The Pen Y Gwryd Hotel sits at the bottom of the Llanberis pass and the top of Nant Gwynant valley. It has been a family run business since 1947 and in mountaineering terms is practically the centre of the universe. To really appreciate this tiny place in it's awe-inspiring landscape visit in winter when menacing black clouds haunt the mountains and time seeps back into the hard local granite. Hide in the smoke room by the fire with a single malt and dream of Everest.