Snowdonia National Park

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Wales' most iconic mountain range covering 823 square miles of dramatic peaks, valleys and lakes including Mount Snowdon. It offers world-class hiking, mountaineering, and stunning alpine scenery that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Things to do

• Climb Mount Snowdon — Tackle Wales' highest peak at 1,085 metres via multiple routes ranging from the gentle Llanberis Path to the challenging Crib Goch ridge.
• Explore Snowdon Mountain Railway — Ride the historic narrow-gauge steam and diesel railway from Llanberis to the summit for spectacular valley views without the full climb.
• Kayak on Llyn Padarn — Paddle across this glacial lake nestled beneath the Llanberis Pass with views of slate-grey peaks reflected in pristine waters.
• Walk around Cwm Idwal — Hike this dramatic U-shaped valley featuring a pristine mountain lake surrounded by 600-metre cliffs, a geomorphological showpiece shaped by ancient glaciers.
• Visit Slate Caverns at Llanberis — Descend into the depths of former slate mines to see underground lakes and learn about the region's industrial heritage.
• Traverse the Watkin Path — Hike one of Snowdon's most scenic routes starting near Beddgelert with stunning views of Welsh valleys and a dramatic ascent through Cwm Llan.
• Explore Betws-y-Coed Waterfalls — Discover multiple cascading waterfalls including Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls nestled in woodland on the eastern edge of the park.

Food to try

• Welsh Lamb Cawl — A hearty slow-cooked stew of locally-raised lamb with root vegetables and leeks, traditional mountain fare served in village pubs throughout Snowdonia.
• Bara Brith — A spiced fruit bread using dried fruit soaked in tea, a beloved Welsh teatime treat found in local bakeries and cafes.
• Fresh Lake Trout — Catch-of-the-day served in Snowdonia's restaurants, sourced from the region's mountain lakes and streams.
• Caws Cenarth (Welsh Cheese) — A locally-made farmhouse cheese from nearby Carmarthenshire, creamy and tangy, showcasing traditional Welsh dairy craftsmanship.
• Bara Brith Tea Experience — Afternoon tea featuring freshly-baked bara brith with Welsh butter and local honey, offered in traditional cafes in villages like Betws-y-Coed.
• Welsh Rarebit — A savoury cheese sauce over toasted bread, a warming mountain snack and restaurant staple throughout the park region.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Welsh Language Signage — Road signs and village names appear in Welsh first, so familiarize yourself with Welsh place names like Llanberis (Llanfairfechan) and Beddgelert to navigate respectfully.
• Plan for Unpredictable Weather — Mountain weather changes rapidly; always carry waterproof gear and check forecasts even for short walks, as conditions at higher elevations differ dramatically from the valleys.
• Visit Local Heritage Centers — Engage with Snowdonia's slate mining and industrial past at museums in Llanberis and Blaenau Ffestiniog to understand the cultural landscape shaped by centuries of quarrying.
• Follow the Walkers' Code — Take only photographs, leave no trace, and stay on marked paths to protect the fragile mountain ecosystem and respect land ownership that keeps trails accessible.