Introduction
Eryri National Park, also widely known as Snowdonia, protects mountains, valleys, lakes, coastline, communities, and Welsh cultural landscapes across northwest Wales. The park includes Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales, and Llyn Tegid, Wales' largest natural lake.
For broader background on the park's geography, history, names, and protected status, see the Snowdonia / Eryri Wikipedia page.
The official Eryri planning page says around 4 million people visit the park each year, with April through September the most popular season. The Park Authority encourages visitors to plan ahead, book where needed, research routes, use sustainable transport where possible, and check safety advice before heading into the mountains.
Top Hikes
These three walks are good starting points for planning. Distances and elevation gain are rounded; check the official park trail page for current closures, permits, weather, and trail conditions.
Llanberis Path (hard / strenuous) - 9.0 miles (14.5 km); elevation gain 3,199 feet (975 m). The most popular Yr Wyddfa summit route, with the most gradual climb but still a strenuous mountain day.
Miners' Track (hard / strenuous) - 8.1 miles (13.0 km); elevation gain 2,372 feet (723 m). A popular Pen y Pass route beside Llyn Teyrn, Llyn Llydaw, and Glaslyn before a steep rocky summit ascent.
Watkin Path (hard / strenuous) - 8.1 miles (13.0 km); elevation gain 3,330 feet (1,015 m). A very challenging Yr Wyddfa route from Nant Gwynant with one of the greatest ascents on the mountain.
Yr Wyddfa and Mountain Safety
Yr Wyddfa is a serious mountain day even on the most gradual route. The official route guide says there are six routes to the summit and that all of them are challenging. The Llanberis Path is the most popular and has the most gradual climb, while the Miners' Track is shorter but has a steep rocky upper section, and the Watkin Path has one of the greatest ascents.
Use the official YrWyddfa Live ground condition reports, Met Office weather, and Eryri safety advice before setting out. Weather can change quickly, visibility can drop, and winter or shoulder-season conditions can require specialist equipment and navigation skills.
Camping and Visiting Responsibly
The official plan-your-visit page says visitors can only camp in official campsites in Eryri National Park. Use the camping page and local campsite information before planning an overnight stay.
Eryri includes busy mountain communities and sensitive landscapes. Plan parking and public transport before you arrive, consider the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus for summit routes, keep to designated routes where needed, and follow the Countryside Code.
Webcam Notes
Feed credit: Eryri National Park Authority and Snowdon Webcam.