The National Park Of Eryri (Snowdonia)
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
Biking
The Park's rugged and mountainous landscape makes it a perfect place for both mountain and road biking.
Stargazing
The Park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2015, making it a truly unique place for stargazing.
Indulging in History
From prehistoric stone monuments to medieval castles and abbeys, Eryri's (Snowdonia's) landscape is a wealth of history and heritage.
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?
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.
Take a moment to pause in this ancient woodland 🌿
Even a small moment in nature can help us to feel calmer, more connected and refreshed.
For centuries, National Parks across the country have given people the space to reconnect with the natural world. Moments like this are why these places matter, and why we must continue to protect them.
📍This beautiful footage was captured in @exmoornp.
#Exmoor #UKWoodland #UKNature
☀️Summer can unfold quietly in nature across our National Parks.
In @pembscoast it’s happening right now.
Wildflowers brighten the clifftops, from sea pinks and oxeye daisies. These colourful blooms don’t just look beautiful - they are also provide a vital food source for butterflies and bees. 🐝
These simple seasonal moments are a gentle reminder to slow down, take a closer look, and notice the quieter side of summer in nature. 🌼
#ParkSpotlight #Summer #UKNature
💚 It’s Love Parks Week! Share this with someone who loves the National Parks, or add it to your story to show others that you do too.
There’s so much to love about our National Parks. They’re not just great places to visit, they’re places that protect habitats, restore nature, support local families and businesses, and bring communities together.
We all have our own reasons for why these places are so special to us.
#LoveParksWeek #NationalParksUK
🦋 Some of the UK’s rarest butterflies find a home in our National Parks. Here are just a few.
From flower-rich meadows to ancient woodlands and heathlands, many of our landscapes provide the ideal conditions that butterflies need to thrive.
Every butterfly is a reminder of why these places matter and how we can all play a part in protecting them.
The Big Butterfly Count is happening now. If you’re out exploring this summer, take part and help build a picture of how our butterflies are doing 👉 bigbutterflycount.org
Photography 📸
@lloydlanephotography
Tammy Andrews
Lloyd Lane
Neil Hulme
#BigButterflyCount #ButterflyConservation #UKNature
There’s something truly magical about the craft and skill of dry stone walling. 🪨
These remarkable walls still zigzag for more than 5,000 miles across the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
They’re a lasting reminder of the generations of craftsmanship that have shaped our landscapes, and of the traditional skills that continue to thrive across the UK’s National Parks.
🎥 Yorkshire Dales National Park
#ParkSpotlight #YorkshireDales
History doesn’t only live in museums.
It’s woven into the landscapes of our National Parks. From hillforts and castles to ancient pathways and drystone walls - these are places where heritage isn’t just protected - it’s still part of everyday life. 💚
When we protect these landscapes, we also protect the stories, traditions and history within them.
📍Dartmoor National Park
#NationalParksUK #UKHistory
There`s more to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park than lochs. 🌳
It`s also home to The Great Trossachs Forest – one of the UK`s largest woodland restoration projects.
So far, more than 2 million native trees have been planted, creating richer habitats for wildlife and helping shape healthier landscapes for the future.
And speaking of growing... today the National Park celebrates 24 years of protecting people, places and nature.
Happy Birthday @Lomondtrossachs! 🎉
#ParkSpotlight #UKForests
POV: One of those perfect July evenings.
🌾 Some of the best moments outdoors are the simple ones.
National Parks aren’t just places to visit on holiday. They’re where we connect with nature and ourselves, everyday.
Where’s your favourite place for a summer stroll? 💚
#Wellbeing #UKCountrySide #NationalParksUK
