If you’re heading to Eryri, Yr Wyddfa is probably already on your radar. And yes, it absolutely deserves a place on your list. But some of the finest walking in North Wales happens well away from the summit crowds, on routes that offer just as much drama with a fraction of the footfall.

Based above Llanberis at Lodge Dinorwig, you’re brilliantly placed to explore the full range of what this corner of Eryri has to offer. Here are five walks that regularly steal the show for guests staying with us.

Distance: 7 to 8 miles | Difficulty: Moderate

This one starts practically on our doorstep. The Elidir Fawr Horseshoe takes in Elidir Fawr and Carnedd y Filiast in a satisfying circuit above the old Dinorwig Quarry, with the industrial landscape below adding something genuinely different to the walk. Elidir Fawr is one of the Welsh 3000s, so you’re ticking off a serious summit, but at 7 to 8 miles and around 4 to 5 hours it’s a very manageable day out rather than an epic slog.

From the top you get fantastic views of Snowdon, as well as sweeping sightlines across Llanberis, the Glyderau and over to Anglesey.

Despite being so close to Yr Wyddfa, this route stays remarkably quiet. It’s a firm favourite for us, and one of our top recommendations for any confident walker looking for a brilliant mountain day without the crowds.

Distance: 8 miles | Difficulty: Moderate

Starting right from Llanberis, this walk heads up onto Moel Eilio and from the top continues along the ridge until you reach Bwlch Maes Cwm, where a clear path drops back down into Llanberis to complete the loop.

It’s a fantastic 4 to 5 hour day with surprisingly far-reaching views, none of the technical terrain you’ll find on some of the neighbouring peaks, and very few other walkers to contend with.

Distance: 6 to 8 miles | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Standing apart from the main Eryri ranges above Capel Curig, Moel Siabod has a genuinely mountainous feel despite being a single summit. The panorama from the top is exceptional, taking in Yr Wyddfa, and much of the national park in one sweep.

If you want to make the most of it, the ascent via the Daear Ddu ridge is a Grade 1 scramble that adds a real sense of adventure to the day. It’s hands-on enough to feel like a proper mountain route, and the exposure on the ridge makes the summit feel well earned.

Allow 5 to 6 hours for the full route. It’s around a 30-minute drive from the hostel, and the isolated position gives Moel Siabod a character that busier peaks simply can’t match.

Distance: 8 to 10 miles | Difficulty: Hard

The Nantlle Ridge doesn’t get the same attention as some of Eryri’s more famous routes, and that’s exactly what makes it worth seeking out. The circular route starts from Rhyd Ddu, heads up to Y Garn (not to be confused with the Y Garn above Cwm Idwal) and then follows the ridge across several peaks, before looping back through the beautiful Coedwig Beddgelert woodland to the start.

There’s a Grade 1 scramble involved on the ascent of Mynydd Drws-y-Coed, where the ridge gets narrow and exposed. It’s not technically extreme, but you’ll want a head for heights and to be confident on your feet.

Because the route doesn’t follow any of the classic Yr Wyddfa paths, it stays quiet in a way that many Eryri walks simply don’t. It’s about a 30 to 40 minute drive from Lodge Dinorwig, so allow a full day and make the most of it.

Distance: 4 to 5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate

Starting from Ogwen Cottage in the heart of the Ogwen Valley, this loop takes you through one of Eryri’s most dramatic glacial landscapes before climbing to the summit of Y Garn.

It’s a relatively compact route at around 4 to 5 miles, but don’t underestimate it as the elevation gain is significant. Allow around 3 hours.

These five routes barely scratch the surface of what’s on offer in Eryri, but they’re a strong starting point for anyone who wants to get beyond the obvious. From the hostel you can head straight onto the hills, come back to a hot shower and a homecooked dinner, and plan tomorrow’s route over breakfast.

If you want advice on any of these walks, or help picking the right route for your group and ability level, just ask when you book. We know this mountain landscape pretty well, and we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.