Birthday Weekend

Join Large Outdoors for our Birthday Weekend in Snowdonia, which encapsulates a celebration of 16 years of community and adventure, featuring scenic guided walks, cosy evenings, and a spirit of discovery in the heart of the Welsh wilderness.


Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration:
2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 36
Level: Leisurely and Active Plus walks on offer
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a Nutshell:

  • Celebrating 16 Years of Adventure: Join Large Outdoors for a special Birthday Weekend in Snowdonia, marking 16 years of unforgettable adventures and friendships.

  • Scenic Walks in Snowdonia: Choose from Leisurely or Active Plus walks directly from YHA Kings, exploring ancient forests, stunning waterfalls, and majestic peaks like Cadair Idris.

  • Evening Entertainment: Unwind with cosy log fires and a charity bingo bash, offering a chance to win Large Outdoors gifts and vouchers, followed by a celebratory birthday dinner and social evening.

  • Exploration and Discovery: Embark on guided walks to hidden gems and less-trodden paths, including the scenic Mawddach estuary and remote routes along the Cambrian Way, showcasing the beauty of Snowdonia.

 

How do we grade our walks?

 

“I'm excited to welcome you to our Birthday Weekend in Snowdonia. It's been 16 incredible years since Large Outdoors began, and we've grown, welcoming new friends and embarking on new adventures. Thank you for being a part of our journey..”

Gareth - Founder, Large Outdoors.

Join Large Outdoors as we celebrate our 16th anniversary with a special Birthday Weekend in the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia. This event is a testament to years of adventure, friendship, and the shared joy of exploring the natural world. From the secluded beauty of our base at YHA Kings, nestled among ancient forests, to the diverse walking paths that span serene estuaries and rugged peaks, we invite you to be part of a weekend filled with discovery, warmth, and celebration.

Whether reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, enjoying leisurely strolls or challenging ascents, this weekend promises memorable moments and the continuation of a journey we've cherished for nearly two decades.

Suggested Itinerary

Welcome and Arrival

You're invited to join us from 5pm, where our hostel - YHA King’s - awaits. We’re tucked away in a hidden valley encircled by ancient temperate rainforest for the weekend.

We’ll be running a limited number of complimentary Pickups at 6pm (and Returns on Day 3) from Fairbourne Train Station, if you’d prefer not to or don’t drive. As places are limited, please select this optional ‘Extra’ when booking, subject to availability.

Upon your arrival, a Large Outdoors birthday host will warmly welcome you, with the kettle already on, setting the scene for an evening of catching up with old friends or making new ones. Dinner will be ready around 8pm, providing the perfect backdrop for socialising and getting to know your fellow walkers.

Day 2: Discovering Snowdonia

The day kicks off with a communal breakfast, giving everyone the chance to prepare a packed lunch for the day ahead. Our adventures then begin right from the hostel's doorstep, leading us into the tranquil corners of Snowdonia. There are two guided walks at different levels on offer (click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels):

  • The first, a Leisurely 9-mile journey, starts directly from the hostel and ventures through local woods, skirting the edge of Bryn Brith. This path takes us past beautiful waterfalls en route to the Mawddach estuary, with the return leg following the Mawddach trail, which traces the old railway line along the estuary's bank.

  • The second option, aimed at those looking for something more vigorous, targets Cadair Idris as its summit. Although this Active Plus 8-mile trek is shorter, it compensates with its ascent, promising breathtaking views. Upon reaching the summit, we'll connect with the Cambrian Way, eventually descending back to the hostel via the Pony Path.

Back at the hostel, the atmosphere turns cosy with the log burner lit and the kettle on once again, providing a relaxed setting to unwind. There will be ample time to freshen up before the evening's festivities begin, which, in true Large Outdoors fashion, includes a birthday bingo bash. This event, aside from offering fun, also serves as a charity fundraiser (£5 to play), with numerous Large Outdoors gifts and vouchers up for grabs. Those not keen on bingo are welcome to sit out and enjoy the evening at their leisure. The day concludes with a celebratory birthday dinner, followed by a social evening.

Day 3: More Adventures

After another social breakfast, it's time to pack up and set off for two more walking adventures, both of which require a short drive to the starting point. For a Leisurely stroll, we head to Dolgellau, a picturesque Welsh mining town, for a 6.5-mile walk. This route takes us north through delightful woods and up the northern side of the Mawddach estuary. We'll cross over to the southern side via the Penmaenpool Toll Bridge (remember to bring 30p for the toll) and follow the estuary back into Dolgellau.

For those craving more strenuous pursuits, the day's Active Plus 9-mile walk will likely venture along the Cambrian Way. This part of Snowdonia boasts many peaks that see fewer footprints, offering us the chance to explore truly remote routes and summits less trodden. Potential options include the summits of Cribin Fawr or Craig Portas, promising a day filled with discovery and adventure.

Please note: On Day 2 there will be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

  • Meeting Time: from 5pm
    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Pickup (Day 1): We are offering a limited number of complimentary Pickups from Fairbourne Train Station at 6pm. As places are limited, please select this optional ‘Extra’ when booking, subject to availability.
    Return (Day 3): If booking the Pickup, we will also return you to Fairbourne Train Station on the final day, after the walks. Please book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility with the return time.

    Meeting Location (if not booking a Pickup):
    Kings Youth Hostel
    Islawr-dref
    Dolgellau
    LL40 1TB

    what3words///shine.swooning.coverage

    Parking: There is free parking available at the hostel.

    Access Information: Please don’t rely on SatNav as it’s usually inaccurate for this location. The hostel is signposted from the A493 Penmaenpool. The 1 mile lane up to the hostel from the main road is steep and narrow.

    Public Transport: YHA King’s is located 6.2 miles from Fairbourne Train Station, with services to/from Pwllheli and Birmingham.

    Please Note: On Day 2 there will be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • We have exclusive use of the YHA’s Kings hostel - a stone built country house dating from 1830. Kings is set in a wooded ravine on the slopes of the Cader Idris mountain range. This south part of the Snowdonia National Park is a great base for fans of outdoor adventures and the ideal place to find some peace away from the pressures of modern life.

    Kings is a rural hostel and is quite remote. There is no mobile telephone signal. Wi-Fi coverage is patchy. Bedding is provided - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    Accommodation Address:
    Kings Youth Hostel
    Islawr-dref
    Dolgellau
    LL40 1TB

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room

    All rooms at this hostel are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a dorm room - usually with bunk beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared).

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ accommodation at YHA King’s - we have taken over exclusive use of the hostel, so it will just be Large Outdoors participants staying.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks on Day 2 and Day 3.

    • Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on both evenings.

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Day 2’s walk. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • Pickup service from Fairbourne Train Station - see the Meeting Location & Time section above (with return on Day 3, after the walks). As places are limited, please select this optional ‘Extra’ when booking, subject to availability.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not Included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location (but please see the Meeting Location & Time section above for details of the local Pickup available for those wishing to arrive via public transport).

    • Travel from the accommodation to the walk start points and back, where walks don’t start from the door. On Day 2 there will be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is rated as both Leisurely and Active Plus, as we will offer different walking route options. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    A Pickup service from Fairbourne Train Station is available - see the Meeting Location & Time section above. As places are limited, please select this optional ‘Extra’ when booking, subject to availability. On Day 2 there will be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog on an experience, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

Good to Know

Make sure you have the correct kit for one of our adventures!

Book your place on our Birthday Weekend

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.