Snowdon, known by its official Welsh name Yr Wyddfa, is at 1,085 m the highest mountain in Wales and the centrepiece of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Six waymarked paths lead to the summit, and the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis lets non-hikers reach the top too, making it one of Britain's most popular mountains. Since 2022 the park and mountain have been promoted under their Welsh names, Eryri and Yr Wyddfa, so expect those on signage. In 2026, summer parking and railway seats sell out fast, so planning ahead is essential.
Summit panorama that, on a clear day, can stretch to Ireland, England and Scotland
Hafod Eryri, the UK's highest visitor centre, with a café and interpretation space at the top
The rack-and-pinion Snowdon Mountain Railway, opened in 1896, climbing through glacier-carved scenery
Glacial lakes such as Llyn Llydaw and dramatic ridgelines seen from the Pyg Track and Miners' Track
The rich Welsh-language place names and Celtic legends woven into the mountain's identity
Good to know
SafetyThe summit is cold, exposed and prone to fog, high winds and rapid weather changes even in summer. Carry a waterproof, windproof layers, sturdy boots, water and a headtorch, and check the mountain weather forecast before setting out.
SeasonIn winter (roughly November–April) the upper mountain holds snow and ice, requiring crampons, an ice axe and winter experience. The Hafod Eryri summit centre normally opens daily from 1 May to the end of October, weather permitting.
RulesThe Pen-y-Pass car park has fewer than 70 spaces and must be pre-booked via JustPark from March to November; it often fills before 7am in peak season. Without a booking, use the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus or the Nant Peris Park & Ride instead.
MannersFollow Leave No Trace principles: take all litter home and stick to the paths to protect fragile vegetation. On narrow sections it is customary to give way to walkers heading uphill.
CautionBeware of unofficial 'parking booking' or 'entry ticket' sites and resold tickets. Book the railway only via snowdonrailway.co.uk, parking via JustPark, and buses via the official Sherpa'r Wyddfa channels.
MannersAround Llanberis and Pen-y-Pass, do not leave valuables in your car, and stay alert to opportunistic theft in busy car parks and at crowded viewpoints.
Practical info
Reach the area by train or coach to Bangor, then the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus network to Llanberis and Pen-y-Pass (adult single around £3, day return around £5.50 — check latest). The Snowdon Mountain Railway departs from Llanberis (LL55 4TU); summit trains run from 1 May in summer and a return trip takes about 2.5 hours. Fares, timetables and whether trains reach the summit depend on the weather, so always confirm the latest details on the official website.
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