Guest comments

Below are the comments left by people who have stayed at The Snowdonia Retreat or e-mails sent after. All of these notes are genuine, and unedited.
I keep a book of the originals so if you want to see them you can do so.

21st - 28th August 2010
An excellent base ( and an economical one ) from which to explore Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula. Walking guides were most helpful.
Hilary & Peter

21st August
We had a wonderful week. Thank you. The Snowdonia Retreat provided everything we needed and, most importantly, a lovely shower and comfy bed! The kind weather enabled us to do all we wanted and leaving the car at home and using buses/trains worked well. We were indeed very fortunate to find such a little gem. Many thanks for everything and the lovely sweet peas smelt beautiful.
Debbie and David

17th - 14th August
Had a lovely time. Went all over, from Llandudno to Aberdovey ( which is still the best beach in Wales). Thanks for everything especially the leaflets which were a huge help! Thank you
Ben and Steph

31st July
Annwyl Ian and Marion. Diolch yn fawr am wythnos hyfryd. Lleoliad gwych! Thanks for everything - we have had a great week! Cofion cynnes.
Steffan and Gwen.

17th - 24th July
Brilliant week, Shame about the dreadful weather ... but it is Wales after all. Couldn't have asked for a nicer set up here it was perfect!!! Many thanks to Ian and Marion for all their hospitality and for having such a wonderful base here. We definitely hope to return.
Erin & Zoe

11th - 17th July
Thanks for the warm welcome - a brilliant place to stay and use for a base for exploring the surrounding area. Not the best weather this week ( ! ) But tried to make the most of it - Moel Eilio the best walk today as the sun finally appeared! The perfect accommodation, Thanks for the milk. Shame the internal door bangs every time you use your outside door, woke me up a few times but I am guessing it is a tricky one to do anything about. Snowdon again tomorrow - hoping for sun this time - a view would be nice! Thanks again I will return again one day.
Helen

3rd - 10th July
Another great week over. Goes so quick. Can't wait for Sept, to return to The Retreat. A big thanks to Marion & Ian for everything.
Dorothy & Ken

26th June - 3rd July.
We have had a wonderful week here in the Retreat. What a great place to stay!! Everything we could have wished for - Thanks to you both Ian & Marion! We went on many beautiful walks ( recommend the Capel Curig to Crafnant walk), and visited some fine gardens ( recommend Brondanw nr. Beddgelert).
We may return - who knows!!
Dick & Ann

19th - 26th June 2010
A warm welcome from friendly, helpful informative hosts. The Retreat is in a fantastic position, central to great walks + coast. The beach at Dinas is to die for - so un crowded. We particularly recommend Marion's favourite walk and the walk around Padarn country park with a visit to the slate museum a must. Although bijou the 'Snowdonia Retreat' is a snug and cosy place to stay. We are torn between letting family and friends know about it or keeping it a secret so we can return.
Thanks Marion & Ian for a great week.
Wendy & Gary.

12th June - 18th June
A lovely week with some beautiful weather - our first trip to Wales and we really enjoyed it!
The Snowdonia Retreat has been the perfect place to explore from,, comfy and cosy. All the little extras, tea, coffee, milk etc. really make a difference. Caernarfon and Beaumaris well worth a visit. Also went to Llanberis, to the slate mine and on the lake railway and to the woolen mill and Roman spa near Llannust.
Thanks for the warm welcome, we've had a fantastic week,
Emma and Kirstan,
Birmingham

29th May - 4th June
Fantastic week, wonderful weather ( bar 1 day). great accommodation. Many thanks to Marion & Ian for the Snowdonia Retreat. Can't wait to come back again really soon and enjoy the delights of North Wales.
Debbie & Richard

22nd May - 29th May
Here we are at the end of a wonderful week at Snowdonia Retreat. The weather has been perfect even for us South Africans! Starting from the warm welcome from Marion & Ian one would think they had been in the business al their lives. We have both been this way before but did not know Snowdonia Retreat existed. What with the peace and time to reflect ( you buy these things) people will come back time and time again because of what is found on this little block of God's creation. Thanks a million.
Pan and Malcolm.
ps. Thanks for the loan of the coffle plunger we South Africans love our coffle - real coffee!

16th - 21st May
Have had a lovely week. Weather has been fantastic. No rain to repot! Remember coming to North Wales as a kid, and my memories are, 'it always rains in Wales.'
I now know this is not true. We have been active every day, think I need to go back to work for a rest!! We visited Caernarfon Castle, which was beautiful, Beddgelert ( a quaint village, lovely!) Anglesey, Aber Falls, Llyn Peninsular. Have walked many miles.
Tomorrow we are heading up to Snowdon.
The Retreat has been a great base for our holiday, fully equipped and perfect for a self catering holiday on a budget.
Thank you for the milk, tea, _ coffee.
Many thanks
Mark + Nicola. Cambridgeshire

8th - 15th May
Another great stay at The Retreat, the weather has been good - rained a little yesterday - but did not spoil the week. Bodnant Gardens were lovely, as to was Portmeirion. Castle fish & chips at Criccieth still the best! Thanks for the little extras milk, sugar, etc. Hope to be back again.
Sally & Michael - Norfolk

14th- 24th April
A great week thanks to Marion & Ian and of course the weather helped, sunshine all week. Can't wait for July to return to The Retreat.
Thank you both
Dorothy & Ken

10th - 13th April 2010
Second visit to The Retreat this year. Third visit to Snowdonia since September. Still great and always something to see. Not sure we will ever tire of coming back!!
Dawn & Gavin

3rd - 10th April
Another great week, rain gods appeased! ( Well, not under canvas) 3rd visit to The Retreat, gets better ever time. Beware the mad blackbird - it loves cars. Ideal place to work too - with the perfect venue for a tea-break - sitting on the benches and enjoying the sun and the view. All in all the ambience generated a very productive time. Only ate out once too - everything we needed for self catering was ideal. Oh - we did get fish'n chips one night too! Silly us forgot that we would have a fresh pint of milk waiting in the fridge - how civilized. A lovely and thoughtful touch. Don't normally plan on staying the whole day indoors while we are here, but I did ( to work ) and was surprised at how OK that was. As I say - ideal for working. Hope our follow on guests will have as good a time!
Lyndsay & Robin.

26th March - 3rd April 2010
Arrived late Friday to a cheery welcome. Great neighbors. Chan gable weather, rain, snow, hail, and even sunshine. Lovely to come back to a warm room and great shower. Walked ever day, most days from The Retreat. Recommend Pete's Eats in Llanberis for great, good value food.Will definitely be back.
Neil and Amanda.

14th - 20th March 2010
14th March
Arrived and warm welcome!
15th March Snowdon.
Rangers path up LLanberis down. Around 6 hour walk with plenty of snow at the summit and strong winds. Visibility 10 metres. Around 1,900 steps! GPS says it was 13 miles but its obviously a mistake.
16th March - Tryfan - 3,000steps and lots of handwork.
The most dangerous experience in Snowdonia. DONOT TRY THAT, if you are an average scrambler. Never miss the path! Many crows were flying above my head. Why? I've lost ( ? Sorry could not read what he lost?) and funny found climbers rope and carabina Very reassuring.
17th March - Anglesey
Aberffraw - long walk along coastline, little villages hidden between the dunes. Great pictures of stormy water breaking shores.
Short circular walk - great views of Caernarfon.
18th March - 21,000
Long circular walk. Moel Eileo. Path starts just in the beginning of Betws Garmon 200m from camping. Mysterious old mines, 3 levels can be seen, beautiful forest, old slate factory, fort, mountain, another mountain, and another. Path is connected to Snowdon Ranger path, so at the end short 2 mile walk ( high visibility jacket was very us full on narrow road).
19th March
Suggested by Ian , little scramble on 3 peaks just after Rhyd Ddu. Breathtaking views of LLyn Glader, Snowdon, absolutely great! On the way back - short trip to Beddgelert forest - in it Llyn Llywelyn; tiny lake with tables for picnics under Moel Lefn ridges. Lots of fresh air. 15,000 steps.
It was my 4th visit to Silver Birches. as usual - absolutely great! My only suggestion is wireless interment ( even for a small fee) .
THANK YOU!
Marcin

13th - 17th February 2010
Having camped here last year in our campervan, we promised ourselves a half term (Gavin is a lecturer) break this year. What a relaxing break it has been in The Snowdonia Retreat, "We'll be back" as the saying goes.
Thanks,
Dawn & Gavin
P. S. Even on a wet day, and we had a few! A visit to Black Point & Penman Priory was well worth the toll of £2.50

24th - 31st Oct 09
Not quite the week we planned as I started with a chest infection the day we arrived.
Still we had a pleasant week visiting Caernarfon Castle, Penryn Castle, which was delightful - full of surprises and it was like a summers day! The fragrance walking round the gardens was wonderful.
Mark made it to the top of Carnedd Llewelyn, nearly, whilst I read a book in the car looking out at the nice view of Tryfan.
The circular walk from the cam was very nice, on our last day followed by a special break - dinner at Meyfod Country House Hotel - nice!
Thanks so much for the special touches on arrival, makes all the difference.
Oh we also had a trip to Anglesey.
Les & Mark

10th - 17th October 2009
A fantastic week! Our first visit to Wales and we have loved it! The Snowdonia retreat has been perfect for us. All the basics are right - comfy bed, hot shower, warm room, and sufficient kitchen area to cook basic meals - just what you need when holidaying on a budget!
We have done;
Sunday: Caernarfon castle, town and walk along the promenade.
Monday: Snowdon - walked from Llanberis - weather excellent - could see for miles.
Tuesday: Beddgelert forest walk and then slate museum (free) at Llanberis.
Wednesday: Conway mountain walk, followed by castle, walk round town walls and shops.
Thursday: Llyn Brenig - walk round reservoir and Betws-y-Coed on way back.
Friday: Sygun and Llyn Dinas walk, ice cream at Beddgelert, back to The Retreat, then circular walk from campsite.
Saturday: Sad to be leaving, but stopping to look round Chester on the way home.
Thank you for a lovely holiday !
Lucy and Neville from York.

3 - 6 October
Had a great few days here - all the thoughtful provisions in the room really helped us get settled in quickly. Can recommend the Royal Goat in Beddgelert for food - good menu selection and great quality. Took the Rhyd Ddu track up Snowdon - a great walk, though the low cloud made the ridge crossing near the top a little too scary. Not one for the faint hearted. The circle walk from the Retreat is also well worth doing, but be wary of the stream crossing if its been raining - it gets very boggy there! Hope to return soon
Tasha & Gavin (Bournemouth)

28 September - 2 October
Thanks for a lovely stay at the 'Snowdonia Retreat'. Lovely gesture to find sugar, tea, coffee and biscuits. Went quite a few places, especially liked Barmouth and Llanberis. Many thanks
Ruth & Rich (Staffordshire)

19 - 25 September
Thanks for a lovely stay at 'Snowdonia Retreat'! Your walking guides are great - we did Cwn Bychan, Aber Falls and the circular walk from the campsite which were all brilliant. We also saw the snow leopard cubs at the Welsh Mountain Zoo which is well worth a visit! I'm sure we'll be back
Nick & Dorcas (Bristol/Somerset)

6 - 19 September
We had a great holiday - saw many places. The Retreat is very cozy. Marion & Ian have been kind and helpful. We don't want to leave but alas the real world beckons - hope to come back soon.
Steve & Sheila (Somerset)

29 August - 5th September
A wonderful cozy retreat to come home to after wet days on the hills! Thank you for all the little
extras. We'll definitely be back! Catherine & Andy (Cambridge)v

22nd - 29th August
We have had a great week here - the Retreat is excellent value for money and a great base for exploring North Wales.
Our highlights include;
- Cwm Pennant walk ( lovely views and atmospheric remains of quarry buildings / cottages.
- Walk for Llyn Cwm Bychan via the 'Roman Steps'.
- Round Rhiniog Fawr and Rhinog Fach and back via Gloyw Lyn - took us 7 hours as the weather got so bad but the views would have been amazing on a clear day!
- Caernarfon Castle
- Beaches on Anglesey and prehistoric burial chambers esp Bryn Celli Ddu.
- Portmeirion Village
- Aberdarren on the Llyn Peninsula.

We had great meals at;
- The Royal Goat Hotel Beddgelert.
- The fish restaurant/ bistro upstairs at the Neptune Cafe Bar in Beaumaris.
- The Black Boy Inn Caernarfon.

Thank you for the tea/coffee/sugar/milk/biscuits on arrival and for providing board games to while away wet and windy afternoons - we got quite obsessed with 'Escape from Atlantis' !!

We would love to come back one day,
Rachel and Richard. ( Oxford/ Worcester )
ps Tourist info you provided was v useful too - thanks!

15th - 22nd August 2009
The room is actually very nice and practical. As I come in Snowdonia for 30 years in holidays this place is ideal to visit all the places around from Llandudno to Aberdaron and from Cemaes to Harlech. It is a really good taste of Wales.
Philippe ( France)

11th - 18th July 2009
Really enjoyed our stay - highly recommended.
Highlights of our week include "favourites walk" Cwm Bychan for its fantastic scenery & heather, walk up Snowdon via Miners/Pyg track and the Welsh Slate Museum ( free admission) at Llanberis. Many Thanks for you warm welcome.
Paul & Jackie

4th July
hi ian and marion
just to thank you once again for our great stay in the retreat last week everything was great and i am sure we will be staying with you again if not this year defiantly next
best wishes
dorothy and ken

4th - 11th July
What a great place to stay, everything you need for a good holiday. Will definitely be back
Dorothy & Ken

27th June - 4th July
An excellent introduction to Wales. An ideal location for 'a retreat'. and a nice welcome from you both. We will be back and will climb Snowdon next time.
Thank you - Eileen and Graham.

June 20th - 27th
Many thanks to Marion & Ian on a great little place to stay, also thanks for the milk, tea bags, sugar and biscuits etc you left by you - lovely touch.
We loved Beddgelert and the seaside town of Criccieth with "castles" fish & chips (best ever!) Enjoyed lots of walks. Aber Falls, RSPB Conwy and of course Snowdon - all excellent. Hope to come back one day.
Sally + Michael.

June 6th 13th
What a great little place so comfortable. I slept like a log in the bed. The location is almost perfect, never ran out of mountains to climb. Thanks for the milk in the fridge and the walking advice. Will see you again I am sure.
Steve

May 29th - 31st
Our second visit here but first in 'The Retreat'. Could only recommend this place very highly. Ian and Marion are most welcoming, and we really do love the whole experience of being here. I will always remember this week-end as it was the first time i have climbed Snowdon and with the bonus of glorious weather, it could not have been better - views breathtaking from the summit, well worth the arduous climb!
once again,, thank you so much and see you again soon.
Teresa & Kevin

26th - 29th May
Many thanks to Ian and Marion for providing such a lovely place to stay in what is a beautiful area.
After visiting nice places and doing memorable walks such as Snowdon it was very satisfying to come back to this very pleasant "Snowdon Retreat". You could ask for nothing more that what is provided here and we were most grateful to stay in such a nice, clean place with its little luxuries.
Mike + Julie.

May 24 -25th
Thank you Marion & Ian for an enjoyable stay at the retreat. The gesture of the milk in the fridge & biscuits was very kind the flowers were a nice touch too. Will definitely like to come back.
John & Nicola

May 17th - 20th 2009
As everyone else has said really, fantastic welcome, Marion & Ian very friendly & helpful. The folder with all the info in was useful! Great, central location for walking. We enjoyed our walk up Snowdon even though it rained all the way up! Thanks for everything!
Bryn & Amy
Plymouth
P. S. Thanks for the biscuits, tea, coffle and milk in the fridge!

April 11 - 18 09
Thank you for your warm hospitality and helpful suggestion for things to do. Your illustrated hiking guide is great. We've discovered that Wales is full of friendly, helpful people. Best wishes from Denis & Gastine
Canada

March 09
Dear Marion and Ian,
It really doesn't matter about the weather because when we arrived the welcome was so warm. Our stay at 'The Retreat' has been memorable for all the right reasons. Thank you both so very much.
P. S. don't change a thing, it's perfect.
Best Wishes
Richard and Pam

February / March 09
Thank you Marion & Ian for a lovely place to stay on our break here in beautiful Snowdonia.
Despite my stinker of a cold we managed to really enjoy ourselves. On the first day we arrived to a warm, cosy room with hot drinks and cake - oh yes, as others have said before us, the shower is amazing! We followed one of your brilliantly detailed walks from the campsite and luckily the weather was crisp and clear. On the second day we had breakfast at 'Pete's Eats' in Llanberis - highly recommended - then spent the afternoon at Harlech beach which was absolutely beautiful. On the third day it was slightly rainy so we pooteled around Bedgelert.then came back to the Retreat and played board games, kindly donated for the afternoon by Marion. On our final evening we had a lovely meal at the Royal Goat Hotel.
I have plenty of photos and videos of your lovely accommodation as my Dad ( who is an active mountaineer and a regular Snowdonia visitor) has expressed a keen interest in coming to stay here next time he visits. Just want to say a big thank you for making us feel welcome, if you will have us we will definitely be back in the summer!
Stephanie and Daniel

February 09
My partner and i arrived here at the snowdonia Retreat to a very warm welcome from Marion. As we had arrived on Valentines Day we found they had left us strawberries and heart shaped biscuits - lovely gesture ( tasted good too!)
Although we were lucky with the weather it was nice to have the comforts of a warm, dry comfortable room.
We managed to see the summit of Snowdon from the ground, we walked the Ranger Path, & would highly recommend it, but once at the top the viability was down to 20m!
We've had a very relaxing time here at the Snowdonia Retreat and will not only be back ourselves but will recommend to others.
Charlotte & Darren

Dec 08
We felt immediately welcome and at home here. It was great to have a warm shower and warm bed after a long journey! The weather and landscape were great, thanks for the ride to Caernarfon and Tre'r Ceiri. We have enjoyed our stay and will be back as soon as possible!
Judith and Patrick, The Netherlands.
Ps our recommendations;
* The Tre'r Ceiri hill fort, a climb of about 400metres but when the weather is not cloudy a great vies and a magnificent site.
* In Conwy you can store your bags for £1.00 each in the visitors centre.
* The Isle of Anglesey, we have been to Beaumaris and it was great, with nice shops castle and beaches.
* The walks in area.

Dec 08
Second 'annual' Welsh Highland Training weekend and another lovely respite. (The first time was pre visitor book!) How lovely to be met with crackers, mince pies, sherry (already poured) when we arrived - and to a decorated room. Typical that although we spent several weeks under canvas here is 2008, this week-end was a gloriously sunny one. And dry!! Well done Marion for arranging the weather - see Ian it is not us that always bring grim weather. Looking forward to a truly sunny 2009 and the chance to sit outside our tent for an evening. Not next December though we will aim to be back here!
Lyndsay and Robin
PS Please wave to all Welsh Highland Railway crews ...... it may be me !!!! Toot toot. Robin.

October 08
Had a very relaxing time here at The Snowdonia Retreat did some good walks including Yr Aran and of course Snowdon. Shame the weather was not good enough for us to do Crib Goch but fingers crossed for next time! The Retreat has been a lovely place for us to stay everything we needed in one room! Hope to come back again. Cheers!
Adam and Sam

September 08
Thanks for your advice on the walks, shame the weather was not more cooperative. Despite this we still managed to walk everyday but we did not get a view from the top of Snowdon. Bed was comfortable and the accommodation was good value for money - we did have to switch off the fridge at night though as it is quite noisy.
Thanks again Helen and Steve. Norfolk

August 08
Very cosy and comfortable, ideal central base. Bed very comfortable and welcoming after a long day. Could do with egg cups, hard to eat a "dippy egg" without them!
Thank you we enjoyed our stay.
C & SB
( We have now put egg cups in The Snowdonia Retreat - Marion)

August 08
Thanks Marion and Ian for making the retreat cosy and well equipped. In view of the rather wet weather we've had all through the week we've been so grateful to have a nice dry, warm and comfortable haven to come back to after a long day's exploring and hill walking. Absolutely ideal! Many thanks for your hospitality and excellent advice/walking notes.
Kate & Dan Herts

July/ August 08
A big thank you to Marion & Ian, who gave us a warm welcome, and who were very helpful and friendly during the whole of our visit.
The room was very well equipped and comfortable and catered for all our needs. Great shower especially after a long walk.!
The grounds and campsite are very well kept, with a nice picnic/ barbeque area - lovely for sitting in the evenings and watching the birds.
Great location in a beautiful setting with lovely local walks. Very quiet and peaceful. Marion and Ian's recommended hikes & beaches are excellent - especially LLanddwyn Island.

Weather forecast pinned on notice board very useful for planning your days out.
We recommend;
* All Marion & Ian's walks and beaches
* Slate museum - Llanberis
* Sygun Copper Mine - Beddgelert
* Tanronnen Inn - Beddgelert
* Ice cream shop - Beddgelert ( bring tub back to cabin)
* Conwy Town and castle
Ffestiniog Railway
Portmeirion
Walk up Snowdon - Miners track.
Mick & Cheryl. Kent

July 08
Thank you Marion and Ian for such a lovely place. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Fantastic walks and sights.
The Cwy Bycham walk you suggested was fantastic as was the walk up Snowdon, along the beaches in Newborough and our own adventure exploring the public footpath opposite the campsite.
Carole and Chris. Hong Kong

July 08
Hope to come back soon. Great place - sorry we got called away.
Cathy & Robin

June 08
Had a great time, excellent facilities, thanks,
Steve

May 08
Excellent! We just loved it from the minute we walked in. Ideal in all respects.
Eileen

May 08
Enjoyed our short stay ( 2 nights) Great place. Great location. Great people.
Paul & Elena

May 08
Everything you need for a lovely, peaceful break, great shower!! A good base for Snowdon Range and mountain bike tracks - we did a great scramble up Tryfan. Road Penmachno - much better than the Marin trail - much quieter! Beddgelert is a lovely little with NO outdoor shops great!
David & Jenny

March 08
Enjoyed a fantastic 5 days here in Snowdonia - The Retreat provided the perfect base. Thanks to Ian and Marion for such lovely accommodation! We took the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and highly recommend the Tanronnen Inn and The Beddgelert Bistro Tea Rooms.
Jason and Susannah