Snowdon
🏔️ Overview
Snowdon, known in Welsh as Yr Wyddfa, is the highest mountain in Wales, rising to 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) above sea level. It stands in the heart of Eryri National Park in Gwynedd, North Wales, surrounded by steep ridges, glacial lakes, rocky cwms, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Britain.
Yr Wyddfa is also the highest mountain in the British Isles outside Scotland. Its combination of substantial topographic prominence, rugged terrain, rare upland wildlife, historic walking routes, and easy access from nearby communities has made it one of the best-known mountains in the United Kingdom.
The Welsh name Yr Wyddfa is increasingly the name used officially. Eryri National Park Authority uses Yr Wyddfa for the summit and Eryri for the surrounding national park, reflecting the cultural importance of Welsh-language place names.
Although the mountain is sometimes described loosely as an ancient volcano, that description can be misleading. Yr Wyddfa is not a volcanic cone or dormant volcano. Instead, much of the massif consists of rocks produced by intense volcanic activity during the Ordovician Period hundreds of millions of years ago. Later erosion and glaciation created the mountain seen today.
⚡ Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Continent | Europe |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| State/Province | Wales |
| County/Region | Gwynedd |
| Mountain Range | Snowdon Massif / Yr Wyddfa Massif, Eryri |
| Parent Peak | Ben Nevis |
| Elevation | 1,085 m / 3,560 ft |
| Prominence | 1,039 m / 3,409 ft |
| Isolation | 368.7 km / 229.1 mi |
| Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN) | Stob Binnein, Scotland |
| Coordinates | Approximately 53.0678° N, 4.0775° W |
| Protected Area | Eryri National Park |
| Conservation Status | Part of the Yr Wyddfa National Nature Reserve |
| Highest Point Of | Wales |
| Major Walking Routes | Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd Ddu Path, Snowdon Ranger / Llwybr Cwellyn |
📍 Location
Yr Wyddfa lies in northwestern Wales, within the county of Gwynedd and near the communities of Llanberis, Nant Peris, Rhyd Ddu, and Beddgelert.
The mountain forms the centerpiece of the Yr Wyddfa Massif, a rugged group of summits and ridges that includes Garnedd Ugain, Crib Goch, Y Lliwedd, Yr Aran, and several smaller peaks.
East of the summit are the glacial lakes Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw, while the deep Llanberis Pass separates the massif from the Glyderau mountains to the northeast.
Yr Wyddfa is part of the wider mountain landscape of Eryri, which contains all of Wales’s peaks exceeding 3,000 feet.
For comparison, England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, rises to 978 meters (3,209 feet), making Yr Wyddfa more than 100 meters higher.
📏 Elevation & Prominence
Yr Wyddfa’s conventionally published elevation is 1,085 meters (3,560 feet). More precise modern measurements place the summit very close to this figure, so 1,085 meters remains the standard mapped and published height.
Its topographic prominence is approximately 1,039 meters (3,409 feet), making Yr Wyddfa one of the most prominent mountains in the British Isles.
The mountain has an unusually large topographic isolation of approximately 368.7 kilometers (229.1 miles). The nearest higher mountain is Stob Binnein, a 1,165-meter summit in the Scottish Highlands.
Yr Wyddfa’s listed parent peak is Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. In this context, “parent peak” is a topographic prominence concept rather than an indication that Ben Nevis is part of the same local mountain range.
Because of its height and prominence, Yr Wyddfa qualifies for several British mountain classifications, including the Marilyn, Furth, Hewitt, Nuttall, and Welsh 3000s lists.
🪨 Geology
Yr Wyddfa’s landscape records a remarkably complex geological history.
Much of the rock exposed around the mountain formed during the Ordovician Period, when volcanic activity affected what is now North Wales. Explosive eruptions produced large quantities of volcanic ash and other material that eventually formed rocks including rhyolitic tuffs and volcaniclastic deposits.
British Geological Survey descriptions of the area identify acidic ash-flow tuffs, basaltic volcaniclastic rocks, and associated igneous intrusions among the geological units exposed around the massif.
This ancient volcanic activity does not mean that Yr Wyddfa is a dormant volcano waiting to erupt. The volcanic systems responsible for these rocks disappeared hundreds of millions of years ago.
Much later, repeated glaciations profoundly reshaped the landscape. Moving ice excavated valleys and mountain basins while sharpening ridges and cliffs. Features such as Crib Goch, Y Lliwedd, Glaslyn, and Llyn Llydaw are closely tied to this glacial history.
The result is the steep, highly sculpted mountain landscape visible today.
🌿 Flora & Fauna
Yr Wyddfa is important not only for its scenery but also for its unusual high-altitude habitats. Parts of the mountain are protected as a National Nature Reserve, and the uplands support species that have become rare elsewhere in Britain.
One of the most famous is the Snowdon lily (Gagea serotina), an Arctic-alpine plant associated with cool, rocky mountain habitats. In Britain, it has an exceptionally restricted distribution.
Another notable species is the rainbow leaf beetle, sometimes called the Snowdon beetle, a brilliantly colored beetle found on parts of the mountain.
The surrounding uplands can also support birds such as:
- Red-billed chough
- Peregrine falcon
- Ring ouzel
- Raven
Purple saxifrage and other hardy upland plants survive in rocky locations exposed to strong winds, cold temperatures, and heavy precipitation.
Visitors should avoid disturbing plants or wildlife and remain on durable paths wherever possible, particularly in sensitive high-altitude areas.
🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes
Six principal walking paths are recognized by Eryri National Park Authority for reaching the summit of Yr Wyddfa.
Llanberis Path
The Llanberis Path is the longest but generally most gradual of the principal routes. It begins in Llanberis and climbs roughly alongside the Snowdon Mountain Railway for much of its course.
Despite sometimes being described as the “easy” route, the National Park classifies it as hard and strenuous. The round trip is approximately 14.5 kilometers and involves roughly 975 meters of ascent.
Pyg Track
Starting from Pen-y-Pass, the Pyg Track provides a shorter but steeper and rockier ascent. It offers superb views across the eastern side of the massif toward Crib Goch, Llyn Llydaw, and Glaslyn.
Miners’ Track
Also starting at Pen-y-Pass, the Miners’ Track initially follows relatively gentle terrain past Llyn Teyrn and Llyn Llydaw before becoming much steeper near Glaslyn.
The route takes its name from mining activity in the area and passes remains associated with the former Britannia Copper Mine.
Watkin Path
The Watkin Path approaches Yr Wyddfa from Nant Gwynant on the southern side of the mountain.
Because its trailhead is comparatively low, it involves substantial ascent and contains steep upper sections. It is generally considered one of the more demanding standard walking approaches.
Rhyd Ddu Path
The Rhyd Ddu Path climbs from the western side of the massif. It tends to be quieter than Llanberis, Pyg, and Miners’ routes and provides a striking approach along increasingly narrow mountain terrain.
Snowdon Ranger / Llwybr Cwellyn
The Snowdon Ranger Path, known in Welsh as Llwybr Cwellyn, begins near Llyn Cwellyn.
It is believed to be one of the oldest established routes to the summit and offers extensive views toward western Eryri.
What About Crib Goch?
Crib Goch should not be treated as an ordinary hiking path.
It is an exposed Grade 1 scramble along a narrow, rocky ridge where a fall could have extremely serious consequences. It is appropriate only for people with the necessary scrambling skills, confidence with significant exposure, suitable equipment, and appropriate weather conditions.
🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Do not judge conditions on Yr Wyddfa by the weather in Llanberis or another nearby valley. Cloud, wind, rain, cold, and poor visibility can develop quickly at higher elevations. Check a dedicated mountain forecast and current ground conditions before setting out, carry proper hill-walking clothing and navigation equipment, and be prepared to turn around.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Yr Wyddfa can be visited throughout the year, but conditions vary enormously with season and weather.
For most recreational walkers, late spring through early autumn generally provides longer daylight hours and a better chance of milder conditions. However, rain, strong winds, low cloud, and sudden temperature changes are possible even during summer.
July and August can be particularly busy, especially on the Llanberis, Pyg, and Miners’ routes.
Autumn may bring quieter paths but also shorter days and increasingly unsettled weather.
Winter transforms Yr Wyddfa into a much more serious mountaineering environment. Snow and ice can make familiar paths technically demanding, and specialist winter equipment and skills may be necessary.
There is therefore no completely “safe season.” Conditions on the mountain should always determine whether an ascent is appropriate.
🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions
Yr Wyddfa lies among some of the most impressive mountain scenery in Wales.
Garnedd Ugain, at about 1,065 meters, stands immediately northeast of Yr Wyddfa and is the second-highest summit in Wales.
Crib Goch forms a spectacular serrated ridge east of Garnedd Ugain and is one of Britain’s most famous exposed scrambling routes.
Y Lliwedd, rising on the southeastern side of the massif, forms another major component of the classic Snowdon Horseshoe.
Across Llanberis Pass lie the Glyderau, including Glyder Fawr and the distinctive rocky summit of Tryfan.
Lower down, Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn provide some of the best-known views of Yr Wyddfa’s dramatic eastern cliffs.
Llanberis is the principal gateway community on the mountain’s northern side and is also the starting point for the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Another Welsh mountain profile to explore on Mountain Field Guide is Clawdd Coch.
💡 Fun Facts
- Yr Wyddfa is the highest mountain in Wales.
- It is higher than every mountain in England and Ireland.
- Its nearest higher neighbor is not in Wales but Stob Binnein in Scotland, nearly 369 kilometers away.
- The mountain has more than 1,000 meters of topographic prominence.
- Its rocks preserve evidence of powerful Ordovician volcanic activity.
- Glaciers later carved much of the mountain’s modern landscape.
- The rare Snowdon lily is one of the plant species most closely associated with the mountain.
- Six principal walking routes lead toward the summit.
- The mountain’s eastern ridges form part of the famous Snowdon Horseshoe.
- Yr Wyddfa is protected within Eryri National Park and contains nationally important habitats.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Snowdon?
Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, rises to 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) above sea level.
Is Snowdon the highest mountain in Wales?
Yes. Yr Wyddfa is the highest mountain in Wales.
Is Snowdon higher than Scafell Pike?
Yes. Yr Wyddfa is 1,085 meters high, while England’s Scafell Pike is 978 meters high.
What is Snowdon called in Welsh?
The Welsh name is Yr Wyddfa. This is the name used officially by Eryri National Park Authority.
What is Snowdon’s prominence?
Yr Wyddfa has approximately 1,039 meters (3,409 feet) of topographic prominence.
What is Snowdon’s nearest higher neighbor?
The nearest higher mountain is Stob Binnein in Scotland.
What is Snowdon’s isolation?
Its topographic isolation is approximately 368.7 kilometers (229.1 miles).
Is Snowdon an extinct volcano?
Not in the usual sense. Yr Wyddfa is not the preserved cone of an extinct volcano. Much of the massif is made from ancient volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks produced during Ordovician volcanic activity, but erosion, tectonic processes, and later glaciation created the mountain’s present form.
What is the easiest route up Snowdon?
The Llanberis Path has the most gradual ascent and is commonly chosen by first-time visitors. However, Eryri National Park Authority still classifies it as a hard and strenuous mountain route.
How many main routes climb Yr Wyddfa?
There are six principal walking routes recognized by Eryri National Park Authority: Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd Ddu Path, and Snowdon Ranger/Llwybr Cwellyn.
Is Crib Goch suitable for beginners?
No. Crib Goch is a highly exposed scrambling ridge and is substantially more serious than the standard walking routes.
🔗 Related Articles
- Scafell Pike — England’s highest mountain
- Clawdd Coch — another mountain profile from the Welsh uplands
🔗 Related Hiking and Safety Guides
Before climbing Yr Wyddfa, hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather, difficult navigation in cloud, rough terrain, and much colder conditions at the summit than in surrounding valleys.
Useful topics to review before any major mountain hike include the Ten Essentials, mountain weather forecasting, map-and-compass navigation, appropriate hiking footwear, layering systems, and the additional risks associated with winter mountain travel.
📚 Sources
- Eryri National Park Authority — Yr Wyddfa — official information on the mountain, landscape, wildlife, conservation, and visitor considerations.
- Eryri National Park Authority — Choosing the Right Path — official guidance on the principal walking routes and their difficulty.
- Peakbagger — Europe Peaks With 200 km of Isolation — isolation data and nearest higher neighbor information for Yr Wyddfa.
- Wikipedia — Snowdon — elevation, prominence, parent peak, coordinates, classifications, and geographic cross-check.
- British Geological Survey — Caradoc Series, Ordovician, Wales — geological information on Yr Wyddfa’s Ordovician volcanic rocks and formations.
