Yr Wyddfa
If you're looking for an adventure that takes you to the top of Wales - then Yr Wyddfa (also known as Snowdon) is for you.
Here’s everything you need to know about Yr Wyddfa, from what it means and how to pronounce it, to all the different routes you can take to the summit.
Yr Wyddfa
Yr Wyddfa is a mighty mountain located in Snowdonia National Park in Wales.
It is the highest mountain in Wales, standing at an impressive 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) tall.
It is also the highest point in the British Isles outside of the Scottish Highlands.
You might be more familiar with the English name ‘Snowdon’. However, in November 2022 it was decided by Snowdonia National Park Authority to use the Welsh name for both the mountain and region, Eryri (Snowdonia).
Yr Wyddfa Meaning
If you're wondering what "Yr Wyddfa" means, it's actually a Welsh word that translates to "the tumulus" or "the barrow".
This name refers to a prehistoric cairn or mound that is believed to have been located at the summit of the mountain.
How to Pronounce Yr Wyddfa
Now, let's talk about how to pronounce "Yr Wyddfa".
Firstly, the "Yr" part is pronounced as "uhr", with a short "u" sound, followed by the "r" sound.
Then, "Wyddfa" is pronounced as "with-va", with the "dd" being a voiced dental fricative, like the "th" in "the".
So there you have it - ‘Uhr-with-va’.
You can now impress your friends by correctly pronouncing the name of Wales' highest mountain!
Where is Yr Wyddfa
Yr Wyddfa is located in the north-west of Wales, in Eryri (Snowdonia National Park).
The nearest towns are Llanberis and Betws-y-Coed, both of which are popular starting points for climbers.
How Tall is Yr Wyddfa
As I mentioned earlier, Yr Wyddfa is the highest mountain in Wales and stands at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) tall.
It's worth noting that the height of the mountain can vary depending on the definition of its base, but this is the most commonly accepted measurement.
Looking for more mighty peaks? Here’s our list of highest mountains in the UK.
Yr Wyddfa Routes
Finally, let's talk about the different routes you can take to climb Yr Wyddfa.
There are several trails that lead to the summit, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.
The most popular route is The Llanberis Path, which is the longest and most gradual route, making it the easiest ascent.
Other routes include the Miners' Track, which offers stunning views of glacial lakes and waterfalls, and the Pyg Track, which is a shorter but steeper route.
Or why not try the Miners Track up and Pyg Track down? As they both start from the same point.
The Watkins Path, one of my favourite waterfall walks in North Wales, is one of the more scenic options- and is much less crowded.
For experienced climbers, there are also more challenging routes, such as the Snowdon Horseshoe, which is a circular ridge walk that takes in several peaks and offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
So there you have it, everything you need to know about Yr Wyddfa, Wales' highest mountain - and a fabulous adventure in Snowdonia!
So why not pack your hiking boots and experience one of the best mountain hikes in North Wales.
Looking for a mountain print to remember your epic adventure to Yr Wyddfa? Head over to the My Mountains and Me Shop today!
