S5 Llanberis – Pen-y-Pass

Journey Overview

Provided by Gwynedd Council in association with Transport for Wales.

The S5 runs in the summer period only and supplements the existing T1 service along one of the most popular and iconic parts of Snowdonia to create a 15-minute frequency service. The stretch between Llanberis and Nant Peris is of lush greenery and jagged peaks towering overhead. Customers can get glimpses of the azure waters of the Llyn Padarn lake and the tumbling river Afon Goch can be sighted through the trees. It’s a remote setting, punctuated by the occasional stone cottage and grazing sheep, adding to the idyllic charm. Onwards down the lonely road from Nant Peris to Pen-y-Pass and the landscape is more dramatic, the towering peaks on both sides, with rugged slopes carpeted with heather and bracken, waters cascading down in places, adding to the sense of wilderness. It’s a hub for hikers and climbers with several trails starting here and also a café and car park.

A Fab Day Out!

There’s a great day to be enjoyed, of scenery and adventures. For starters, in Llanberis, customers can take a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit or hike up one of the many trails. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a narrow-gauge rack-and-pinion railway that climbs to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. The railway was first opened in 1896 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. The train departs from Llanberis and travels for 4.7 miles up the mountain, passing through stunning scenery and providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The journey takes around an hour to complete and includes a stop at the summit station, where passengers can take in the views and explore the area.

Other outdoor activities include mountain biking, kayaking, and rock climbing. Llanberis also has a rich history, with attractions such as the National Slate Museum and the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle. The National Slate Museum is dedicated to the history of the slate industry in Wales. The museum is housed in the former workshops of the Dinorwig Quarry, which closed in 1969. Visitors can explore the workshops and learn about the traditional methods of slate production, as well as the lives of the workers who worked in the quarries. The museum also has exhibits on the geology of the area and the impact of the slate industry on the local community. The National Slate Museum is a fascinating look into the history and heritage of North Wales.

The village also offers cosy pubs and restaurants, making it the perfect base for exploring the beauty of North Wales and the wider Sherpa’r Wyddfa network. Onto the bus to Nant Peris which is home to the National Mountain Centre, Plas y Brenin, which offers courses and activities such as rock climbing and kayaking.