Discover: A personal perspective on Eryri

Ioan Gwilym reflects on his personal connection to this iconic mountainous landscape – and the importance of reclaiming its Welsh placenames.

There’s a moment that stays with me—standing on the summit of Yr Wyddfa (known in English as Snowdon), looking out across the landscape where mountains meet the sea. It’s a view that never fails to take my breath away, a reminder of why I do what I do.

That day, I was there as part of COPA1, the first youth environmental conference on Yr Wyddfa. As young voices from across North Wales spoke about their hopes for the future and the challenges that face our environment, I felt an immense sense of pride and responsibility.

My connection to this land runs deep—my family has farmed in Eryri (known in English as Snowdonia) for over eight generations, and that sense of belonging has shaped my life and career. I studied in Aberystwyth and later at Liverpool John Moores University, but the pull of home was too strong for me to stay away. Working in Eryri is more than just a job; it’s a privilege. The best part of my role is sharing the stories of this remarkable landscape, its people, and its culture—ensuring that the essence of Eryri is understood, protected, and celebrated for all to enjoy.

What’s in a name?

Eryri is more than just a place of outstanding natural beauty. It holds the stories of those who have walked its paths, farmed its lands, and built their lives around its rugged landscapes. For me, the connection goes beyond the mountains and biodiversity—it’s about the people. Every person who experiences Eryri forms their own bond with it, shaped by personal history, culture, and identity.

One of the most significant initiatives I’ve been part of recently is the protection of the Welsh names for our landscape, especially Eryri and Yr Wyddfa. Welsh place names are not just labels on a map; their meaning carries centuries of history, language, and identity.

The decision by the authority to only officially recognise these names was a milestone, one that reinforces the uniqueness of our National Park and its heritage. When I hear Eryri being used by non-Welsh speakers and media, I feel a sense of continuity, of respect for the generations who came before and those who will come after.

More than just a landscape

Through my role in communications, I have the privilege of working across all departments, ensuring that the work of the National Park Authority is understood and supported. Whether it’s sustainable tourism initiatives with Cyngor Gwynedd, strengthening partnerships with partner organisations across North Wales, tackling climate change, or launching the Eryri podcast, my focus is always on bringing people closer to the heart of this landscape.

The podcast, in particular, has been a personal highlight, offering me the chance to have conversations with individuals from all walks of life, locally or internationally, who share a passion for Eryri or the global National Parks family.

I often find myself reflecting on that day on Yr Wyddfa; on the energy of young people eager to protect our planet as well as the inspirational staff that I have the pleasure of calling my colleagues. Moments like these remind me why National Parks are more than just landscapes —t hey are living, breathing spaces, shaped by the people who experience them.

Eryri has always been home to me, but I encourage everyone to discover their own connection with this land. Whether you come here for the first time or have known these mountains for a lifetime, there is always something new to uncover. Eryri is not just a place — it’s a story waiting to be told, and I am grateful every day to be a part of it.

Ioan Gwilym is the Head of Communications for Eryri National Park Authority.