Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon): Routes, Meaning, and How to Climb Wales' Highest Mountain
If you’re seeking an adventure that’ll take you to the very top of Wales, Yr Wyddfa (or Snowdon, as it’s affectionately known) should definitely be on your list. Trust me, the views from the summit are absolutely stunning – it’s one of those places that takes your breath away, in more ways than one!
I still remember the first time I reached the summit – standing proudly on Wales’ highest peak, completely buzzing with that sense of achievement. There’s nothing quite like it!
Whether you’re curious about the meaning of Yr Wyddfa, wondering how to pronounce it, or exploring the best routes to the top, I’ve got all the info you need to make your climb unforgettable…
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
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).
What does Yr Wyddfa mean in Welsh?
"Yr Wyddfa" is the Welsh name for Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
If you're wondering what "Yr Wyddfa" means, it's actually a Welsh word that translates to "the tomb" or "the burial mound".
This hauntingly beautiful name is thought to refer to a prehistoric cairn that once stood at the summit - believed to be the legendary burial site of Rhita Gawr, a giant defeated by King Arthur, according to Welsh folklore. Whether fact or myth, the name adds an air of mystery to this iconic peak.
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 (Snowdon)?
Yr Wyddfa, or Snowdon, is located in the stunning north-western region of Wales, nestled within the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park).
The mountain is easily accessible from nearby towns such as Llanberis and Betws-y-Coed, both of which serve as popular starting points for hikers and climbers alike.
Llanberis is particularly renowned for its proximity to several well-known routes, while Betws-y-Coed offers a charming gateway to explore the surrounding landscapes.
How Tall is Yr Wyddfa?
As the highest mountain in Wales, Yr Wyddfa rises to an impressive height of 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) above sea level.
While the exact measurement can vary depending on the definition of its base, this is the most widely accepted height. Yr Wyddfa stands proudly as a towering peak in the Snowdonia National Park, drawing hikers from across the globe to conquer its summit.
Interested in exploring more towering peaks? Check out our guide to the highest mountains in the UK for more awe-inspiring summits.
Yr Wyddfa Routes
There are several routes to take when climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), each offering a unique experience depending on your skill level and what you're looking to see. From easy, gradual paths to more challenging climbs, there's something for everyone.
Here are the six most popular routes:
1. The Llanberis Path
The longest and most gradual route, making it the easiest ascent. It’s perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed hike. Along the Llanberis Path, you'll be treated to stunning views as you make your way to the summit. This is the most popular route for those taking their time and enjoying the scenery.
2. Miners' Track
This route offers breathtaking views of glacial lakes and waterfalls, making it one of the most scenic paths. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Snowdonia while working up a moderate challenge.
3. Pyg Track
A shorter but steeper route, the Pyg Track is a popular choice for experienced hikers. While it’s more challenging, it offers stunning views as you ascend. The steepness is balanced by the incredible landscape, with dramatic ridgelines and panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.
4. Watkins Path
One of my favourite waterfall walks in North Wales, the Watkins Path is a more scenic and quieter route, making it less crowded than some of the others. It's perfect for those who love natural beauty and don’t mind a more strenuous hike. The route leads you past several beautiful waterfalls before reaching the summit.
5. Snowdon Ranger Path
This is a great route for those looking for a quieter ascent. While it’s not as challenging as some of the others, it’s still a fairly strenuous climb, with some wonderful views along the way. The Snowdon Ranger Path offers a different perspective of the mountain and is less crowded than the Llanberis and Pyg Tracks.
6. Rhyd Ddu
For those seeking a slightly less crowded but still challenging route, the Rhyd Ddu path offers a quieter alternative with incredible views of Snowdonia. It’s a beautiful path that leads to the summit, offering a more peaceful and picturesque experience for hikers.
Before you head out, it’s so important to be prepared. Yr Wyddfa is a mountain, after all – and conditions can change fast. Make sure to check out Eryri National Park’s safety advice for up-to-date guidance on staying safe on the trails.
Parking for Yr Wyddfa
Parking around Yr Wyddfa can be a little tricky, especially in peak season, so it’s worth planning ahead. Here’s a breakdown of where to park depending on your chosen route:
Parking for the Llanberis Path
There’s no National Park Authority car park in Llanberis itself (as the village sits just outside the park), but there are plenty of well-marked pay-and-display options in the village.
Closest car park: Behind the Snowdon Mountain Railway station (LL55 4TT) – £10 for 8 hours. Cash only at the machine, or pay by card at nearby shops.
Opposite the station: Large pay-and-display (£11 all day / £6 after 3pm) – open 6am–11pm.
❌ Please don’t park on side streets or outside people’s homes – it’s a busy village and locals need access.
Pen y Pass Car Park – For the Pyg Track & Miners' Track
This is the starting point for two of the most popular routes – the Pyg and Miners’ Tracks.
Pre-booking essential: From 5 April to 2 November 2025, you must pre-book to park at Pen y Pass.
Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus: If parking is full, park in Llanberis, Nant Peris or Caernarfon and hop on the Sherpa bus service straight to the trailhead.
Drop-offs: Allowed! Ask a mate to drop you at the car park – just be ready to hop out quickly to keep traffic moving.
❌ Avoid parking in lay-bys or walking along the narrow road to Pen y Pass – it’s not safe and gets congested fast.
Parking for the Watkin Path
Pay & Display just over the road from the trail start.
£6 all day / £3 for up to 4 hours (card only – contactless or chip & pin).
Parking for the Rhyd Ddu Path
Right at the base of the path, shared with the Welsh Highland Railway.
£6 all day / £3 for up to 4 hours (card only).
Parking for the Snowdon Ranger Path
Opposite the start point and YHA hostel.
£6 all day / £3 for up to 4 hours (card, cash, or contactless accepted).
Be mountain-responsible: Many car parks are in small local communities, so park respectfully and legally. Avoid blocking roads, driveways, or walking dangerously along the roads.
Top Tips for Hiking Yr Wyddfa
Planning to take on Yr Wyddfa? Here are my top tips to help you make the most of your hike:
Choose the right route for you
With six main paths to the summit, there’s something for every ability. If you’re a beginner, the Llanberis Path is a great starting point. Fancy a challenge? Try the Pyg Track or Watkins Path.
Check the weather
Mountain weather can change fast! Always check the forecast before you go and be prepared for wind, rain, and temperature drops – even in summer.
Start early
Yr Wyddfa is super popular, especially in the summer months. Set off early to beat the crowds and catch those magical morning views.
Wear the right gear
Good hiking boots, layers, and waterproofs are a must. The summit can be windy and cold even on a sunny day, so pack warm clothing just in case.
Bring plenty of snacks and water
It’s a long way up (and back down!). Keep your energy up with snacks, and stay hydrated!
Download an offline map
Signal can be patchy, so having an offline map (like on OS Maps or AllTrails) is a smart move, especially if you’re taking one of the quieter routes. Or better yet, take a paper OS Map with you - and make sure you know how to use it.
Respect the mountain
Stick to the paths, take your litter home, and be kind to fellow hikers. Yr Wyddfa is a beautiful but wild place – let’s keep it that way.
Soak in the views
Honestly – don’t rush. Take your time, look around, and enjoy every step. The views from the top are something special – they never get old!
5 Fascinating Facts About Yr Wyddfa
Think you know Yr Wyddfa? Here are a few facts about Wales’ highest peak that might just impress your hiking buddies:
It’s the tallest mountain in Wales
Standing at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet), Yr Wyddfa is the highest point in Wales – and the second-highest in the UK, after Ben Nevis.
“Yr Wyddfa” means “The Tomb”
The Welsh name is thought to refer to a legendary burial mound at the summit, said to be the resting place of a giant named Rhita Gawr.
There’s a train to the top
Not up for the hike? The Snowdon Mountain Railway has been chugging visitors to the summit since 1896. It’s the only rack-and-pinion railway in the UK!
It’s part of the Three Peaks Challenge
Yr Wyddfa is one of the three mountains in the National Three Peaks Challenge, along with Scafell Pike in England and Ben Nevis in Scotland.
It attracts over half a million walkers a year
Yr Wyddfa is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the UK, with hundreds of thousands of people making the climb each year!
FAQ
Is Yr Wyddfa easy to climb?
The difficulty of climbing Yr Wyddfa depends on the route you choose. For beginners, the Llanberis Path is the easiest, offering a gradual ascent with beautiful views. However, other routes like the Pyg Track or Watkins Path are steeper and more challenging, so it’s important to choose a route that matches your fitness level and experience.
Why is Snowdon not called Snowdon anymore?
While many still refer to the mountain as Snowdon, the Welsh name Yr Wyddfa is used to preserve the cultural and linguistic heritage of Wales. Yr Wyddfa translates to "the tomb" or "the burial mound" and is the traditional name, reflecting the area’s rich history and connection to Welsh folklore.
How to get to Yr Wyddfa?
To get to Yr Wyddfa, you can travel by car or public transport to the nearby towns of Llanberis or Betws-y-Coed, which are popular starting points for hikes. From Llanberis, you can reach the Llanberis Path, while Betws-y-Coed offers access to other routes like the Watkins Path and Rhyd Ddu. The nearest train station is Llanberis, which has links to major cities in North Wales, while buses also operate regularly from local areas.
What’s the weather like at Yr Wyddfa?
The weather on Yr Wyddfa can change rapidly, and it’s often colder and windier at the summit than in the surrounding valleys. Even in summer, conditions can be unpredictable, with temperatures often 5-10°C lower at the top compared to the base. It's advisable to check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for all conditions—bring warm layers, waterproofs, and suitable footwear, even in summer months.
*The above weather forecast is for the village of Llanberis. For an accurate mountain forecast I would always check Mountain Forecast.
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!
