Things to do when it rains in Eryri (Snowdonia)

Never let the rain put you off having an adventure in Eryri (Snowdonia). There is lots to do and so much to see even when the wet weather comes to visit. Here are our favourites things to do when it rains in Eryri…

1 – Visit a Castle | Harlech | Caernarfon | Conwy | Criccieth

Edward 1’s ring of iron castles is set here in North Wales and are said to be the most awe inspiring medieval castles ever built. Harlech, Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Criccieth are the ones to head to if an afternoon delving into the history of the area is something that floats your boat. The perfect remedy to while away an afternoon or in fact a day if you want to see a few of them as they aren’t too far from each other

2 – Ride on a Steam Train

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands railway steam train runs from Caernarfon to Blaenau Ffestiniog over the Eryri mountains and around the lakes to Porthmadog. A trip back to a bygone era makes this a very special day out – the scenery along the way is breathtaking and you can sit back and enjoy and drink and something to eat from the on board buffet cart and bar.

3 – Electric Mountain

Electric Mountain is a hydro power station in Llanberis built into the mountains so as not to disrupt the natural landscape. It’s a fascinating day out to see how a power plant of this size works to supply energy to the national grid. With a focus on sustainable energy for the future, see how they are working towards a world of decarbonisation, decentralisation and automation – the future is looking cleaner.

4 – Climbing | Harlech  | Caernarfon

There are a couple of climbing walls in the area which are a great thing to do if the rain is preventing you from tackling the real mountain sides. Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure Centre has a climbing wall and bouldering section alongside a swimming pool where they run ‘total wipeout’ sessions during the holidays. The Beacon in Caernarfon is a larger set up offering a climbing wall and bouldering and is where to go if you are looking for something that will offer you more of a challenge

5 – Glasfryn Parc | Pwllheli

If you are on the Llyn Peninsula, this is most definitely a place to go come rain or shine. There is lots on offer here. Along with water-sports, including SUP, Canoening, and kayaking, there is a big wake boarding centre with ramps and jumps. You can also have a go at bowling, quad biking, archery, clay pigeon shooting, go-karting. Catering for so many ages and not exorbitantly priced, it’s a great family day out.

6 – Snowdonia Adventure Activities

A day gorge walking or canyoning is a lot of fun – you’re going to get wet in the rain anyway so embrace it and join the wonderful Eryri Adventure team for a day in the rivers sliding down rocks, jumping in the natural pools and standing under waterfalls. The rain makes it better as the water levels are up making those slides even more fun!

7 – Go swimming in the sea or the lakes!

Cheap and cheerful! It’s raining, not freezing cold. So put on a wetsuit and either go swimming in the sea or lakes – one of my favourite spots is Llyn Gwynant which is a beautiful lake in the middle of Eryri with mountains rising up on all sides; there is nothing more peaceful than laying on your back in the water and looking up through the mountains. There are also the famous Elephant rocks at the far end of the lake which are great for jumping off.

8 – Go For A Walk

As Alfred Wainwright said ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.’ He is of course totally correct! So get your waterproofs on and get out into the wonderful Eryri mountains and get walking. Once you just embrace the rain, it is liberating and you will certainly feel totally invigorated from being in the elements.

9 – Slate Mountain

Slate mountain is a Victorian mine – spend a day going 500ft deep into the mountains to see how the mines worked 160 years ago. Using enhanced reality technology and light shows, you will get to meet the mine’s owner and some of the men and boys who spent upto 12 hours a day, 6 days a week underground. It’s a very informative, adventurous and fun day out.