CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE AND GO HILLWALKING!
Trail checks in to the little Welsh hotel with a big Himalayan history.
Where is it? Snowdonia, north Wales, nestled between the slopes of the Glyderau, Moel Siabod and Snowdon at SH660558.
What’s it like? Slightly… odd, in the best possible way. The Pen-y-Gwryd prides itself on being ‘a haven from the relentless grind of modernity’, existing almost as a live-in time capsule from the heyday of mountaineering. The PyG can trace its origins back to 1810, when it was built as a farmhouse. But it was the subsequent transformation to an inn that led to its most famous chapter. The team that made the first ascent of Everest in 1953 trained for the climb in Snowdonia, and the Pen-y-Gwryd became their base. The members of the climbing team who reached the summit of Kangchenjunga in 1955 also made the little Welsh hostelry their training headquarters. The Pen-yGwryd clings to this heritage and displays it proudly. The wood-panelled, fire-warmed bar is hung with a wealth of memorabilia. Glass cabinets sport personal items that belonged to the mountaineers who stayed there, and the ceiling is adorned with their signatures. Guests staying there will be pleasantly surprised by the lavish bathrooms, less enthused by the lack of locks on the bedroom doors, and amused that dinner is served in one sitting heralded by the sounding of a gong. Vibe Mountaineering museum meets traditional country pub with a dash of 1950s guest house thrown in. TV? No. Mobile reception? Network-dependent, but don’t count on it. There is a payphone. WiFi? Surprisingly, yes – in the games room. Typical clientele Walkers, cyclists, car tourers (there’s a decent-sized car park), guests looking to escape the 21st century, high-altitude mountaineers. How much does it cost? From £45 for bed and breakfast (plus occasional special offers). Contact (01286) 870211.