Increased Pen-y-Pass parking charges expanded

Snowdonia National Park Authority recently increased charges across its car parks. While income from parking helps fund the maintenance of Snowdonia’s paths and facilities, the new fees at the Pen-y-Pass car park have raised eyebrows. Situated at the top of the Llanberis Pass, the car park is at the start of two of Snowdon’s most popular routes, the Miners’ and Pyg Tracks, hence is nearly always busy and regularly full. It is also often the only choice for visitors staying at the YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass hostel opposite the car park. However, new overnight charges will add an extra cost to those requiring 24-hour parking. In addition to the existing £10 charge between 8.30am and 6.30pm, a new charge of £10 has been introduced between 6.30pm and 8.30am the next morning.

Day tickets purchased between midnight and 6.29pm will expire at 11.59pm the same day, so while it is still possible to get almost 24hour parking for £10, this only applies if you arrive soon after midnight. For most people, the significant change is that cars arriving after 6.30pm will be subject to a £10 charge for a ticket which expires at 8.30am.

Blue badge holders are still able to park for free, and for regular users of the National Park car parks an annual permit of £ 250 (£120 excluding Pen-y-Pass) is available. There is also a bus service from additional parking in Llanberis and Nant Peris. For many visitors though, there is now a significant extra expense to be considered when planning a trip to Snowdon.

For more info, see www. snowdonia.gov.wales/ visiting/ local-information/car-parking