Angelsey Barracks in Snowdonia is a must-visit if you’re in Llanberis or around Llyn Padarn. Based in the world-famous Dinowic Quarry, the Angelsey Barracks is a wonderful stepping stone back in time.
Built in the 1870s for quarrymen who lived too far away to commute back and forth for work. The row of two 11 identical small houses offers a glimpse into what life would be like as a quarryman back in the early 1900s.
The Angelsey Barracks were deemed unsuitable for living in 1937 and have been abandoned ever since.
First discovered this place on a grueling Man vs Mountain race, and vowed then to go back without the leg cramps, tiredness, and achy legs that 23 miles across Snowdonia will do to you. The Anglesey Barracks are always worth a wander around if you’re visiting Llyn Padarn or Llanberis.
Quick Facts about the Angelsey Barracks in Snowdonia
- Distance: Less than 2km out and back
- Time: 60-90 minutes
- Best travel time: Anytime
- Difficulty: Not too difficult, but there’s a fair bit of elevation to climb.
- Parking: Dolbadarn Castle Parking, Caernarfon, LL55 4TY
High Points of the Angelsey Barracks
- Wonderful walk through Wales’ quarrying history
- Incredible views of the Snowdon range.
- Lacks tourists and people.
Low Points of the Angelsey Barracks
Slippery in the wet, be careful.
How to get to Angelsey Barracks in Snowdonia
If you park at the Dolbadarn castle car park, you’ll want to head over and towards dinowic quarry. Unmissable as it is right in front of you.
You’ll cross the bridge and head over towards the hydro plant.
At the roundabout take a right turn and then the path starts on the left-hand side. You can’t really miss it as it is the only way up.
From here the path meanders through the slate walkways and up toward the Anglesey barracks.
A full loop is possible and you can go to the viewpoint at the top and all the way down, but for the purpose of this guide, it is just an out-and-back.
My Experience of the Angelsey Barracks
Having first entered the barracks during the famous “Vertical KM” during Man vs Mountain. Which is a grueling 26-mile mountain race starting in Caernarfon castle, winding it’s way up the backside of Snowdon, only to finish in Llyn Padarn, Llanberis.
Having already covered 23 miles at this stage, with a few more to go and such a big climb. I cannot say I was looking forward to finding out what was in the slate quarry above me.
However, that being said. After more swearing, puffing, panting, and the odd stop to try and massage some cramp. We appeared over the brow and into view came the Angelsey barracks.
I’d always known that Dinorwic was steeped in history and was a fascinating place, but even when down in the dumbs physically, and nearly mentally, this place still excited me.
After the race, it wasn’t long before I returned and had a real good look around this place whilst being in a much better physical state.
What to do after visiting the Angelsey Barracks
You cannot visit Llanberis without doing two things:
1) Swimming/paddling/kayaking on Llyn Padarn. Potentially one of the best lakes Wales has to offer.
2) Get some food and a pint of tea or coffee from Pete’s Eats.
Whilst you’re also in Llanberis, it would be worth going to see the Dolbadarn Castle and to read about the history of the famed castle in Snowdonia.
Just around the corner is Betws Y Coed, which is home to Swallow falls. If you’ve not had your waterfall fix yet, this could help. That or grab a pizza from the famous Hanging Pizzeria.
But if you’re making a weekend of it, here are some more ideas for you to tackle whilst you’re in god’s country, also known as Wales.
Tryfan via North Ridge
Moel Siabod via Daedu Ridge
Secret Waterfall hike in Snowdonia, Wales
The Forgotten Waterfall near Betws Y Coed
If you’ve any questions about the Angelsey Barracks, then drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.
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