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 , Activity
The Park's rugged and mountainous landscape makes it a perfect place for both mountain and road biking.
Stargazing , Activity
The Park was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2015, making it a truly unique place for stargazing.
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
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.
Dartmoor National Park celebrates 75 years today, but its story holds more than 10,000 years of human history.
Some of its prehistoric remains date back to the Bronze Age, and the longest prehistoric stone row in the world can be found on Dartmoor.
Dartmoor truly is a place where thousands of years of history remain woven into the landscape. 💚
#Dartmoor #DartmoorNationalPark #NationalParksUK
You don`t have to wait for nightfall to experience the magic of darkness. ✨🌙
Now the nights are drawing in, “Dusking", a traditional Dutch twilight ritual, could teach us how to appreciate the darkening evenings.
As the golden hour fades into the blue hour, the landscape begins it quiet transformation. Colours soften, sounds change, and a hidden world starts to emerge. Bats take to the skies, moths begin their nightly journeys, and familiar places reveal a completely different character.
While the tradition of Dusking may have begun in the Netherlands and re-introduced in Amsterdam, shared experiences are spreading across Europe.
Places like @northyorkmoors are holding dusking events as part of their Dark Skies Festivals, inviting people to slow down and reconnect with nature together.
Have you ever tried Dusking? Tell us below 👇
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Danby Beacon, North York Moors National Park (Russell Burton)
Sutton Bank at sunset, North York Moors National Park (Oliver Sherratt)
Sutton Bank at dusk, North York Moors National Park (Steve Bell)
North York Moors National Park (Steve Bell)
The clocks go back on Sunday, which means more darkness. ⏰ ⭐
But darkness isn’t always a bad thing. Darker nights bring many benefits for our natural environment, supporting wildlife and helping nature thrive.
Stargazing beneath our dark skies also connects us to centuries of traditions and our enduring fascination with the stars. ✨
Our National Parks are home to some of the darkest skies in the UK. By protecting these special places, we can help preserve the dark skies that benefit both people and nature.
#DarkSkies #NationalParks #ClocksGoBack
👻 Strange sights and spooky stories await in the @Southdownsnp
From mist-shrouded woods and twisted trees to castles beneath the moon, the National Park is home to many eerie spots.
And across our 15 National Parks, there are tales that have endured for centuries, legends still passed down today, and histories with dark chapters.
📸
Ghost in South Downs - Luis Fernando Mancilla
Iping tree - Richard Murray
Harvest moon - Andrew Gambling Photography
Devil’s Dyke - Sam Moore
Stamner Park - Finn Curry
#SouthDowns #Halloween #NationalParks
🎉 Happy Exmoor Day, @exmoornp!
Today, Exmoor National Park celebrates years of connecting people with nature, wildlife and the great outdoors.
From England’s largest wild red deer herd and native ponies to Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve and dramatic landscapes, Exmoor is a place full of life, history and discovery.
Its landscapes, wildlife and historic villages bring people closer to nature and create opportunities to explore, connect and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.
Here’s to Exmoor – and many more adventures to come! 💚
#Exmoor #ExmoorNationalPark #NationalParksUK
Happy birthday @parc_eryri 🎂
From its towering peaks and sweeping valleys to its rich heritage, Eryri (Snowdonia) is a place that means so much to so many people.
It`s a landscape full of stories, shaped by generations of people and home to some of Wales` most treasured places, from the summit of Yr Wyddfa to the quieter corners.
Today, we`re celebrating everything that makes Eryri unique, from the people and traditions that give it its character to the ongoing work to protect its landscapes and wildlife.
Share your favourite memories of Eryri in the comments! 💬
📸Ogwen Valley, Snowdonia @cinqueportsphotography
#Eryri #EryriNationalPark #TheAnswerIsNationalParks
Autumn is a chance to give nature a helping hand. 🍂
From leaving fallen leaves to providing food for birds, small actions can make a big difference to the world around us.
Here are some of the ways to help nature this season.
#NatureRecovery #Autumn #NationalParks
An ancient wall almost 2,000 years old, and a catch-up with your mate? ✅
Historic landmarks like Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park have been connecting people for centuries.
While that connection looks very different today from the wall’s original role as a Roman defensive fortification, it’s still a place where people come together and explore history.
Because our National Parks are about so much more than great places for a day out. They’re places to connect with friends, clear your head, get active and learn about history, all in one place.
#Northumberland #HadriansWall #NationalParksUK
