Depart Birmingham at 03:00-04:00 to make the most of the day; drive time is about 3.5-4 hours depending on traffic, so expect arrival in the Betws-y-Coed area around 07:30-08:30 with time to grab coffee and a hearty breakfast at a café like Tyddyn Llan or Hangin’ Pizzeria (takeaway breakfasts are cheaper). After breakfast, enjoy a gentle scenic stop at Swallow Falls or the Pont-y-Pair bridge for photos and a short riverside stroll to stretch your legs before the main hike.
Around late morning choose a 1.5-2.5 hour easy hike: the Miner's Track or the lower section of the Llyn Elsi circular from Betws-y-Coed are scenic, low-cost options with great views without heavy scrambling; aim to finish by 11:00-12:00 if you want to book Zip World Quarry at an 11:00 or 13:00 slot. If you opt for Zip World Quarry (book ahead), plan for the afternoon slot (13:00) — it’s a thrilling but optional experience; otherwise spend the afternoon driving the Llanberis Pass for dramatic scenery, visiting the Slate Landscape viewpoint in Blaenau Ffestiniog, or wandering the quaint streets of Betws-y-Coed and its shops.
Head back to the car by late afternoon and plan to leave Snowdonia around 16:00-17:00 to return to Birmingham by ~20:00, allowing for short photo or tea stops en route (a quick stop at Llyn Padarn viewpoint near Llanberis is a lovely dusk photo opportunity). Finish the day with a relaxed dinner stop on the drive home or a takeout in Birmingham once you arrive; share photos and highlights from the short hike and (if taken) Zip World to wrap up a full, low-cost day of nature and adventure.