Snowdonia National Park
Follow the Welsh dragons to Britain's highest peaks.The largest national park in Wales spans rugged peaks, deep valleys, and clear lakes. Home to Mount Snowdon (1,085m) and rare wildlife like red kites and pine martens.
Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of northern Wales. You can climb Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) on foot or take the historic mountain railway to its 3,560-foot summit, explore the 13th-century Harlech Castle perched on a cliff, or swim at Barmouth's golden sand beach. The park's rugged landscape includes deep valleys, glacial lakes, and dense oak forests, with paths ranging from easy valley walks to challenging mountain scrambles.
Mountains and Hiking Routes
Nine mountain ranges spread across Snowdonia, including 15 peaks over 3,000 feet. Yr Wyddfa rises to 3,560 feet - Wales' highest point. The Pyg Track (3-4 hours up) starts at Pen y Pass car park and climbs steeply over rocky terrain. The longer Llanberis Path (5-6 hours up) follows the railway line with a steady incline. Tryfan's distinctive triangular peak requires hand-over-hand scrambling for the final ascent - allow 4-5 hours for the round trip. In the south, three paths lead up Cader Idris: the Pony Path (5-6 hours), Fox's Path (4-5 hours), and Minffordd Path (4-5 hours).
Getting Around Snowdonia
The Sherpa'r Wyddfa buses connect hiking routes and villages around Yr Wyddfa, running every 30 minutes in summer from Llanberis, Bethesda, and Beddgelert. Drive the A55 along the park's northern edge or take the A470 through its center. Trains stop at Bangor and Betws-y-Coed, connecting to Manchester and London. The narrow-gauge Welsh Highland Railway runs from Caernarfon to Porthmadog through mountain valleys.
Lakes and Coastal Areas
Llyn Tegid stretches for 4 miles near Bala town, with rental facilities for kayaks and sailboats. The park's 23-mile coastline includes wide beaches at Barmouth and Harlech. Walk or cycle the flat Mawddach Trail - a 9-mile former railway line between Barmouth and Dolgellau, crossing wooden bridges over salt marshes and passing bird-watching hides.
Adventure Activities
At Penrhyn Quarry, you can ride the world's fastest zip line, reaching speeds over 100mph. The National White Water Centre near Bala releases dam water for year-round rafting on grade 3-4 rapids. Mountain bike trails wind through Coed y Brenin forest, from the beginner-friendly MinorTaur to the technical Beast of Brenin. Antur Stiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog has downhill tracks with lift service.
Weather and When to Visit
Pack rain gear year-round - Crib Goch gets 176 inches of annual rainfall. Mountain weather changes quickly, so check forecasts before hiking and carry warm layers. May through September sees average highs of 65°F (18°C) and more stable conditions. Winter brings snow above 2,000 feet, making paths icy and requiring winter hiking equipment.
Towns and Local Culture
In Beddgelert, stone cottages and bridges from the 1700s line two converging rivers. The village store sells local Welsh foods and crafts. Betws-y-Coed's main street has outdoor equipment shops, cafes, and the Snowdonia National Park Information Centre. In Dolgellau, narrow lanes wind between grey slate buildings, leading to the town square where markets run on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Welsh remains the everyday language in many villages - you'll hear it spoken in shops and pubs, with 58% of residents speaking it daily.
