Best trails in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is located in the counties of Gwynedd and Conwy. It was established in 1951 in order to protect and enhance its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. It is not only the largest National Park of Wales, but it also encompasses the highest mountain and largest natural lake in the country.
There are nine mountain ranges in Eryri, with the most popular ones situated in the northern part of the park. With its towering mountains, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls, Eryri offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for a challenging climb or a leisurely stroll amidst stunning scenery.
The Carneddau range stretches all the way to Conwy, where you’ll find Mynydd y Dref (Conwy Mountain) and Tal-y-Fan, the northernmost mountain in Eryri. Traversing the foothills of the Carneddau range is the Roman Road, which was in use long before the Romans, evidenced by the many Neolithic and Bronze Age remnants found along the route. At the western end, another awe-inspiring sight is the Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls), while the southern end of the Carneddau range boasts higher mountains.
Near Betws-y-Coed, you can explore fantastic trails within Gwydir Forest, suitable for both walkers and mountain bikers. Lead and Zinc mines were once prominent here, and the remnants of this are scattered across Gwydir Forest. Additionally, there are beautiful waterfalls and riverside scenery to be discovered in this area, including Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls), Ffos Anonddun (Fairy Glen Gorge), and Conwy Falls.
Adjacent to the Carneddau range lies the Glyderau range, also called the Glyders, named after its two highest mountains, Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach. Although smaller in size, this range offers some of the most popular trails in Eryri and provides plenty of exciting scrambling opportunities up the craggy peaks. You’ll be able to visit Twll Du, also known as the Devil’s Kitchen, a dark crack in the cliff between Glyder Fawr and Y Garn. For those with considerable scrambling experience, the iconic Tryfan awaits, offering several approaches, with the North Ridge being the toughest—a grade-1 scramble that is not for the faint of heart.
On the opposite side of the Glyderau range lies the Snowdon Massif, which provides various paths leading up to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales. Among these, the Llanberis Path is the easiest, starting in Llanberis and offering a gradual ascent along a wide, well-maintained trail suitable for families.
Starting from Pen-y-Pass, there are several popular routes, including the Pyg Track, Miners' Track, and Crib Goch. Crib Goch involves a grade 1 scramble along a razor-sharp ridge, making it suitable only for experienced hikers with a good head for heights.
For those seeking a quieter hiking experience, the Snowdon Ranger Path, Rhyd Ddu, and Watkin Path approach the mountains from the south and west sides and offer less-trafficked routes.
Extending from Rhyd Ddu to the Nantlle Valley is the Nantlle Ridge, with the Moel Hebog Ridge situated south of it. The picturesque town of Beddgelert is an ideal starting point to explore the Moel Hebog ridge.
The Moelwynion range is an often overlooked gem, with its tranquil valleys and stunning mountain vistas. The range is home to several abandoned slate quarries, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's industrial past.
Characterised by its rugged terrain and wild landscape, the Rhinogydd range is a great option for the experienced hiker. Discover Cwrt Forest and the Rhinogs Nature Reserve and explore the heather-covered, rocky terrain by climbing Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, or head up the highest peaks in the range, Y Llethr and Diffwys.
Located further east, the Arenig is another less-trafficked range, with the highest peak being Arenig Fawr and the terrain being similar to the Rhinogydd range.
Aran Fawddwy is the highest mountain in South Eryri, though it’s often overlooked for its more popular neighbour, Cadair Idris. With the bottomless Llyn Cau below, and the crags of Craig Cwm Amarch framing the lake, Cadair Idris is a beautiful sight to behold and well worth the visit.
Eryri is steeped in Welsh folklore, with the mountains, rivers, and forests often associated with legendary creatures. The many tales of Arthurian quests, sunken towns, water horses, afancs, and giants are intertwined with the natural beauty of the region, adding a sense of mystique to the landscape.
There are also several forests to explore, including Gwydir, Coed y Brenin, and Beddgelert, which offer excellent mountain biking routes. Additionally, you can meander through ancient oakwoods, remnants of an expansive Celtic rainforest that once covered these lands and boast rich birdlife.
Nestled between the mountain ranges, you’ll find plenty of picturesque towns to meander through, offering accommodation and refreshments, as well as shops to wander about or stock up on camping and hiking gear.
