Eryri (Snowdonia): Yr Wyddfa, Lakes, Castles & the Best Walks

Eryri, known in English as Snowdonia, covers the mountainous north-west of Wales, from the coast at Conwy to the Dyfi estuary. It was the first of the three National Parks of Wales, designated in October 1951.

Why Eryri (Snowdonia) Is Special

Eryri contains all fifteen mountains in Wales over 3,000 feet, including the highest, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), 1,085 metres. Its rugged peaks, glacial lakes and waterfalls make it one of the great mountain landscapes of Britain.

Yet it is also a land of oak woods, rivers, slate villages and the Welsh language, which is spoken every day in its towns and farms.

The History of Eryri (Snowdonia)

The mountains were carved by glaciers into sharp ridges, cwms and lakes. The National Park Authority now uses the Welsh names Eryri and Yr Wyddfa for the park and its highest peak.

In the 19th century slate quarrying transformed the landscape around Llanberis, Bethesda and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the slate landscape of north-west Wales is now a World Heritage Site.

The Snowdon Mountain Railway, opened in 1896, climbs from Llanberis almost to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, and the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog railways wind through the valleys to the coast.

What to See & the Best Walks at Eryri (Snowdonia)

Climb Yr Wyddfa by one of its classic paths, such as the Llanberis Path or the Miners' Track past the lakes of Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn, or take the mountain railway in season. Walk round Llyn Padarn at Llanberis, beneath the ruins of Dolbadarn Castle.

Visit Betws-y-Coed and the Swallow Falls, and drive through the Llanberis Pass and the Ogwen valley, past Tryfan, for some of the grandest roadside scenery in Britain.

Wildlife at Eryri (Snowdonia)

Look for choughs and ravens on the crags, and the rare Snowdon lily on the high ledges. Feral goats roam the mountains, and the oak woods are full of pied flycatchers and redstarts in spring.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Eryri (Snowdonia)

See the Eryri National Park listing. Our guides to Beddgelert and Portmeirion cover two of the loveliest villages, and Bodnant Garden is in the Conwy valley.

Families enjoy the Welsh Mountain Zoo at Colwyn Bay, and gardeners can visit Fron Goch Garden Centre near Caernarfon.

Eryri (Snowdonia) Through the Seasons

Spring brings lambs and waterfalls in full flow. Summer is the season for mountain walks and steam trains. Autumn colours the oak woods, and in winter snow transforms the peaks, which are then for experienced mountaineers only.

Getting to Eryri (Snowdonia)

Trains run along the North Wales coast to Bangor and Llandudno Junction, with the Conwy Valley line to Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Sherpa'r Wyddfa buses link the Snowdon paths.

Eryri (Snowdonia): Questions & Answers

How high is Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)?

1,085 metres, the highest mountain in Wales.

Can you take a train up Snowdon?

Yes. The Snowdon Mountain Railway, opened in 1896, runs from Llanberis in season.

Our Advice

Our advice: Climb Yr Wyddfa early on a clear day, or take the train up and walk down, and save a day for the lakes and waterfalls.