Take on Snowdonia’s best hikes from this doorstep
Here’s a rustic retreat in Capel Curig that we can think about staying at when Covid-19 restrictions eventually lift…
The Rocks at Plas Curig is a 14-room hostel with an interior that’s more boutique hotel.
The original building has been a hostel for over 80 years, but in 2018 Christian Wynne and his wife Annie took ownership and set to work renovating and re-styling it in to the stunning 5-star mountain escape you see in these photos.
Christian explains: “With a love for adventure and the great outdoors, we decided after seven years in Central London that we were finally ready to leave the bright lights. With family links to the area, when we came across the hostel we knew we’d found our home. With Annie’s flair for creativity, we have refurbished the interiors and now ‘The Rocks’ has the top notch facilities to match the location and is one of Britain’s finest hostels.”
It’s more alpine mountain lodge than hostel inside
The Rocks can take 59 people in 14 spacious bedrooms and dorm rooms. Dogs are welcome. The family rooms and dorms have built-in bunk beds, with each bunk having a personal charging point, lamp and curtain. There are quality mattresses, fluffy duvets and the finest Welsh woollen blankets.
Each room is clean, fresh and luxurious
There is a well-equipped kitchen for communal dining, ample bicycle storage and a drying room.
We’d be more than happy cooking in this communal kitchen
If you already know the area and hike here regularly, then it’s highly likely you will know the famous Siabod Café and this is right next door to the hostel. There are also two cosy pubs within walking distance if you don’t fancy cooking for yourself.
Throughout the day, guests can buy local wines, ciders and craft ales from the knowledgeable receptionist. Outside on the terrace is a fire pit with views of the Snowdon Horseshoe (pictured below) while inside there are numerous cosy nooks in which to sit and read or plan your next hike.
Here’s the cosy fire pit area on the terrace
Play a game, read a book or plan the next day’s hike
Footpaths lead right from the hostel’s front door, with one popular route ascending to the summit of Moel Siabod (872m), from where 14 out of Snowdonia’s highest peaks can be seen. The Rocks team can also organise guided walks further afield in the Snowdon and Glyderau ranges.
Hostel staff also have the contacts for guests to explore the Snowdonia National Park on mountain bikes, paddleboards or the best places to go wild swimming. Christian is an avid trail runner, so knows all of the local secret trails and bridleways around the hostel.
Guests of ‘The Rocks’ also receive a 10% discount on any of Zip World’s attractions and experiences.
Wales’ only independent 5-star hostel
A night at ‘The Rocks’ costs from £27.50 per person, depending on room size and season. Dogs cost £5 per dog per night.
There is also a cottage next to the hostel that you can book; this is called ‘The Retreat at Plas Curig’. It sleeps 7 having three large bedrooms (2 two double, one triple), so it’s perfect for groups of friends or family trips. After days spent on the hills, groups will be able to cook up hearty meals in the well-equipped kitchen before relaxing in front of the wood-burning stove. Outside is a generous garden with views across Snowdonia, and shared access to ‘The Rocks’ fire pit area. Rental starts at £200 per night with a three-night minimum stay.
Finally, for those looking for an unforgettable party or celebration for up to 65 guests, the entire hostel, along with the cottage, can be hired. This can include a fully-catered option, with local chefs serving the finest Welsh produce, alongside extras such as local gin tastings, yoga sessions and paddleboarding.
The Snowdonia National Park celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2021 – let’s hope we can get there later in the year to join in.
