Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Our verdict · Wales's rugged mountain heartland, crowned by Yr Wyddfa and laced with classic ridge walks.
Visit if
The best concentration of mountain and ridge walking in Wales
Skip it if
Yr Wyddfa's main paths and car parks are heavily oversubscribed on fine weekends
Plan your visit
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Free entry; Snowdon Mountain Railway from ~£49 return
Indicative price at the time of review.
Officially known by its Welsh name Eryri since a 2022 rebrand, this park of around 2,130 km2 is the go-to for walkers who want proper mountains. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) rises to 1,085m and offers six named paths to the top, from the gentle Llanberis Path to the exposed Crib Goch ridge for experienced scramblers. Those who would rather save their legs can ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis to the summit café. Beyond the main massif lie the Glyderau, Carneddau and the quieter Rhinogydd, plus waterfalls, slate-mining heritage at Llanberis, and adventure attractions like Zip World. Betws-y-Coed makes a handy rail-served base.
The good & the bad
Pros
- The best concentration of mountain and ridge walking in Wales
- Rack railway to the summit of Yr Wyddfa suits families and less mobile visitors
- Rich slate-mining heritage and adventure attractions for rainy days
Cons
- Yr Wyddfa's main paths and car parks are heavily oversubscribed on fine weekends
- Weather turns fast on the tops — proper kit and navigation skills are essential
How it compares
| Pick | WATTB Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Lake District National Park | 98/100 | Free entry; parking from ~£8/day (indicative) | overall |
| 2.Eryri (Snowdonia) National ParkThis pick | 94/100 | Free entry; Snowdon Mountain Railway from ~£49 return (indicative) | mountain walkers |
| 3.Cairngorms National Park | 92/100 | Free entry; CairnGorm funicular from ~£20 adult (indicative) | wildlife and wilderness |
| 4.Peak District National Park | 90/100 | Free entry; car parks from ~£5/day (indicative) | easy access |
| 5.Pembrokeshire Coast National Park | 88/100 | Free entry; Skomer boat landing from ~£20 adult (indicative) | coast and beaches |
Good to know
- Address
- Snowdonia, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 4TP
- Price
- Free entry; Snowdon Mountain Railway from ~£49 return (indicative)
- Area
- ~2,130 km2
- Highlight
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), 1,085m — highest in England & Wales
- Getting up
- Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis
- Best for
- Peak-baggers, ridge walkers and adventure days
Address, hours & rating verified via Google · Aug 2026
Researched by WATTB
- Published
- 31 August 2026
- Updated
- 31 August 2026
- Last verified
- 31 August 2026
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