Capel Curig is the historic village in the county of Caernarfonshire, nestled in the North East of Snowdonia near the Llandulas coastline.
While this small village may be unknown to some, it is at the heart of the mountain biking and mountaineering community, largely due to the terrain surrounding Snowdonia and the village.
In this guide, we will be sharing a complete insight into everything from the best walks, accommodation, pubs and things to do.
Overview of Capel Curig
It often houses many walkers, cyclists and climbers that frequent the village in training camps for larger expeditions. But still year on year many return to this idyllic spot for peace and tranquillity. It may be small, but Capel Curig offers a little for everyone; solo travellers, couples and families alike.
Whether you prefer the more-stripped back type of activities or have a penchant for learning about local history, the surrounding area of Conwy has lots to offer.
What Is Capel Curig Famous For?
Capel Curig is famous for being the hub of the Snowdonia national park and near to Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
You will often find both regulars and tourists returning year after year to visit the beautiful landscape of the park. With ancient waterfalls, dams and vast mountainous scenery, it is the perfect place to escape and lose track of time.
Is Capel Curig the Wettest Place in the UK?
Capel Curig is officially the wettest place in the UK. Its geographical position is near to Snowdon, which means that rainfall levels regularly exceed the national average in comparison to the rest of the UK. On average, the area receives 1,421mm of water every year.
Things To Do In Capel Curig
There is an abundance of things to do in Capel Curig, but here are the two most popular options among regular tourists:
- Plas y Brenin which is the national mountain and outdoors centre based in Capel Curig and home to all things adventure. With expert instructors, the centre offers lessons and guided tours in climbing, hiking, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and mountain biking.
- Moel Siabod is a mountain situated not too far away from the centre of Capel Curig and still remains one of the favourite walks amongst tourists. It stands at a tall 872 metres and is the highest peak in the Moelwynion mountain range. When walking from the centre of Capel Curig it takes 4 hours and a scenic 10km walk. Moel Siabod is a must-see walk for a trip to Capel Curig.
Food & Drink
No hike or mountainous activity is complete without a pit stop at a nearby pub or cafe. Capel Curig offers a small but quality offering of options including:
The Moel Siabod Cafe
A regular favourite with tourists, the Moel Siabod cafe always comes out on top. Open 7 days a week from 8 am – 5 pm, there is always a significant warmth and buzz in and around the cafe. The menu is priced reasonably with a variety of offerings for passersby and caters to all dietary requirements. From vegetarian moussaka, a roast vegetable salad to a traditional full English – there are endless options. Perfect for refuelling before or after a tough hike or mountainous activity.
Ty Hyll
A traditional and quaint find popular with many passersby, they offer traditional welsh classics such as the rarebit with a multitude of other toasties, cakes and sweet treats.
Tyn-Y-Coed Hotel & Pub
You can never beat a traditional pub, can you? The Tyn-Y Coed Inn restaurant offers hearty yet fresh local food. All produce is locally sourced from the meat, vegetables and fresh fish and a more-relaxed bar is perfect for a quick bite to eat or the more formal restaurant for those longer meals. On colder days, a real fire roaring is perfect for warming up after hours in the cold Snowdonia winds.
Capel Curig Accommodation
There is an endless variety of accommodation options available in Capel Curig, from traditional Welsh self-catering cottages to local inns and b&bs. These include:
The Tyn-Y-Coed Hotel & Pub – Not just a pub, they also offer high-quality rooms and are rated 4 stars for the accommodation. With 14 guest rooms on offer, each offers unique views of the Snowdonia mountain range, making the hotel the perfect base for exploring everything Capel Curig has on offer.
Bryn Tyrch Inn – On the outskirts of Capel Curig stands the Bryn Tyrch Inn. The inn is also rated 4 stars and offers 12 full ensuite bedrooms full of charm. Not forgetting to mention stunning views of Moel Siabod and Snowdon, and is only a 10-minute drive away from the peak of Snowdon.
The Rocks @ Capel Curig – The Rocks offer an outstanding location right below Moel Siabod and far-reaching views over the River Llugwy. This classic homely yet quirky hostel is 5 stars and dog-friendly. Yet being nestled in the ancient village of Capel Curig, offers a little peace and tranquillity after busy and full-on days of activities.
Capel Curig Camping
Due to the nature of the landscape, Capel Curig is fortunate to have many campsites in and around the village. Camping in and around Capel Curig can offer undisturbed and outstanding views not otherwise found as easily in hotels and other accommodation.
Dolgam Campsite – A favourite kept quiet among regulars, this affordable campsite offers a clean and well-kept site with outstanding views wherever you pitch. Open all year round they also have the facility for electricity, hot showers and dishwashing facilities all on-site.
Garth Farm Campsite – Another well-loved campsite, the Garth farm campsite offers the perfect spot between Capel Curig and Snowdon. Also, open all year round, it is the perfect spot to ‘get back to nature ’ but with all the facilities like hot showers, wash basins and toilets within easy reach of the site. The main attractions of Snowdon, Tryfan and other Eryri Mountains are all within close walkable reach. Such unrivalled views on a traditional Welsh working farm makes for quiet nights in the Snowdonia national park.