The famous Pen-Y-Gwryd pub is renowned for its connection with the successful mountain climbing expeditions of Mount Everest in 1953 and Kanchenjunga in 1955.
The pub dates back to 1811 as a farm house that became a public house serving the Llanberis area in Snowdonia, North Wales. The original ‘Climbers Club’ has its roots here being born over a few pints back in the day - in 1898. In 1922 the Pen-Y-Gwryd became a Mountain Rescue post and you can still see the plaque attached on the pub’s frontage (right hand side) when entering. This was closely tied to 2 other mountain rescue posts located in Ogwen’s cottage (now Ogwen Valley mountain rescue center) and Plas y Brenin (now the outdoors pursuits training center).
The hotel really gained its reputation due to the British Expeditions of Everest 1953 and Kanchenjunga 1955 who utilised the area to train and test oxygen equipment before embarking on their mountaineering missions. As you walk in and go to the right there is hiking boots string from the ceiling and a magnificent black & white print of Hillary & Tenzing sipping Chai on the Everest climb, You can still see the expedition party’s signatures on the ceiling on the left hand side of the pub (when entering). This includes the famous kiwi legend Edmund Hillary, British Everest leader John Hunt and Sir Christopher Bonnington who was successful on Kanchenjunga in 1955.
But what the Pen-Y-Gwryd is really renowned for is the classic ‘snug’ which is situated behind the bar and you can only enter it by ducking through the kitchen. If you’re a resident you are allowed to freely enjoy the sung with its classic memorabilia of the Everest expedition, if you’ve just rocked up to the pub you’ll need to have a word and ‘talk your way in’ for a 5 minute butchers. It has a great cabinet which has the rope which was used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to belay each other, crampons and other kit & equipment that was used to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Other trinkets and bits & pieces are shown with lots of photos and memorials are all displayed in a lovely wood panelled room which for any Everest aficionado is just great. A great way to enjoy a well earned dink after coming off the hill! Go check it out and soak up the classic atmosphere!
For some video footage inside the pub:
http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Sunstone-Adventures-Limited/125604380964?ref=mf
For info on Trekking & Mountaineering in the Everest region please see Sunstone Adventures new website on: http://www.sunstoneadventures.com/
