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).

Guests

21

Bedrooms

5

Number of dogs welcome

4

Reference

BH104

Acorn rating

1What's this

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 single bedroom (perfect for group leader). Drying room with lockers.

First floor: Long hall with four bunkrooms: two sleeping six in bunk beds, one sleeping four in bunk beds and one with limited headroom that sleeps four. 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.

• Cot & high chair, not available
• Fridge, available
• Dishwasher, available
• Tumble dryer, not available
• Television, not available
• WiFi, not available
• Garden, not available
• Microwave, available
• Freezer, available
• Washing machine, available
• Telephone, not available
• DVD, not available
• Open fire / wood burner, available
• BBQ, not available

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.

Acorn Rating: Please note, that while bothies and bunkhouses show a 1 Acorn rating on this site, facilities are more limited. A bothy offers a ‘camping with walls’ experience, usually with no electricity or running water. Bunkhouses provide simple accommodation for groups – mostly dormitories with bunk beds – showers, electricity and heating.

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’re using one of our cottages for a celebration. If you’re planning on inviting more than two day guests, we’d like to have a chat. We’d be grateful if you could complete the group booking form at the bottom of the page and send it in to guestrelations@nationaltrust.org.uk so that we can ensure the day is right for you.