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Yr Wyddfa / Mount Snowdon
Yr Wyddfa, known in English as Mount Snowdon, stands 1,085 metres high - the highest mountain in England and Wales and one of 15 in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) that reach higher than 3,000 feet.
Yr Wyddfa also boasts Britain’s highest visitor centre, Hafod Eryri – accessible by the Snowdon Mountain Railway if you don’t want to climb – with awe-inspiring views of North Wales and the Irish Channel visible through the centre’s huge windows.
The steep stretch between Llanberis Station to the summit has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, but be aware that the service only runs from April to the end of October (weather permitting) and during April and May trains only go as far as Clogwyn – around ¾ of the way up the mountain.
Climbing Yr Wyddfa
If your aim is to climb to the summit, this is a challenge that needs planning - taking proper consideration of your fitness and experience, the time of year (the mountain is extremely crowded at peak times) and most importantly, the season and weather. The National Park’s website gives extremely helpful guidance. For the best of both worlds, take the train up, and hike back down.
The Valley of Ogwen
Yr Wyddfa is undeniably special, but there are some wonderful and less busy alternatives to explore, whether you prefer mountains, lakes or a combination of the two. The valley of Ogwen offers one of the National Park’s most breathtaking backdrops, and is a great base for exploring both the Carneddau and Glyderau mountain ranges. It is also home to Cwm Idwal—an incredible glacial valley famous for its geology and was once visited by Charles Darwin. Take a 2-hour circular walk around beautiful Llyn Ogwen, or choose one of the more challenging climbs. Your hard work on the ascent will be rewarded with stunning views at the top.
The Lake of Serenity
For those who like to fully engage with the water, Llyn Tegid (or Bala Lake), is Wales’s largest natural lake and a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Translated as ‘The Lake of Serenity’, the ambiance and landscape are idyllic. The lake also has a legendary inhabitant – a monster known as Teggie - as well as its own Bala Lake Railway.
Ten minutes along the road, you’ll find the National White Water Rafting Centre – a training centre for kayakers that’s also ideal for visitors who want to experience rafting. Activities are based on the upper and lower Tryweryn River, and there’s a range of options for families with younger children, those with some experience, and a steeper, more challenging section for regular rafters.