Eryri, long known in English as Snowdonia, became a national park in 1951 and covers more than 2,000 km² of north-west Wales. At its heart is Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), at 1,085 m the highest mountain in Wales, which you can climb on several well-trodden paths or reach on a Victorian rack railway from Llanberis.
Around the mountains are glacial valleys, slate-quarrying villages, forest waterfalls and some of Europe’s finest medieval castles: Caernarfon and Harlech are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Conwy and Beaumaris. Welsh is the everyday language for many people here.
Highlights
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon): hike to the summit or ride the mountain railway.
- Llanberis and Llyn Padarn: lakeside walks, kayaking and the free National Slate Museum.
- Caernarfon Castle: Edward I’s grandest fortress, with polygonal towers.
- Betws-y-Coed: a forest village with Swallow Falls and riverside walks.
- Ogwen Valley: Tryfan, Cwm Idwal and dramatic roadside scenery.
- Adventure: zip lines, mountain biking, gorge walking and caverns.
Quick facts
| Where | North-west Wales |
|---|---|
| Highest peak | Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon, 1,085 m |
| From London | About 3–4 hours by train to Bangor |
| Ideal stay | 3–4 days |
| Best for | Hiking, castles, scenery, adventure |
| Getting around | Car, or Sherpa’r Wyddfa buses and local trains |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
Allow three or four days: one for Yr Wyddfa, one for Caernarfon and Llanberis, one for Betws-y-Coed and the Ogwen Valley. Llanberis is the climbers’ base, Betws-y-Coed the prettiest village base, and Beddgelert the quietest. Without a car, staying on the coast in Llandudno or Conwy and joining day tours works well.
