Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa): Wales' Highest Peak in Snowdonia National Park

Snowdon (Welsh: Yr Wyddfa, pronounced "uhr with-va") stands at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet)—the highest mountain in Wales, the highest in England and Wales combined, and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands.

Location

• National Park: Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park
• Principal Area: Gwynedd
• Region: North Wales
• Coordinates: 53.0685° N, 4.0763° W
• Nearest towns: Llanberis (north), Beddgelert (south), Betws-y-Coed (east)

Six Main Ascent Routes

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Since 1896, a rack-and-pinion railway runs from Llanberis to the summit café (Clogwyn station in high winds). Book months ahead in summer. One-way or return tickets available.

Summit Facilities

• Hafod Eryri — Visitor center/café (2009 building, replaces 1930s hotel)
• Toilets, water, limited snacks
• Triangulation pillar — "Trig point" for surveyors

Essential Advice

• Weather changes fast — Check Mountain Forecast or MWIS
• Allow 5–7 hours round trip walking; 2.5 hrs up, 2 hrs down typical
• Boots, layers, waterproofs, map/compass, headtorch, food, water
• No mobile signal on most routes
• Parking at Pen-y-Pass fills by 7 AM in summer — use Park & Ride (Nant Peris)

Cultural Significance

Yr Wyddfa means "the tumulus" or "the barrow"—linked to the legend of Rhita Gawr, a giant slain by King Arthur, buried beneath the summit cairn. The mountain is a Welsh national symbol, featured in poetry, art, and the "Snowdon Lily" (Gagea serotina), an Arctic-alpine relict found only here in the UK.