Dolbadarn Castle
Dolbadarn Castle: A Towering Relic of Welsh Royalty
Standing watch over the Llanberis Pass and framed by the peaks of Snowdonia, Dolbadarn Castle is one of Wales’ most atmospheric historic landmarks. Built in the early 13th century by Llywelyn the Great, this stone round tower is a powerful symbol of native Welsh power before Edward I’s English conquest.
Though now a ruin, its presence is striking, especially with Snowdon and Llyn Padarn as its dramatic backdrop. From the castle, you can take in sweeping views across the valley and imagine the political and military tensions of medieval Gwynedd.
Step Into the Past
Unlike the grand English-built castles of North Wales, Dolbadarn is a proud Welsh stronghold. The main round tower is remarkably well-preserved, with its thick stone walls still standing tall. You can climb inside the tower and look out through arrow slits once used to defend this strategic mountain stronghold.
© Brad Carr
Walks & Hikes Around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Snowdon offers a range of paths to the summit, each with its own character and level of difficulty. Here are some of the most popular routes to experience this legendary peak:
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Llanberis Path
- 9 mi
- 4 hrs 30 m
The most popular route, the Llanberis Path offers a gradual climb from the village, ideal for beginners up for a full-day hike.
Pyg Track
- 7 mi
- 4 hrs 30 m
The Pyg Track starts at Pen-y-Pass and offers a shorter, steeper climb with dramatic views, great for a rugged hike.
Miners' Track
- 8 mi
- 5 hrs 30 m
The Miners’ Track starts gently by the lakes before climbing steeply to the summit, which is ideal if you want an easier start.
Crib Goch
- 7 mi
- 6 hrs 30 m
Crib Goch is an exposed, knife-edge ridge for confident scramblers, thrilling, technical, and not for the faint-hearted.
Snowdon Ranger Path
- 8 mi
- 5 hrs 30 m
The Snowdon Ranger Path offers a quieter, steady climb with scenic views, once a favourite of Victorian visitors.
What to Know Before You Go
- Entry is free and open year-round
- The trail up is short but uneven; wear sturdy shoes
- There are no facilities on-site, but amenities are available in Llanberis
- It can get windy, bring a layer even in summer
- Great spot for early morning light and sunset photography
Why We Love Dolbadarn Castle
Dolbadarn Castle isn’t just a ruin, it’s a monument to Wales’ native princes and their defiant presence in the face of conquest. Its setting is unbeatable, its history rich, and its views unforgettable. A must-see stop on your Snowdonia adventure.
How to Get to Dolbadarn Castle
The castle is located above Llyn Padarn on the A4086 at the edge of Llanberis. Parking is available in the village, just a short walk away. If arriving by public transport, buses run regularly from Caernarfon and Bangor to Llanberis.
A Bit of Dolbadarn Castle History
Dolbadarn Castle was built in the early 1200s by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), a key figure in uniting Wales under native rule. The castle served as a military post, watchtower, and prison, its most famous prisoner being Owain Goch, who was held there for over 20 years by his brother Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. Its round tower, unusual for native Welsh castles of the time, reflects a blend of Norman influence and local authority. After Edward I’s invasion, Dolbadarn was eventually abandoned, but its legacy as a proud Welsh symbol endures.
Keep exploring
Dolbadarn Castle is just one of Snowdonia’s incredible heritage sites. Want to dive deeper into Welsh history and discover more castles, forts, and ancient ruins? Check out more historic places across the region below!