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National park · United Kingdom

Snowdonia National ParkParc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Entry is free. Budget for trailhead parking (£5–10 a day, 2026 estimate) or the Snowdon Mountain Railway (£45–60 return, 2026 estimate); hike Yr Wyddfa early, or choose the quieter Cadair Idris Minffordd Path. May, June and September are the best bets; avoid busy summer weekends.

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
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From where I am

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Area

2,142 km²

approximate

Established

1951

Best months

May–Jun, Sep

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
  • Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
  • Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
  • Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
  • United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
  • United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
  • United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.

At a glance

Country
United Kingdom
Area
2,142 km²
About 2,142 km² (840 sq mi); the boundary includes towns, villages and farmland as well as mountain country.
Established
1951
Best months
May–Jun, Sep
Permits
For some areas

Snowdonia, officially Eryri National Park, covers 2,142 km² of northwestern Wales. Established in 1951, it includes towns, farms and slate country as well as mountain ranges. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), at 1,085 m, is the highest mountain in Wales and England. There is no park entrance gate or admission charge: costs come from parking, transport and attractions. The most useful planning choice is which route to take and when to start, especially on the popular Yr Wyddfa paths.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 1951.

Size and age

2,142 km² · national park since 1951

About 2,142 km² (840 sq mi); the boundary includes towns, villages and farmland as well as mountain country.

Why go

  • Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), 1,085 m, is the highest ground in Wales and England, with a summit reached on foot, by rack railway or by a mix of both.
  • Eight mountain groups — the Snowdon massif, the Glyderau, the Carneddau, the Moelwyns, Cadair Idris and more — give everything from a two-hour hill to an exposed scramble.
  • Heritage railways, slate mines and Welsh-prince castles sit inside or beside the park, so a wet day still has a plan.
  • No entry fee: the cost of a day is parking and transport, not a ticket gate.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanAvoid
  2. FebAvoid
  3. MarCaution
  4. AprGo
  5. MayBest
  6. JunBest
  7. JulCaution
  8. AugCaution
  9. SepBest
  10. OctGo
  11. NovCaution
  12. DecAvoid
  • JanShort days; high routes can have winter conditions.
  • FebWinter conditions are possible on the high ground.
  • MarSnow may remain on high ground; check route and transport conditions.
  • AprLonger days; expect showers and muddy paths.
  • MayGood walking days before the main summer holiday period.
  • JunLong daylight; plan popular trailhead parking ahead.
  • JulSchool holidays bring more visitors to popular routes.
  • AugBusy summer period; expect more visitors on popular routes.
  • SepA good walking month outside the main summer holiday period.
  • OctShorter days; check seasonal transport and attraction schedules.
  • NovWet, windy conditions and short daylight can limit walking.
  • DecShort days; high routes may require winter mountaineering skills.

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Snowdonia National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Buzzards, peregrines and choughs on the ridgesMar–Sepnonoyesyesyesyesyesyesyesnonono
Ospreys, passing through on migrationApr–May, Sepnononoyesyesnononoyesnonono
Red squirrels and bats in the woodlandsApr–Octnononoyesyesyesyesyesyesyesnono
Snowdon lily (Lloydia serotina), rare and protected, on a few high cragsMay–Jun · Do not pick or trample; populations are small and fragile.nonononoyesyesnononononono
Gwyniad, a freshwater whitefish found only in Bala LakeAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From London

Train from Euston to Bangor or Llandudno Junction, then bus or car into the park.

4–6 h (check)

Open the page →

From Manchester

Train along the North Wales Coast Line to Bangor or Llandudno Junction, then the Conwy Valley Line or a bus.

2–3 h

From Liverpool

Train to Chester or Llandudno Junction and onward; or drive via the A55 along the north coast.

2–3 h

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From Birmingham

Train to Shrewsbury then the Cambrian Coast Line for the southern half of the park.

3.5–4.5 h

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From Swansea

TrawsCymru coach north via Aberystwyth and Dolgellau.

4–5 h

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Snowdonia National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Snowdon massif (Yr Wyddfa)The highest ground, with the Pyg, Miners, Llanberis, Rhyd Ddu, Snowdon Ranger and Watkin paths and the Crib Goch arête.Open; parking at Pen y Pass and Llanberis is paid and limited.
Glyderau and OgwenTryfan, Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr, with the Bristly Ridge link and the Cantilever rock.Open; Ogwen car parks fill early; scrambling needs experience.
CarneddauThe northern range, including Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Dafydd; broad, quiet ridges.Open; fewer facilities and no easy public transport to some starts.
Moelwyns and Blaenau FfestiniogLower hills, slate country and the Llechwedd caverns; Cnicht is the local landmark.Open; the Ffestiniog Railway and Conwy Valley Line serve the town.
Cadair Idris and the TarrensThe southern edge of the park, greener and softer, with the Minffordd Path to the summit.Open; reached from Dolgellau and the Cambrian Coast Line.
Coast and estuariesMawddach estuary, Barmouth and Aberdyfi, with the RSPB Mawddach Woodlands reserve.Open; beaches and estuary paths are free.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 9 approximate points in Snowdonia National Park, north up123456789
Approximate positions for orientation; the park centre point is from Wikidata and the trailheads are rounded.
  1. 1Betws-y-coed information centre · Headquarters≈53.093, -3.802Royal Oak Stables; the main visitor centre.Map ↗
  2. 2Pen y Pass · Gate≈53.081, -4.087Start of the Pyg and Miners tracks; paid, limited parking.Map ↗
  3. 3Llanberis · Town≈53.118, -4.125Snowdon railway base and Llanberis Path start.Map ↗
  4. 4Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) summit · Summit≈53.069, -4.0761,085 m; the highest point in Wales and England.Map ↗
  5. 5Ogwen valley · Gate≈53.120, -4.010Access to Tryfan and the Glyderau.Map ↗
  6. 6Beddgelert · Village≈53.012, -4.105Information centre and Welsh Highland Railway stop.Map ↗
  7. 7Dolgellau · Town≈52.743, -3.885Southern base for Cadair Idris.Map ↗
  8. 8Cadair Idris summit · Summit≈52.700, -3.908892 m; the Minffordd Path is the popular route.Map ↗
  9. 9Blaenau Ffestiniog · Ranger station≈53.000, -3.940Slate caverns and two heritage railways.Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsModerate5–6 h return (check)Pyg Track to Yr WyddfaStarts at Pen y Pass; rocky and exposed near the summit. Check current route conditions and allow extra time.
TrailsModerate5–6 h return (check)Miners Track to Yr WyddfaStarts at Pen y Pass and passes Llyn Teyrn and Llyn Llydaw before a steep upper climb.
TrailsExpert6–8 h (check)Crib Goch and the Snowdon HorseshoeExposed scrambling, not a standard hill walk. Attempt only with appropriate experience and suitable conditions.
TrailsModerate5–6 h return (check)Llanberis PathA long route from Llanberis that follows the railway for much of the ascent; check conditions before setting out.
TrailsHard6–7 h return (check)Watkin PathA substantial climb from Nantgwynant; check route conditions and carry suitable clothing and navigation.
TrailsHard5–7 h (check)Tryfan and Bristly RidgeHands-on scrambling in the Ogwen area; choose a route suited to your experience and conditions.
TrailsModerate5–6 h return (check)Cadair Idris via the Minffordd PathA southern mountain route with a steep ascent; check the weather and route conditions.
ViewpointsEasyAbout 2.5 h round trip (check)Snowdon Mountain RailwayRack railway from Llanberis; the summit stop and service schedule can vary.Booking: Check current timetable and availability with the operator.
CultureEasyHalf day (check)Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railwaysHeritage railways serve routes through the region; check current services and timetables.
CavesEasyCheckLlechwedd Slate CavernsUnderground tours in Blaenau Ffestiniog; check current tours, access and ticket details.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

GBP ranges · check
Fees for Snowdonia National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entryFreepersonNo admission charge or entry gate.
Trailhead parkingGBP 5–10car2026 estimate; charges vary by car park, and availability at popular starts can be limited (check).
Snowdon Mountain Railway returnGBP 45–60person2026 estimate; current fares and operating dates: check.
Snowdon Sherpa bus day ticketGBP 5–8person2026 estimate; current fares and service times: check.
Llechwedd Slate Caverns adult ticketGBP 15–25person2026 estimate; current ticket options: check.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry no permit

No admission ticket is required; the park has no general entry gate.

Parking at popular trailheads no permit

Parking is optional and may be charged. Check the car park's current payment and booking arrangements before travelling; use a bus where practical.

Snowdon Mountain Railway seat permit or guide

Check the operator's current timetable, fares and booking availability before travelling.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Parking
Charges, payment methods and booking arrangements vary by car park; check the current details for your trailhead before travel.
Dogs
Keep dogs under control and follow local signs, particularly around livestock and wildlife.
Livestock and gates
Close gates behind you and avoid disturbing grazing animals.
Camping
Check local landowner rules and current guidance before camping; do not assume wild camping is permitted.check
Fires and litter
Take rubbish away with you. Check current local guidance before lighting a fire or barbecue.check
Drones
Check current restrictions and permissions before flying; respect wildlife, people and railway operations.check

Where to stay

Near the park

Betws-y-coed

The main gateway village with the park information centre, hotels, hostels and the Conwy Valley Line.

Near the park

Llanberis

Base for the Snowdon railway and the Llanberis Path, with the most beds near the mountain.

In the park

Beddgelert and Nantgwynant

Village and valley accommodation inside the park, close to the Watkin Path and the Welsh Highland Railway.

Near the park

Dolgellau

Southern base for Cadair Idris and the Mawddach estuary.

In the park

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Slate town inside the park, on the Ffestiniog and Conwy Valley lines.

Safety

Weather changing fast on the tops high

Carry waterproofs, spare layers and a paper map; turn back if cloud closes in. The park is one of the wettest places in the UK.

Winter conditions on Yr Wyddfa high

Treat it as a winter mountaineering route from roughly November to March: ice axe, crampons and the skill to use them.

Crib Goch and other scrambles high

Attempt only in dry, settled weather with scrambling experience; the exposure is real and the rock is often greasy.

Narrow lanes and single-track roads medium

Allow low average speeds, use passing places, and expect tight bends and steep gradients near villages.

Getting caught out by daylight medium

In winter, plan to be off the tops well before dark; daylight is short from November to January.

Accessibility

  • The Snowdon Mountain Railway reaches the summit without walking, though the summit station and paths are rough.
  • Llanberis, Betws-y-coed and the valley roads have level paths, cafés and viewpoints suitable for limited mobility.
  • The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways and the Llechwedd caverns offer largely step-free or assisted access; check each operator.

Visiting lightly

  • Use the Snowdon Sherpa bus or the railways to reach trailheads instead of adding a car to already-full car parks.
  • Stay on marked paths on the high ground; erosion and rare plants such as the Snowdon lily are the reason.
  • Take all litter down, including fruit peel and tissues, and check for toilets in the villages you pass before heading up.
  • Buy food and fuel in the park's towns and villages so the money stays in the area.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Snowdonia National Park?

Nothing: there is no general admission fee or entry gate. Parking, transport and paid attractions cost extra; allow £5–10 per car for a day of trailhead parking as a 2026 estimate, and check current local charges.

What are the best hikes in Snowdonia National Park?

For Yr Wyddfa, compare the Pyg and Miners tracks from Pen y Pass; both are commonly planned as 5–6 hour return walks (check). The Llanberis Path is another long ascent. For a southern mountain, consider Cadair Idris via the Minffordd Path. Crib Goch and Bristly Ridge involve exposed scrambling and are only for suitably experienced walkers.

When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park?

May, June and September are good months to plan a walk, with longer days than winter and outside much of the main summer holiday period. Mountain weather can change at any time, so check the forecast and route conditions before setting out.

Do I need to book parking?

Check the current arrangements for your chosen car park. Availability and booking rules vary; consider public transport to popular trailheads.

Can I visit Snowdonia without a car?

Yes. Rail lines serve parts of North Wales, and regional bus services connect some towns and trailheads. Check current timetables and connections before choosing a walking route.

Is Snowdonia the same as Eryri?

Yes. Eryri is the Welsh name of the national park, and Yr Wyddfa is the Welsh name of the mountain commonly called Snowdon.

Related

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Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

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