Traveller’s Journal: Snowdonia National Park – Day 2

The Royal Victoria Hotel sits at the head of Llanberis Pass, near the foot of Mount Snowdon. Its elevated position provides wonderful views over Llanberis village, reminiscent of a wise old headmaster appraising his class.

Sandwiched between the two lakes of Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, the hotel is an excellent base for exploring the wild terrain of Snowdonia.

I awoke to another gloomy day. The rain had continued through the night and showed little sign of letting up. Apparently Llanberis gets twice as much annual rainfall as Caernarfon ten miles to the west and I could certainly believe it.

Breakfast was a pleasant affair. Staff dressed all in black were only too happy to serve your every whim. For the early risers, there’s the luxury of a table in the conservatory and great views across the village and lake. Unfortunately my aching limbs would not allow the advantage of an early start and I took my place with the commoners in the breakfast room.

The staff all seemed to have strange accents, my best guess that of eastern European. This seems to be the norm these days. Everywhere Ive travelled in Britain recently has been staffed with...