Skip to content
Beddgelert, Gwynedd

Watkin Bunkhouse

The Watkin Path, passing Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd
The Watkin Path, passing Watkin Bunkhouse, taken in winter before restoration work began, Gwynedd | © National Trust
The area surrounding Craflwyn Hall and cottages, Gwynedd
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and other peaks, viewed from the south, with Hafod y Llan in the distance, Gwynedd

Watkin Bunkhouse

This spacious bunkhouse is right on the Watkin Path, which leads to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It has everything you need for a walking weekend or holiday exploring Eryri (Snowdonia).

Grid of 16 images
The area surrounding Craflwyn Hall and cottages, Gwynedd
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and other peaks, viewed from the south, with Hafod y Llan in the distance, Gwynedd
The Watkin Path, passing Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd
The roof of Watkin Bunkhouse from the Watkin Path, Gwynedd
The Watkin Path, with Watkin Bunkhouse just visible through the trees, Gwynedd
The Watkin Path, with the roof of Watkin Bunkhouse just visible through the trees, Gwynedd
A view of wooded hills and valleys from one of the first-floor bedrooms at Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd
People walking the Watkin Path, near Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd
The Watkin Path with a stream on the right, near Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd
The Watkin Path, near Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd
Waterfalls near the Watkin Path, Gwynedd
Llyn Gwynant (Lake Gwynant) near Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd
Stone buildings and bridge over the River Colwyn at Beddgelert, near Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd
The area surrounding Craflwyn Hall, Gwynedd
The area surrounding Craflwyn Hall, Gwynedd
Views of the wooded hills and mountains near Watkin Bunkhouse, Gwynedd

© National Trust

This spacious bunkhouse is right on the Watkin Path, which leads to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It has everything you need for a walking weekend or holiday exploring Eryri (Snowdonia).

At a glance

Guests
22
Bedrooms
5
Number of dogs welcome
4
Reference
BH104
Acorn rating
BunkhouseWhat's this

About Watkin Bunkhouse

Watkin Bunkhouse, named after the famous path that passes by on its way to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), is a great place to gather for a walking break. It’s a challenging eight miles to the summit and back, and you’ll be surrounded by mountain views and big landscapes, as well as more leisurely farmland walks. This area is steeped in myth and legend, with local trails that take in ancient tales of magic and dragons, as well as heath, woodland, waterfalls and lakes.

You’ll be down the track from Hafod y Llan, a historically important hill farm managed by the National Trust, with an area designated as a National Nature Reserve. The Watkin Path leads past it up steep, dramatic slopes dotted with remnants of Victorian slate quarries and copper mines, reminders of Cwm Llan’s industrial past. This was the first designated footpath in Britain and opened in 1892, taking its name from Sir Edward Watkin, a Liberal Member of Parliament and railway entrepreneur, who was eager for visitors to be able to reach the famous peak.

The bunkhouse is a traditional stone building and inside you’ll find a warm place to rest, with plenty of room to come together to eat, relax and talk about the day’s adventures.

Beddgelert village is three miles away, and has a shop and pub.

Layout

Ground floor: Open-plan kitchen and dining room. Sitting room with woodburner. Accessible wet room. Small bunkroom sleeping two. Drying room with with washing machine and plenty of space for drying and storing equipment.

First floor: Long hall with four bunkrooms: two sleeping eight in bunk beds, one sleeping two in bunk beds and one twin bedroom with limited headroom that sleeps two in single beds. Two large bathrooms (one for male guests and one for female guests) with shower cubicles and toilet cubicles. Exit from first floor to Watkin Path.

Outside space

Parking in front. Outdoor seating.

Features and facilities

  • Wi-Fi, not available
  • Garden, not available
  • EV charging, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Freezer, available
  • Microwave, available
  • Open fire / wood burner, available
  • Television, not available
  • DVD, not available
  • Washing machine, available
  • Dishwasher, available
  • Tumble dryer, not available
  • BBQ, not available
  • Cot & high chair, not available

Location

Accessibility

Uneven floors. Ground floor bedroom and wet room are unsuitable for wheelchairs. The river runs by, fenced and with a gate. We are waiting for a full accessibility guide and internal photos for this bunkhouse. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

More information

Photographs: We are waiting for photographs of Watkin Bunkhouse, which will be added here soon.

Parking: Dedicated parking for up to six cars in front of the bunkhouse.

Please note: A river runs nearby, which is fenced off, but with gated access. Children and dogs should be supervised.

Bedding/linen: We do not provide duvets or linen at this accommodation, so guests need to bring their own. Mattress protectors and pillows with protectors are provided.

Logs: The fire will be laid for you on arrival and a starter supply of logs, fire lighters and kindling will be provided free of charge. Guests will need to source any additional logs elsewhere. Wood can be purchased from Hafod y Llan Campsite from April-October. The campsite is closed in other months and only accepts cash.

Is this bunkhouse for you? Our bunkhouses are perfect for guests who want to enjoy the outdoors and meet up with friends and family. We do not accept hen and stag groups at this bunkhouse.

There are neighbours nearby, so we respectfully ask that you keep noise to a minimum after 11pm.

Having a celebration? We're pleased that you would like to use one of our cottages for a celebration. If you're planning to invite more than two day guests, please complete this enquiry form before booking, so that we can ensure the cottage is right for you.

Book together...

Two other holiday cottages and a campsite are just along the farm track from Watkin Bunkhouse.

An aerial view of Hafod y Llan Campsite, Gwynedd

Hafod y Llan Campsite 

A simple, rustic campsite just below the Watkin Path at the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), by the Cwm Llan river.

The exterior of Hen Dy, Gwynedd, Gwynedd

Hen Dy 

Characterful stone-built cottage on the Hafod Y Llan estate, great for exploring Eryri (Snowdonia). Sleeps eight.

The exterior of Y Wenallt, Gwynedd

Y Wenallt 

A cosy and simple first floor escape above a farmhouse, in the stunning setting of the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain range, perfect for walkers. Sleeps two.

Exploring the area...

A view from Dinas Emrys, Beddgelert, North Wales, looking towards a cloud-covered peak with a tree in the foreground.
Place
Place

Craflwyn and Beddgelert 

Unwind amongst the wooded foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

near Beddgelert, Gwynedd

Fully open today
Heather and rock outcrops on Hafod Y Llan farm, with Yr Aran summit in the distance, Snowdonia, Wales
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Hafod y Llan 

Discover things to do at Hafod y Llan farm, Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales on the slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) including walks and nature to see.

View of lake stretching into distance with rocky hill to on side
Trail
Trail

Craflwyn, Hafod y Llan and Llyn Dinas walk 

Wales

Explore the wild and lonely heath and ffridd beneath Yr Aran, the lower slope of Wales' highest peak, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the amazing waterfalls of Afon Cwm Llan and the stunning Llyn Dinas lake on this circular walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6.5 (km: 10.4)
View from Mynydd Sygun, Snowdonia
Trail
Trail

Craflwyn Ranger Run 

Wales

Discover a landscape steeped in legend and rich in history as you run the ranger's route and learn about some of the work carried out in the area, to help keep it special and rich in wildlife.

Activities
Running
DistanceMiles: 10.5 (km: 16.8)