Snowdonia, also known as 'Eryri' is a National Park in North Wales. It is home to Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest mountain in Wales.
Snowdonia is visited by around 4 million people every year. The most noteworthy facts about Snowdonia are:
Largest National Park in Wales
93 mountains including Snowdon
One of the rarest habitats on earth
Welsh name is"Eyri"
1. How big is Snowdonia?
Snowdonia National Park covers a huge area of 823 square miles. This makes it Wales largest National Park and the third largest in the UK.
2. How many mountains in Snowdonia?
There are 93 majestic mountains situated in the 9 mountain ranges of Snowdonia.
Standing at 1085m, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is the tallest mountain in Snowdonia and Wales.
All of the mountains over 3000 feet (914.4m) in the whole of Wales can be found in just three ranges in Snowdonia; The Snowdon Massif, The Glyderau and The Carneddau.
There is a fantastic challenge walk similar to the National 3 Peaks linking all 15 of the Welsh 3000's
3. Are there forests in Snowdonia?
A little known fact about Snowdonia is that it is home to one of the rarest habitats on planet Earth; temperate rainforest.
Temperate is similar to a tropical rainforest in the sense that it is humid and it rains a lot. In fact there are over 200 days of rain a year in Snowdonia.
Where temperate and tropical rainforest differ is that tropical rainforests are hot whereas the temperature in temperate rainforests vary little throughout the year. The summer in Snowdonia is not to hot and in the winter it is not too cold. Temperate rainforest are only found in zones near to the sea.
The Celtic Rainforest of Snowdonia consists of ancient mixed oak woodlands which are covered in a rich variety of plants including ferns, mosses, liverworts and lichens. Some of the species of liverworts and lichens are so rare they are of international importance.
4. What does 'Eryri' mean?
The Name Snowdonia
The Welsh word for Snowdonia is ‘Eryri’, which could mean ‘highland’ or ‘uplands’. There is also speculation that the name means ‘eagle’, due to the historical presence of golden eagles in the area.
The Name Snowdon
The English name “Snowdon” comes from the Old English “snaw dun”, meaning “snow hill”.
The Welsh name for Snowdon is “Yr Wyddfa” which means “the tumulus” or “the barrow”, possibly referring to the cairn thrown over the legendary giant Rhitta Gawr after his defeat by King Arthur.
The word "Snowdonia" is derived from the name of the mountain.
In an effort to promote Welsh cultural heritage, in 2022 the National Park voted to only use the Welsh names "Eryri" and "Yr Wyddfa" instead of using them in conjunction with the English names.
5. What plants and animals are in Snowdonia?
Snowdonia is home to a unique population of wildlife, including the Welsh mountain goat and Carneddau Ponies.
Many birds of prey are found high up on the mountains, including buzzards, peregrines, and merlins.
Snowdonia is also rich in plant life. The Snowdon lily is the rarest plant in the UK. It flowers between May and July and is around 12cm tall with white and yellow cup shaped flowers. It is an arctic alpine plant which has been left over since the last ice age. With only 80 specimens remaining it is thought that the Snowdon Lily is believed to be the first UK plant to become extinct as a result of climate change.
The park contains Sites of Special Scientific Interest due to the unique species that have their habitat in the area.
The Snowdonia National Park Authority works to conserve and protect the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.
6. What is the history of Snowdonia?
Snowdonia has a rich history. The mountains were first formed between 300-400 million years ago. At that time it is believed they were as high as the alps, possibly even higher.
People have been leaving their mark on the landscape for thousands of years. Stone circles, castles and neolithic burial chambers can be found in abundance in the area.
Before tourism, mining was the dominant industry. Copper, zinc, lead, iron, and gold have all been mined locally. Perhaps the most obvious impact on the landscape has been the slate mines which are dotted throughout the National Park.
Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda used to be the largest slate mine in the world and is still the biggest in the UK. The quarry has been in use for over 700 years and at it's height, employed nearly 3000 quarrymen.
It is still in use today and is also home to Zip World and the world's fastest zip line.
7. What myths and legends are there?
Snowdonia is steeped in rich Welsh culture and folklore. The Mabinogion, a collection of medieval stories, mentions various locations within Snowdonia. The tales have become entrenched into Welsh culture and identity.
The park is associated with ancient myths and legends, including the story of King Arthur. Legend has it that King Arthur fought his last battle on the slopes of Snowdon.
Hikers on the Watkin Path will reach the Bwlch y Saethau where it is said Arthur was fatally wounded.
Shortly after, Arthur asked Bedivere, his loyal knight, to throw his sword, Excalibur, into Llyn Glaslyn. Walkers on the Miners Track will walk past Llyn Glaslyn where Bedivere reluctantly cast Arthur's sword. As the sword fell to the waters surface, a hand rose up from the deep and caught it, waved the sword three times then sunk under the water.
Arthur's men then carried his body down to the lake where a boat ferried by three beautiful maidens dressed in white took Arthur's body, sailing off into the mist on their journey to Avalon.
8. World Heritage Sites
Snowdonia has a rich history. Consequently it is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Harlech Castle and the Slate Landscape of northwest Wales. Their international importance has elevated these sites to the global stage.
The park is also home to several other historic sites, including the Roman fort of Segontium.
9. Exploring Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
There are 6 main paths to the summit including the Snowdon Ranger Path and Llanberis Path.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a popular way to access the highest peak in Wales. It is the easiest way to get there.
The summit building first appeared in the early 19th Century and over the years has morphed into a summit cafe which sells food, hot/cold drinks and gifts. It is serviced by the Snowdonia Mountain Railway which takes the staff and supplies up and down the mountain on a daily basis. Be aware though that the cafe is closed during the winter months and in bad weather.
To learn more about the culture, history and nature of the mountain join a Snowdon guided walk
Alternatively, organise a Private Guide and tackle something epic such as the Snowdon Horseshoe Walk, which is the toughest challenge on Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).
10. Leisure Activities
Snowdonia has been described as the adventure capital of the UK and offers a range of leisure activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and water sports.
The park is home to several lakes, including Llyn Llydaw, which is the largest and deepest lake on the mountain. Llyn Tegid (Bala lake) in the east of the National Park is Wales largest lake.
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