Snowdonia (Eryri)

Snowdonia, or Eryri in Welsh, is the rugged mountain heart of Wales, a national park of soaring rocky peaks, glacial lakes, tumbling waterfalls and green valleys steeped in myth and legend. It is crowned by Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales and England, which can be climbed on foot or ascended by a charming rack railway, and its wild landscape is ringed by mighty medieval castles.

What you'll find

• Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) - the highest peak in Wales, by trail or rack railway.
• The mountain railway - the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis.
• The lakes and waterfalls - the glacial lakes and cascades of the park.
• The castles - the mighty medieval castles ringing the mountains.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn for the best walking weather and to ride the Snowdon railway, which runs in the warm season; the weather is wet and changeable year-round, so pack for rain even in summer.

Before you go

Snowdon is extremely popular, so its paths and summit get crowded and the car parks fill early in summer; go early or choose a quieter peak. The weather is often wet and the summit shrouded in cloud. The rack railway is a relaxed alternative but pricey and weather-dependent.

Nearby

The castles of Caernarfon and Conwy and the Welsh coast are close; the walled town of Conwy is nearby.