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The National Park Of Eryri (Snowdonia)

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One of Britain's breathing spaces...

A place for peace and tranquillity within a diverse, historic and vibrant landscape

Situated on the west coast of Britain, covering 823 square miles of diverse landscapes, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is a living, working area, and is home to over 26,000 people. As well as being the largest National Park in Wales, Eryri (Snowdonia) boasts the highest mountain in England and Wales.

Key activities

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, an adventure with friends or a romantic getaway, there’s plenty of things to do in Eryri (Snowdonia).
Activity

Biking , Activity

The Park's rugged and mountainous landscape makes it a perfect place for both mountain and road biking.

Activity

Stargazing , Activity

The Park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2015, making it a truly unique place for stargazing.

Activity

Indulging in History , Activity

From prehistoric stone monuments to medieval castles and abbeys, Eryri's (Snowdonia's) landscape is a wealth of history and heritage.

Special qualities

Special qualities

9 reasons why Eryri (Snowdonia) is a special place

Community – Eryri’s (Snowdonia’s) communities are scattered over five towns and twenty-four villages each with a strong identity that is deeply felt by its inhabitants and visitors.


The Welsh language – The vibrancy of the Welsh language in Eryri (Snowdonia) is one of its defining factors. It is evident in the names given to places and wildlife. The language is the mother tongue of the majority of the Park’s communities.


Landscapes – Eryri (Snowdonia) features nine mountain ranges, fifteen peaks above 3000 feet, twenty-three miles of sweeping coastline and 3000mm of rainfall per year – all within 823 square miles.


Inspiration for the arts – Eryri (Snowdonia) is a place which has inspired some of the nation’s most notable culture, folklore, art, literature and music; an influence which continues across all creative pursuits to the present day.


Tranquillity and solitude – Tranquillity still prevails in many parts of Eryri (Snowdonia), both during the day, in its large, remote and rugged mountain ranges; and at night, when the vast, awe-inspiring dark skies are revealed.


Recreation opportunities – Eryri (Snowdonia) is great for adventure and exploring. It has endless opportunities to be active and learn new skills. Everest teams use Eryri to practice their climbing skills.


Historic landscapes – Eryri (Snowdonia) is a backdrop to a rich history and heritage. From stone monuments to medieval castles, the landscape is teeming with history and tradition ready for you to explore.


Renowned geology – It might be hard to believe, but, 500 million years ago Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) was submerged in seawater. Shell fossils have been found at its summit giving us a better understanding of how the landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) was formed.


Internationally important species and habitats – Eryri (Snowdonia) is home to numerous species of animals, insects, plants and fungi of international importance. Among the rarest of species is Lili’r Wyddfa (Snowdon Lily) – a plant found only at the highest peaks.


Did you know?

Welsh is the mother tongue of the vast majority of Eryri's (Snowdonia's) communities. It is spoken by 58% of the Park's population.

Enjoying Eryri (Snowdonia)

Eryri’s (Snowdonia’s) landscape is unique. The nine mountain ranges cover approximately 52% of the Park and include many peaks that are over 3,000 feet (915m). Apart from the beauty and charm of its high mountains, Eryri (Snowdonia) is a delightfully varied landscape of steep river gorges, waterfalls and green valleys. Oak, ash, rowan and hazel woodlands are found scattered throughout the Park whilst the beautiful Dyfi, Mawddach and Dwyryd estuaries contribute to the overall diversity of the landscape.

Getting around

Bus services are the best way to experience Eryri (Snowdonia). The Sherpa’r Wyddfa shuttle service circles the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – a great way to access the peak’s footpaths and its surrounding communities. You could also try your hand at cycling the many routes that run through the Park.

For a more unique travel method, try the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Narrow Gauge Railways.

Getting there

Aim for Llandudno or Shrewsbury if travelling by train. From here, inland services such as the Conwy Valley Line and the Cambrian Line can take you all across the Park.

If travelling by car, aim towards the A55 from the North and the M54 from the South.

A week on from National Parks UK’s Big Volunteer Weekend, we’re still celebrating the people who make a difference across our National Parks.

Last weekend, hundreds of people came together across all 15 National Parks to give their time, share their skills and support our landscapes.

But volunteering in our National Parks doesn’t happen just one weekend a year. All year round, volunteers play an incredible variety of roles – from leading guided walks and supporting education, to conservation, planting and caring for our landscapes.

Every volunteer makes a valuable contribution to protecting our natural and cultural heritage. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you. 💚

So, to all our volunteers: thank you for your time, energy, enthusiasm and everything you bring to our National Parks.
If you know someone who volunteers in a National Park, help us spread the thanks by sharing this post. 🌿

#Volunteers #NationalParks #NationalParksUK
It’s the Autumn Equinox 🍂

Our National Parks are always changing in time with the rhythm of nature, but this becomes particularly noticeable when autumn arrives.

Deer begin to rut, spiders’ cobwebs glisten in the fresh light, fungi become more prominent, and leaves begin to change colour.

What changes have you noticed so far? 🧡

#Autumn #AutumnEquinox #NationalParks
Autumn brings some unusual visitors to the @newforestnpa 🐷🍂

As the leaves turn and acorns begin to carpet the Forest floor, you might spot a few more snouts among the trees.

Each autumn, New Forest Commoners exercise an ancient right known as pannage – turning their pigs out to forage for fallen acorns, beech mast and other natural foods that might be harmful to other grazing animals.

It’s a tradition that has been part of life in the New Forest for many years. Just like many of our Parks, it shows how these landscapes are shaped by history and the unique ways of working that protect the environment. 

📸This beautiful photograph was captured by @hang_ross76. 

#NewForestPigs #Autumn #NewForest
🍂 Autumn is creeping in, and the nights are slowly drawing in around us. But darkness isn’t just something we notice. For countless bugs, it’s essential.

Two-thirds of invertebrates are partially or wholly nocturnal, relying on the natural rhythm of night and day to feed, move, reproduce and survive. Yet increasing light pollution is disrupting this vital nighttime world. 🐜

September is an active time for bugs - spiders seek shelter, wasp colonies reach their peak size, and many are migrating or laying overwintering eggs. 

Our National Parks are home to some of the UK’s darkest skies and important habitats where we can protect the darkness that bugs depend on. 

Together, we can help even the smallest of species to thrive.

Clips via @buglife_ict 
1 & 2: Moth © Patrick Chadwick
3: Running Crab Spider © Patrick Chadwick
4: Millipede © Patrick Chadwick
5: Common glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) © Kristian Pikner
6 & 7: Ringlet butterfly roosting © Patrick Chadwick
8: Wasp © Patrick Chadwick

#BugLife #DarkSkies #NationalParks