S2 Bangor – Pen-y-Pass

Provided by Gwynedd Council in association with Transport for Wales.

The bus makes its way from the eclectic city of Bangor but with the atmospheric, watchful mountains of Snowdonia looming in the distances. The S2 passes the delightful village of Rhiwlas, where traditional Welsh houses and well-kept gardens line the road. Soon it’s into Beran, a lovely village with a beautiful church standing proudly on a hill overlooking the valley below. The journey then takes customers through Deiniolen, a charming village with a local pub and a small shop selling Welsh crafts and souvenirs.

Onto Clwt-y-bont, where customers can catch a glimpse of the Afon Goch river as it rushes through the valley. The scenery becomes even more dramatic as the bus reaches Brynrefail, with towering mountains rising up on all sides.

This really is a gripping journey and the next phase is towards Llanberis, a bustling village that serves as a popular base for hikers and climbers looking to tackle Mount Snowdon. The bus passes by the Llanberis Lake Railway, a heritage steam railway that offers scenic journeys around the picturesque Llyn Padarn lake.

As the bus leaves Llanberis, it follows a narrow road through the Nant Peris valley, with steep cliffs rising up on either side. Customers can catch glimpses of climbers scaling the sheer rock faces of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.

The momentous trip climaxes at Pen-y-Pass, where customers alight at the foot of Mount Snowdon. From here, intrepid hikers can take on the challenge of climbing to the summit. Pen y Pass is the start of two major paths up Snowdon, namely the Pyg Track and the Miners’ Track. It is also the usual start for Crib Goch, which follows the Pyg Track for the first mile. Alternatively, folk can enjoy a leisurely walk through the stunning scenery of Snowdonia National Park.

This is a journey that's sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of this stunning part of the world.

Starting in Bangor, customers can explore the city's historic landmarks, including Bangor Cathedral and the Penrhyn Castle, a National Trust property with beautiful gardens and an impressive collection of art and antiques. The city also offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it a great place to start or end a day of exploring the region.

As the bus travels through the countryside, it passes through a series of charming villages and towns, each with its own unique attractions. In Rhiwlas, folk can stop at the local pub for a pint of Welsh ale, while in Beran, the historic church and stunning views of the valley make for a picturesque stop.

Further along the route, the village of Deiniolen offers a chance to pick up some Welsh souvenirs at the local shop, while in Clwt-y-bont, customers can take a walk along the Afon Goch river and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

The bus then arrives in Llanberis, a popular tourist destination known for its proximity to Mount Snowdon. Here, customers can take a ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway, a heritage steam railway that offers scenic journeys around the picturesque Llyn Padarn. The village also has a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as hiking and climbing outfitters for those looking to tackle the mountain. Llanberis is home to the National Slate Museum, which is located in the former workshops of the Dinorwig slate quarry. The museum houses a collection of historic quarrying equipment and machinery, as well as exhibits on the history of slate quarrying in the region. One interesting fact about the museum is that it features a working waterwheel, which was originally used to power machinery in the quarry. The wheel is over 50 feet in diameter and weighs over 50 tons!

As the bus leaves Llanberis, it passes through the Nant Peris valley, with stunning views of Snowdon and the surrounding mountains. Customers can stop at the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, a historic coaching inn that has hosted mountaineers and adventurers for over 200 years.

Finally, the bus arrives at Pen-y-Pass, a popular starting point for climbers and hikers looking to tackle Mount Snowdon. Here, there’s an opportunity to take on the challenge of climbing to the summit, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the stunning scenery of Snowdonia National Park.