Discover Wales' highest peak through breathtaking hiking adventures. Experience the majestic beauty of Snowdonia National Park, dramatic glacial landscapes, and stunning summit views that have inspired visitors for centuries.
Hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. Take in the breathtaking views and experience a sense of accomplishment when you reach the peak.
A challenging yet rewarding trail with dramatic views of Snowdon's rugged landscape, glacial lakes including Llyn Llydaw, and the iconic Snowdon Horseshoe ridge formation.
A scenic route following an old miners' path, offering beautiful views of surrounding mountains and pristine glacial lakes. Rich in Welsh mining heritage and natural beauty.
Snowdon stands as Wales' most iconic landmark, a majestic peak rising 1,085 metres above sea level. Known in Welsh as "Yr Wyddfa," this ancient mountain has been a sacred presence in Welsh culture and mythology for thousands of years.
The mountain is home to stunning glacial landscapes, with pristine lakes and dramatic ridges carved by ancient ice flows. Snowdonia National Park, established in 1951, protects this remarkable ecosystem where rugged moorlands, ancient woodlands, and alpine terrain create the perfect setting for challenging hiking adventures in the heart of Wales.
With multiple well-maintained trails to the summit, Snowdon offers hiking experiences for every skill level, from family-friendly paths to challenging alpine routes. The mountain's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage provide some of the most spectacular and rewarding hiking experiences in the British Isles.
Discover History
Experience the highest peak in Wales, where dramatic ridges meet pristine wilderness. Snowdon defines the Welsh landscape and offers unparalleled views of Snowdonia National Park.
Discover ancient legends and Welsh mythology, from Arthurian tales to local folklore. Snowdon's Welsh name "Yr Wyddfa" means "the burial place," steeped in centuries of cultural significance.
With multiple well-marked routes to the summit, find your perfect hiking challenge whether you're seeking family-friendly paths or demanding alpine adventures with stunning glacial lake views.
Experience world-class landscapes with glacial lakes, dramatic ridges, and panoramic mountain vistas. Every season offers unique beauty from wildflower displays to snow-capped winter scenes.
Ancient Times - Yr Wyddfa: Snowdon, known as "Yr Wyddfa" in Welsh, has been revered for centuries. According to Welsh legend, it's the burial place of the giant Rhita Gawr, defeated by King Arthur, making it a mountain steeped in myth and Celtic folklore.
1639 - First Recorded Ascent: Thomas Johnson makes the first recorded ascent of Snowdon, though local people had been climbing the mountain for generations as part of their daily lives and cultural traditions.
1951 - National Park Status: Snowdonia becomes Wales' first national park, protecting its unique landscapes and ensuring future generations can experience its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Modern Era - Cultural Icon: Snowdon continues to inspire hikers, artists, and nature lovers from around the world, serving as a symbol of Welsh identity and natural heritage while remaining an accessible yet challenging peak for adventurers.
Present Day - Conservation Legacy: Today, Snowdon balances conservation with recreation, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually while protecting its fragile alpine ecosystems and rich biodiversity.
Explore mountain features
The highest point in Wales at 1,085 metres, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Snowdonia National Park and beyond. On clear days, you can see as far as Ireland and the Isle of Man from this iconic Welsh summit.
A stunning glacial lake on the Pyg Track route, known for its crystal-clear reflections of Snowdon's dramatic ridges. This pristine lake is steeped in Arthurian legend and offers some of the most photographed views in Wales.
A spectacular ridge walk connecting Crib Goch, Snowdon summit, and Y Lliwedd. This challenging route offers some of the most dramatic and rewarding mountain hiking in Britain, with knife-edge ridges and stunning drop-offs.
Discover unique Welsh flora and fauna adapted to the mountain environment. Look for rare alpine plants, soaring red kites, and hardy Welsh mountain sheep that have grazed these slopes for centuries.
Make the most of your Snowdon adventure with these essential planning tips:
Location: Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd, Wales
Nearest Railway: Llanberis - Snowdon Mountain Railway terminus
Coordinates: 53°04'6"N 4°04'34"W
Snowdon is located in northwest Wales within Snowdonia National Park. The mountain is easily accessible from the village of Llanberis via the A4086, or from Pen-y-Pass via the A4086. Other access points include Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu. The Snowdon Mountain Railway provides an alternative route to the summit from Llanberis for those preferring not to hike.
Allow 6-9 hours for a round trip to Snowdon summit, depending on your chosen route and fitness level. The Llanberis Path typically takes 6-7 hours, while the Pyg Track and Miners Track take 6-8 hours. Weather conditions can significantly affect hiking times.
There are no entry fees to hike Snowdon itself, but parking charges apply at most trailheads (typically £5-£10 per day). Some car parks accept card payments, but it's advisable to bring coins as backup.
Yes! The Llanberis Path is suitable for beginners and families with moderate fitness levels. However, proper preparation is essential - bring appropriate clothing, food, water, and check weather conditions. More challenging routes like the Snowdon Horseshoe require advanced hiking experience.
April through October offers the best hiking conditions, with summer months (June-August) providing the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. Spring and autumn can be beautiful but expect more changeable weather. Winter hiking requires proper mountain experience and equipment.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, layers for changing weather, and always carry waterproof clothing. Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at the summit. Bring a hat, gloves, and warm layers. Weather can change rapidly on Welsh mountains.
Yes! The Snowdon Mountain Railway operates from Llanberis to the summit (weather permitting). It's a great alternative for those who prefer not to hike or want to combine a train journey with walking down. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Look for Welsh mountain ponies, red kites soaring overhead, ravens, and hardy Welsh mountain sheep. The area is also home to rare arctic-alpine plants found nowhere else in Wales. Early morning and evening offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
