Snowdonia (Eryri)
Why we love Snowdonia (Eryri)
What’s your adventure? Because Snowdonia (Eryri) is full of them – and it’s bursting with breathtaking scenery too.
This 823-square-mile (2131km²) National Park is catnip for adrenaline seekers, who flock to climb, cycle, raft and zip through north Wales’ wildest corners, but you don’t need nerves of steel to appreciate its charms: there are pretty villages to explore, seaside strolls to enjoy and local delicacies to devour.
And while Snowdonia (Eryri) is famous for its epic mountains – especially Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Wales’ highest peak – the region has a softer side too, its foothills full of wildflowers and woodlands, and its coast dotted with long sandy beaches. Whether for a wild weekend or an action-packed holiday, here’s how to plan your perfect trip.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan
Location: Capel Curig, Wales

Explore Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) peaks
Home to nine mountain ranges, there are Snowdonian hiking and climbing trails to suit every ability. For a wheelchair-accessible route, try the nine-mile (14.4km) Mawddach Trail, which follows the tranquil estuary between Dolgellau and Barmouth.
Photo by: @zip_world
Location: Bethesda, Wales

Brave the world’s fastest zipline
Love the fast lane? You can go more than 100mph (161km/h) on Velocity 2, the world’s speediest zipline – which plummets from a mountain eyrie to an old quarry lake. All over Snowdonia (Eryri), former slate-mining spots have been transformed into adventure hubs: check out Zip World Slate Caverns in Llechwedd, with its own trampoline park.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway
Location: Abersoch, Wales

Kick back at the beach
There’s more to Snowdonia (Eryri) than mountains, you know: its 74-mile (119km) shoreline is ripe for exploring — think puffin spotting boat trips with Seacoast Safaris, hiking highs on the Wales Coast Path and an abundance of glorious beaches. The soft sands of Harlech are perfect for picnics and paddling, surrounded by grass-topped dunes and views of the peaks.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan
Location: Snowdon Massif, Wales

Hit the mountain bike trails
With its gnarly descents and sublime singletracks, Coed y Brenin Forest Park is a mountain biker’s paradise. It features eight graded routes, traversing dense pine forest and white-knuckle hills – with trails for beginners and pros alike, as well as adaptive bike riders. Check out the running paths, geocaching and orienteering courses too.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway
Location: Wales

Hike the Coast Path
The Wales Coast Path runs right through Snowdonia (Eryri) – a 180-mile (290km) feast of wild beaches, lofty cliffs and refreshing sea views. It takes most hikers two weeks (at least) to cover it all, but you can take your pick from soul-stirring day walks, or follow one of the 18 circular loops off the main route – ranging from gentle strolls to leg-pumping ascents.
Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales
Location: Bala, Wales

Make a splash
You’ll hear the rapids’ roar before you see them – and a chorus of screams and squeals too. Set in a lush forested valley, the National White Water Centre is nature’s rollercoaster, with thrills and spills for kayakers, canyoners and white water rafters.
Things to do in Snowdonia (Eryri)
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Featured things to do
Photo by: partycjaandjack
Location: Colwyn Bay, Wales

Blooming florals
See wild flowers springing up in Bodnant Garden, from bluebells to daffodils. Visit on 1 March for a special themed celebration as the date marks St David's Day, Wales' patron saint.
Learn more about Bodnant Gardens (opens in a new tab)Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan
Location: Llanberis, Wales

Outdoor adventures
Whether you’re hiking, cycling, kayaking or horse-riding, the long summer days are ideal for exploring Snowdonia’s (Eryri's) great outdoors.
Plan your summer activities in Snowdonia (Eryri) (opens in a new tab)Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway
Location: Wales

Fiery forests
As the seasons change, many of Snowdonia’s (Eryri's) green forests transform into blazing autumn colours, and the ivy-covered Tu Hwnt i'r Bont tearoom turns a dazzling red.
Learn more about Snowdonia’s (Eryri's) forests (opens in a new tab)Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan
Location: Capel Curig, Wales

Bracing walks
From blustery beach strolls to valley hikes between snowy mountains, winter is a spectacular time for walking – and you’ll likely have the trails all to yourself.
Learn more about Snowdonia’s (Eryri's) walking routes (opens in a new tab)Places to stay in Snowdonia (Eryri)
Glamping getaways
For a wild night out, look to Snowdonia’s glamping sites and shepherd’s huts – with options as rustic or luxurious as you like.
Countryside pubs
Offering home-cooked food and a warm Welsh welcome, the park’s pub hotels are full of local charm.
Cosy cottages
Snowdonia’s valleys and woodlands are dotted with traditional stone-built cottages, many of which can be rented.
Explore nearby
Getting to Snowdonia (Eryri)
Llandudno Junction can be reached by train from Manchester and Liverpool in around two hours, with onward direct connections to Betws-y-Coed (30 minutes), Blaenau Ffestiniog (one hour) and other key Snowdonia (Eryri) towns. By road, the closest international airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport (90 minutes), Manchester Airport (one hour 40 minutes) and Birmingham Airport (two hours 30 minutes).
Getting around
Hopping on board a train isn’t just convenient: Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) rail routes are picturesque too, with the Cambrian Line and Conwy Valley Line weaving through beautiful scenery. For the easiest access to hiking trails, it’s wise to hire a car – but the local bus services are convenient and well-connected.
By train
Travel back in time on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways steam trains, in north-west Snowdonia (Eryri).
By bike
Prefer pedal power? Mountain bikes, road bikes and e-bikes can be rented from venues all over the park.
By bus
For Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) hikers, the Snowdon Sherpa offers a hop-on-hop-off service around the base of the mountain.
Want to know more?
Head to Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) official website to discover all the best things to do and places to stay.
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park is located in north Wales within the boroughs of Gwynedd and Conwy. It is approximately three hours and 30 minutes from Cardiff by car or almost four hours by public transport. Alternatively, the drive from Manchester Airport to Snowdonia (Eryri) takes around two hours.
Snowdonia National Park, also known as Eryri, covers 823 square miles (2,130 square kilometres). The area not only includes the main mountain, Snowdon, but several other peaks as well. It’s a popular spot with hikers and nature lovers.
Snowdonia’s main mountain, Mount Snowdon, also known as Yr Wyddfa, is 1,085 metres (3,560ft) above sea level. It’s the highest mountain in Wales and the highest in Great Britain, with the exception of Scotland. Snowdon was created from volcanic activity known as the Caledonian Orogeny 400 to 500 million years ago. Views from Mount Snowdon are spectacular, overlooking Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park as a whole, the Lake District, and even offering views as far as Ireland. The mountain also has its own railway, meaning you don’t have to climb to reach the summit!
The time it takes to walk up Mount Snowdon will vary based on numerous factors such as weather, equipment, and fitness levels. However, on average, the walk should take between six to eight hours up and back. If planning a trip up Snowdon, carefully consider the weather, clothing, trekking gear, and footwear.






























