When exploring the splendour of Snowdonia, visitors frequently find themselves stopping at the renowned castle, Caernarfon, but what they fail to discover is there’s a hidden treasure far nearer to them.

Nestled in a nature-surrounded and isolated location which overlooks the waters of the magnificent Llyn Padarn lake, this castle is an absolute essential on your Welsh adventures.

Castell Dolbadarn lies hidden amongst the foliage, at the base of Snowdonia, in what was formerly a crucial structure in the historic kingdom, Gwynedd.

It rises to an impressive 50 ft high, emerging from the woodland, and provides unrivalled panoramas for those fortunate enough to travel there.

The circular construction of the dominant tower is believed to have been influenced by a neighbouring fortress which was erected by the adversaries of this tower’s architect and was likely inspired by that of comparable fortifications built by opponents of the prince who oversaw its creation.

History

It’s thought that this stunning building remains were initially built by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, more commonly known as Llywelyn the Great, prince of Gwynedd, during the late 12th century to early 13th century.

The positioning of his construction was deliberate to monitor the passage inland, taking you from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley.

During his rule, the castle was a representation of Llywelyn’s power and authority, whilst also serving as a significant location for the military presence.

Although, years later, the castle was allegedly overtaken by Edward I, and in doing so, he made some changes to its structure, removing some timber to build his very own castle elsewhere.

It continued to function as a manor house for an extended period, although, as with many historical landmarks, it was eventually abandoned and fell into disrepair.

Visiting today

The spectacular site is now dominated by the rounded tower, which sits atop a substantial hill.

One visitor described it to be “small but mighty”, writing: “An impressive castle occupying a commanding position by the lake.

You can climb the internal staircase to the top of the ruins and are rewarded with some stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It does not take long to walk around but is well worth a visit.”

The “lovely hidden gem” impressed another tourist, who shared: “Beautiful spot, really magical! It doesn’t take long to see, as it’s just the round tower left, but it’s still a must-see spot, with stunning views all round, and the grounds are a nice spot for a picnic!”.

The castle can be accessed with relative ease, despite its secluded position, with the public car park situated opposite, making it perfect for a brief stop during your journey.

The castle lies approximately 10–25 minutes away on foot from the parking area, and this route can feature muddy, uneven and occasionally slippery ground. Upon entering the castle, visitors can ascend ancient stone steps that spiral upwards to the summit, with a handrail provided for guidance.

However, it’s crucial to note that safety barriers have been fitted to restrict access to hazardous zones, and these must not be scaled or breached.

Llanberis village

Stepping away from the enchanting castle itself, you’ll discover the delightful village of Llanberis, a close-knit settlement encircled by some of the nation’s most breathtaking scenery. But like any genuine explorer, you might require somewhere to refuel with delicious food and beverages.

Fortunately, there are several traditional pubs and eateries, including cafes such as Y Gwynedd Bar and Restaurant.

Dubbing the experience as their “Snowdon reward”, one customer said: “Hiked Snowdon and needed somewhere cosy for some well-deserved food. Luckily for us it was a Sunday, and roast was being served – chicken was the choice. Food and service were perfect; would highly recommend.”

For a more relaxed atmosphere during those daytime dining breaks, Caban Cafe represents another favoured destination for a nourishing meal. They take pride in offering a balanced selection of organic produce, sourced from local suppliers, whilst their fruit and vegetables are cultivated directly from the on-site kitchen garden.

For those seeking a more refined dining experience, Nomi Restaurant Bangor presents contemporary Indian cuisine set against the stunning backdrop of the National Park. Recently, they’ve broadened their menu, establishing it as an excellent spot for coffee and cakes throughout the day as well.

A review reads: “This place is in a divine location, inside or out. Recently they have overhauled the menu style, so there is now much more choice of savoury foods as well as the excellent homemade cakes and Poblado coffee they have always served. So Good.”

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