FAQ

We’ve answered the most common questions about staying at Lodge Dinorwig in North Wales. If you can’t find what you need, just drop us a message — we’re always happy to help.

Location and Getting Here

Where exactly is Lodge Dinorwig located?

Lodge Dinorwig is located in Dinorwig, Caernarfon, North Wales, LL55 3EY. We sit on the edge of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, with stunning views of Snowdon and overlooking Llyn Padarn. We’re just 3 miles from Llanberis village and 1 mile from the historic Dinorwig Slate Quarry. Our position makes us the perfect base for exploring Snowdonia, hiking Snowdon, and discovering North Wales attractions.

How do I get to Lodge Dinorwig by car?

From Manchester or Liverpool:
Take the A55 towards Bangor and exit at Junction 11. Follow the signs for Llanberis in Eryri (Snowdonia), then turn off the A4244 towards Deiniolen. Drive through Deiniolen and continue for about a mile to Dinorwig village. You’ll find Lodge Dinorwig Hostel on the right-hand side as you enter the village, with free on-site parking located just behind the building.

From South Wales:
Follow the A5 north through Wales towards Snowdonia National Park, then take the A4244 towards Llanberis. Turn off to Deiniolen, drive through the village, and continue for another mile to Dinorwig. Lodge Dinorwig will be on your right, and parking is available free of charge behind the building.

Can I get to Lodge Dinorwig with public transport?

The nearest train station is Bangor, around 10 miles from Lodge Dinorwig. From Bangor, there are two main options to reach us by bus:

Option 1 – Via Deiniolen:
Take the Snowdon Sherpa S2 bus from Bangor train station towards Llanberis. Get off in Deiniolen, Rhyd Fadog. You can either walk the final mile uphill from Deiniolen to Dinorwig (with great views) or change in Deiniolen to the S3 Sherpa bus, which stops right by our hostel.

Option 2 – Via Caernarfon:
Take a bus from Bangor to Caernarfon — a lovely detour if you’d like to see the castle — then hop on the Sherpa S3 bus towards Dinorwig. This bus stops directly outside Lodge Dinorwig.

Buses generally run hourly or every other hour, so it’s best to check the latest Sherpa timetables before travelling. You can find up-to-date schedules on the Sherpa website.

Is parking free at Lodge Dinorwig?

Yes, parking is completely free at Lodge Dinorwig. We have ample on-site parking for guest vehicles.

How far is it from Lodge Dinorwig to Snowdon?

You can see Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) from Lodge Dinorwig Hostel, and it’s just a few miles away, depending on the hiking route you choose. The closest trailhead is the Llanberis Path, around 3 miles from the hostel — a route you can walk to in about 45 minutes.

For other routes, the Snowdon Sherpa bus S3, which stops right outside our front door, can take you to the start of the Rhyd Ddu Path or the Ranger Path. From Llanberis, you can catch another Sherpa bus to Pen-y-Pass, where the Pyg Track and Miners Track begin.

We’re happy to provide detailed directions and recommendations for each Snowdon trail to help you plan your hike in Snowdonia National Park (Eryri).

What's near Lodge Dinorwig besides Snowdon?

Within easy reach of Lodge Dinorwig, you’ll find:

  • Dinorwig Slate Quarry  – Historic industrial heritage site and climbing mecca
  • Llanberis, Betws-Y-Coed, Beddgelert – Villages with shops, cafes, and charming character
  • Zip World – Europe’s fastest zip line and quarry tours
  • North Wales coastline – Beaches, cliffs, lighthouses and coastal walks
  • Caernarfon Castle – UNESCO World Heritage castle
  • Conwy Castle – Historic medieval castle

Room & Accommodation

What accommodation does Lodge Dinorwig offer?

Lodge Dinorwig is a small, friendly hostel with a just one bunkroom sleeping up to 14 guests. We don’t have private rooms, but the bunkroom is designed for comfort and convenience:

  • Comfortable beds with individual curtains, reading lights, and small shelves

  • Power sockets at each bed for charging devices

  • Lockers just outside the room for secure storage

  • Clean, well-maintained facilities with all bedding provided

It’s an ideal base for solo travellers, couples, or groups visiting Snowdonia (Eryri) who want a simple, cosy place to stay while exploring the area.

Can I book just one bed in a dorm?

Absolutely! You can book individual beds in our dorm rooms. This is perfect for solo travelers and backpackers. Simply select “1 bed” when booking, and you’ll share a dorm with other guests.

Can I book the whole hostel?

Yes, you can book Lodge Dinorwig exclusively for your group. Please contact us directly by phone or message to arrange your booking. Prices start from £410 per night.

How many beds does Lodge Dinorwig have in total?

We have 14 beds in our hostel. This small size means we maintain a genuinely friendly atmosphere and personalized service—we’re not a large chain hostel.

Are the beds comfortable? What's included?

Yes, our beds are very comfortable with quality mattresses, and each comes with clean bed linen and 2 pillows. Guests often mention how much they appreciate the comfort in their reviews. You don’t need to bring your own sleeping bag or bedding, as we provide everything you need for a great night’s sleep. Each beds has a curtain for privacy, a little shelf for your bits and bobs and power sockets to charge your devices.

Food & Catering

What meals are included in my stay?

Breakfast is included with every night you stay at Lodge Dinorwig. It’s a hearty, home-cooked breakfast to fuel your day of adventure. You can add packed lunches (£7.00) and evening meals (from £13.50) to your booking.

What does breakfast include?

We serve a home-cooked breakfast every morning from 8:00–9:00am and you can enjoy fantastic views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) while you eat. Choose from meaty, vegetarian, or vegan options, plus we always have cereal, juice, and tea available. In the mornings, we also switch on our posh coffee machine, so you can enjoy a flat white or cappuccino before heading out for your adventures.

If you’re leaving early, just let us know and we’ll leave out cereal, porridge, fruit, and toast for you. We can also accommodate any dietary requirements — just mention them when you book.

Do you offer evening meals?

Yes! After a long day exploring Snowdonia (Eryri), many guests enjoy our hearty, homemade evening meals, perfect for comfort and refuelling. Our menu includes favourites like lasagne, curry, and chilli, with meaty, vegetarian, and vegan options available.

Evening meals are available from £13.50, and pre-booking is essential. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with fellow guests in the common areas. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.

Can you provide packed lunches for hiking?

Absolutely — this is one of our specialties! We prepare proper packed lunches for guests heading out – perfect for fuelling your mountain adventure in Snowdonia (Eryri). Each lunch, priced at £7.50, includes one of our world-famous homemade flapjacks, a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a bag of crisps — and yes, even the crisps are plastic-free.

You can add a packed lunch to your booking in advance, or simply let us know when you check in.

Do you cater to dietary requirements?

Yes! We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and other dietary preferences. We do our very best to accommodate everyone, but please note that we have a small kitchen and cannot guarantee a 100% nut-free or gluten-free environment. If you have any questions or concerns, just get in touch. We take dietary requirements seriously and want to make sure you feel comfortable staying (and eating!) at Lodge Dinorwig.

Is there a self-catering kitchen?

We don’t have a full self-catering kitchen, but guests have access to a microwave, kettle, toaster, and a fridge.

Facilities & Amenities

What facilities does Lodge Dinorwig offer?

  • Common room – Cosy sofas, board games, and mountain views to relax after a day in Snowdonia (Eryri)

  • Full catering – Free breakfast included; packed lunches and hearty dinners can be added to your stay

  • Bathrooms – Hot showers, cleaned daily (of course!)

  • Free WiFi – Available throughout the hostel

  • Free parking – On-site for all guests

  • Heating – The hostel is heated with a biomass boiler fuelled by wood pellets, keeping the building warm and cosy while being environmentally friendly

  • Lockers – Secure storage for valuables

  • Linen – we provide all the bedding (please bring your own towel)
  • Tea and coffee station – Available all day in the common area

  • Maps and local information – Trails, bus timetables, and guides for Snowdonia hikes

Is the WiFi free?

Yes, free WiFi is available throughout Lodge Dinorwig.

Can I do laundry?

We don’t have laundry facilities on-site, but there are laundrettes in Llanberis, Bangor, and Caernarfon. We’re happy to point you in the right direction if you need to wash clothes during your stay in Snowdonia (Eryri).

Are there lockers or secure storage?

Yes! There are lockers just outside the bunkroom, so you can pack or access your belongings without disturbing other guests. You can bring your own lock or borrow one from us during your stay.

Does Lodge Dinorwig provide towels and bedding?

All bedding is provided but please bring your own towel.

Group Bookings

Do you accept groups to stay at Lodge Dinorwig?

Yes! Lodge Dinorwig welcomes bookings for hiking groups, university clubs, corporate team-building, walking groups, and challenge groups such as those tackling the Welsh 3000s or the final leg of the National 3 Peaks.

Our hostel is the perfect place to relax with friends, colleagues, or teammates after a full day in the mountains. We take care of all the cooking and cleaning, so there’s no arguing over washing up — just good food, comfy beds, and a cosy atmosphere.

What size group can you accommodate?

We can accommodate groups of up to 14 guests, making Lodge Dinorwig ideal for small hiking groups, university clubs, challenge teams, or friends and colleagues visiting Snowdonia (Eryri).

Can you arrange activities or special experiences for groups?

We don’t organise activities directly, but we can point you in the right direction. Over the years, we’ve gotten to know many local mountain guides who offer exciting day hikes and adventures, and we also know the best things to do around the area. Just send us a message if you’d like some help planning your group’s activities in Snowdonia (Eryri).

What group catering options are available?

We offer full catering for groups, including breakfast, packed lunches, and hearty evening meals. We can also provide set meals for groups or even add an afternoon cake to your stay. If you have any specific ideas or requests, just get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.

Policies & Booking

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy for Lodge Dinorwig is as follows:

  • Up to 6 weeks before your stay – Full refund, including deposit

  • Up to 3 weeks before your stay – 50% refund

  • Less than 3 weeks’ notice – Full charge applies unless we can rebook your dates

It’s always worth letting us know if you can’t make it. During busy periods, we sometimes have a waiting list, so giving someone else the opportunity to stay could mean you still get a full refund — a win-win for everyone!

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 4:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM.

We always aim to have everything ready as early as possible and will contact you once your bed is ready. If you arrive before check-in, you’re welcome to store your bags in the lockers and explore Snowdonia (Eryri) luggage-free while you wait.

I'm arriving very late - is that okay?

No problem! Just let us know in advance if you’ll be arriving late. On the day of your arrival, we’ll share the front door code so you can let yourself in. We just ask that you keep noise to a minimum in case other guests are already asleep.

I want to start my hike as soon as possible - can I leave super early?

No problem! Just let us know in advance if you’ll be leaving before breakfast. We can leave out some cereal, porridge, fruit, and toast for you, and we ask that you keep noise to a minimum so other guests can sleep in.

Do you have a minimum stay requirement?

There’s no minimum stay during the week. At weekends, we normally have a two-night minimum stay, but this is reduced to one night around 4–8 weeks in advance, depending on availability.

Can I store luggage after check-out?

Yes, we can usually store your luggage securely after check-out if you’d like to explore North Wales and Snowdonia (Eryri) without your bags. Just let us know in advance — it’s normally no trouble at all, unless we have a private group booking arriving that day, in which case storage may be limited.

Can I bring my dog?

We love dogs, but to keep all our guests relaxed and comfortable, we don’t allow pets unless you’ve booked the entire hostel for your group.

If you’ve hired Lodge Dinorwig exclusively, you’re welcome to bring your dog along — but dogs aren’t allowed in the bedroom.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept debit cards, credit cards and bank transfer to secure any booking. For in-house payments, such as dinners or packed lunches we’re also happy to accept cash.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

How close is Lodge Dinorwig to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)?

We’re just outside Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, around 10 minutes from Llanberis, one of the main starting points for hikes up Yr Wyddfa. Staying with us means you’re close to the mountain but in a quiet spot with great views, perfect for unwinding after a big hike.

Which paths up Snowdon can I reach easily from the hostel?

The Llanberis Path is the closest, just a short drive from us. Pen y Pass is also easy to reach in around 25 minutes by car — just remember to pre-book parking between April and October. The start of the Watkins Path is about 35 minutes away, and the Ranger Path and Rhyd Ddu Path are roughly 30 minutes’ drive. All of these routes are easily accessible, so you can pick whichever hike suits your day.

Can I hike Snowdon without a car?

Yes! The Sherpa S3 bus stops right outside the hostel and goes directly to Rhyd Ddu or the Ranger Path. From the next village over (Deiniolen), you can catch a connection to Pen y Pass to reach the Pyg and Miners’ Tracks. It’s a simple, stress-free way to get to the trails without worrying about parking.

Do you offer early breakfasts for hikers?

Our cooked breakfast is served 8am-9am. Just let us know in advance if you’ll be leaving before breakfast. We can leave out some cereal, porridge, fruit, and toast for you.

Which Snowdon path do you recommend?

It depends a bit on the weather, trail conditions, and what kind of hike you’re after. If you want a gentle start, the Llanberis Path is great. For something quieter with lovely scenery, try Rhyd Ddu. If you fancy a bit of a challenge with beautiful waterfalls at the start, the Watkin Path is ideal. We’re always happy to help plan your route so you get the most out of your hike and stay safe.

Many guests also like to plan a looped walk to see different sides of the mountain. You could go up the Pyg Track and down the Miners’ Track, which both start and finish at Pen y Pass. Another popular option is to hike up Rhyd Ddu and down the Llanberis Path, making a longer “mega” walk back to the hostel. You can even combine buses and hikes: take the bus to Pen y Pass, go up the Pyg Track, and return via the Llanberis Path to enjoy two very different sides of Yr Wyddfa.

What should I bring for hiking Snowdon?

Hiking Yr Wyddfa is amazing, but the weather in Eryri can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared. Essentials include:

  • Waterproof jacket – a must, even if it looks sunny!

  • Extra layers – it can be much colder at the summit.

  • Sturdy hiking shoes – for rocky paths and muddy trails.

  • Warm hat and gloves – even in summer, the top can be chilly.

  • Plenty of water and snacks – you can’t always rely on the café at the summit being open, as it sometimes closes due to bad weather. Our homemade flapjacks are perfect for a sweet and salty energy boost on the trail.

  • Map – helpful if you know how to use it.

  • Phone – always good for emergencies.

A little planning goes a long way, and having the right gear will make your hike much more enjoyable. If you’re staying with us, you can pre-order packed lunches to fuel your adventure up Yr Wyddfa.

Is Snowdon suitable for beginners?

Yes! The Llanberis Path is the easiest route and doable for anyone with basic fitness, as long as you take your time and are realistic about your abilities. Remember to pace yourself, take snacks and water, and allow for breaks along the way. Keep a little energy in reserve for the way back down — reaching the summit is only halfway! With the right preparation and a steady pace, it’s an achievable and incredibly rewarding hike.

What else can I hike from Lodge Dinorwig?

If you want to explore more of Eryri, there are plenty of options beyond Yr Wyddfa close to Lodge Dinorwig

  • Ogwen Valley – just a 30-minute drive from us, this area gives you access to the Glyderau, the famous Tryfan, and the Carneddau.

  • Elidir Fawr – a quieter mountain with rewarding views.

  • Moel Eilio – right above Llanberis, perfect for a shorter loop with fantastic vistas.

  • Moel Hebog – near Beddgelert, a lovely hike with great scenery and fantastic ice cream at the end.

  • Llyn Padarn walk – an easy waterside walk.

  • Dinorwig Quarry trails – historic industrial heritage combined with trails and views.

  • Coastal walks – just 30 minutes away, you can reach beautiful North Wales beaches.

There’s something for every mood and ability and we’re always happy to share tips on routes and conditions.