet, the light is good and it never feels like effort after a big day.”
— Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
👉 Gelert’s Grave Easy Circular Walk
A Few Practical Notes
- Check the weather before heading out — the Met Office Snowdonia mountain forecast is the one to use for Moel Hebog
- Wear proper boots for Aberglaslyn and Moel Hebog — trail shoes aren’t enough on the wet rock sections
- Let someone know your plans if heading into the hills
- Emrys House village shop is useful for picnic supplies but has limited hours — worth checking before you rely on it
All of this is within easy reach of Perthi Holiday Cottages in Beddgelert. If you’re staying with us and want advice on any of it — which walk suits your group, whether somewhere is open that week — just ask when you arrive.
About the author: Delyth Pyrs runs Perthi self-catering holiday cottages in Beddgelert, Eryri. Her family has farmed in the area for generations.
