View source for Snowdon

{{Short description|Mountain in Snowdonia, Wales}}
{{Distinguish|Snowdonia}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Snowdon
| other_name = {{native name|cy|Yr Wyddfa}}
| photo = Snowdon massif.jpg
| photo_caption = The Snowdon group viewed from the north-east<br /><small>left to right</small><br />[[Y Lliwedd]], [[Crib Goch]], Yr Wyddfa (the summit), [[Garnedd Ugain]]
| elevation_m = 1084.74
| elevation_ref = &nbsp;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/features/snowdon_surveyed_-_but_just_how_high_is_it-6734|title=Snowdon Surveyed – But Just How High Is It?|date=14 October 2014|website=ukhillwalking.com}}</ref>{{efn|The last 1:25,000 O.S. map to be published in imperial measurements (i.e. showing contours and heights in feet) was issued in 1982, and showed Snowdon's height as 3,559 ft. The following edition, revised in 1983 and published in 1984, was metric and showed Snowdon's height as 1,085 m.}}
| prominence_m = 1039
| prominence_ref = <br /><small>[[List of mountains of the British Isles by relative height|Ranked joint 3rd]] in [[British Isles]]</small>
| parent_peak = [[Ben Nevis]] <!-- This is correct. Please discuss on the talk page before moving it. -->
| map = Wales Gwynedd#Wales#United Kingdom
| map_caption = 
| map_size = 200
| label_position = bottom
| listing = [[Marilyn (hill)|Marilyn]], Ribu, [[Furth (mountain)|Furth]], [[Hewitt (hill)|Hewitt]], [[Nuttall (hill)|Nuttall]], [[Welsh 3000s]], [[List of Welsh principal areas by highest point|council top]], 
| location = [[Gwynedd]], Wales
| range = [[Snowdonia]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|53|4|6.59|N|4|4|34.43|W|region:GB-GWN_type:mountain|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_ref = <ref>{{cite web |last=Edwardes |first=Simon |url=http://www.hill-bagging.co.uk/mountaindetails.php?qu=S&rf=1963 |title=Snowdon – Yr Wyddfa |work=The Mountains of England and Wales |access-date=28 April 2011}}</ref>
| grid_ref_UK = SH6098954379
| topo = [[Ordnance Survey|OS]] ''Landranger'' 115, ''Explorer'' OL17
| easiest_route = Llanberis Path
}}
{{GB summits start}}
{{GB summits entry
|Name={{nowrap|[[Crib y Ddysgl]]}}
|Gridref=SH610551
|Height={{nowrap|{{convert|1065|m|abbr=on}}}}
|Status=[[Welsh 3000s]], [[Hewitt (hill)|Hewitt]],&nbsp;[[Nuttall (hill)|Nuttall]]}}
{{GB summits entry
|Name=[[Crib Goch]]
|Gridref=SH624551
|Height={{convert|923|m|abbr=on}}
|Status=[[Welsh 3000s]], [[Hewitt (hill)|Hewitt]], [[Nuttall (hill)|Nuttall]]}}

{{GB summits entry
|Name='''Craig Fach'''
|Gridref=SH635552
|Height={{convert|609|m|abbr=on}}
|Status=sub-[[Hewitt (hill)|Hewitt]]}}

{{GB summits entry
|Name='''Craig Wen'''
|Gridref=SH597508
|Height={{convert|605|m|abbr=on}}
|Status=sub-[[Hewitt (hill)|Hewitt]]}}
{{GB summits end}}

'''Snowdon''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|n|oʊ|d|ən}}), or {{lang|cy|'''Yr Wyddfa'''|italic=unset}} ({{IPA|cy|ər ˈʊɨ̞̯ðva|lang|Wyddfa.ogg}}), is a [[mountain]] in [[Snowdonia]] in [[North Wales]]. It has an elevation of {{convert|1085|m}} [[above sea level]], which makes it both the [[List of mountains of the British Isles by height|highest mountain]] in [[Wales]] and the highest in the [[British Isles]] south of the [[Scottish Highlands]]. Snowdon is designated a [[national nature reserve (United Kingdom)|national nature reserve]] for its rare [[flora]] and [[fauna]], and is located within [[Snowdonia National Park]].

The rocks that form Snowdon were produced by [[volcano]]es in the [[Ordovician]] period, and the [[massif]] has been extensively sculpted by [[glaciation]], forming the [[pyramidal peak]] of Snowdon and the [[arête]]s of [[Crib Goch]] and [[Y Lliwedd]]. It is part of the larger [[Snowdon range]], which includes [[Garnedd Ugain]], [[Yr Aran]], and [[Moel Eilio]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Walking in Snowdonia {{!}} The Snowdon Range |url=https://walk-snowdonia.co.uk/snowdon.php |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=walk-snowdonia.co.uk}}</ref> There are several lakes on the mountain, the largest of which is [[Llyn Llydaw|Llyn Lydaw]] ({{convert|110|acre|ha|abbr=on}}), located on the eastern flank at {{convert|1430|ft|m|abbr=on}}.

The mountain has been described as the "busiest in the United Kingdom", and in 2022 it was climbed by 543,541 walkers. There are six main paths to the summit, the most popular of which begins in the town of [[Llanberis]] to the north.<ref name="vm-report2019">{{Cite web|url=https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Visitor-Monitoring-Report-2019.pdf|title=SNPA – Visitor Monitoring Report, 2019}}</ref> The summit can also be reached using the [[Snowdon Mountain Railway]], which carried 98,567 passengers in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Michael |last2=Pilsworth |first2=Angharad |date=18 August 2022 |title=Visits to Tourist Attractions in Wales 2021: Report for Visit Wales |url=https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/statistics-and-research/2022-08/visits-to-tourist-attractions-in-wales-2021.pdf |website=gov.wales |format=PDF}}</ref> The [[rack railway]], which opened in 1896, operates over {{convert|4+3/4|mi|km|abbr=off}}, from Llanberis to the [[Summit railway station (Snowdon Mountain Railway)|Summit station]]. It generally operates from March to the end of October, with trains running to the summit station from May. The cliff faces on Snowdon, including [[Clogwyn Du'r Arddu]], are significant for [[rock climbing]], and the mountain was used by [[Edmund Hillary]] in training for the [[1953 British Mount Everest expedition|1953 ascent]] of [[Mount Everest]]. The mountain, alongside [[Ben Nevis]] in Scotland and [[Scafell Pike]] in England, is climbed as part of the [[National Three Peaks Challenge]].<ref>{{cite web |date=25 February 2011 |title=National Three Peaks Challenge |url=http://www.thethreepeakschallenge.co.uk/national-three-peaks-challenge/ |access-date=28 April 2011}}</ref>

__TOC__

==Toponymy==
[[File:Walter Crane King Arthur and the Giant Book I, Canto VIII.jpg|thumb|Illustration of [[King Arthur]] battling a giant]]
The name "Snowdon" is first recorded in 1095 as ''Snawdune'', and is derived from the [[Old English]] elements ''{{lang|ang|[[:wikt:snaw|snaw]]}}'' and ''{{lang|ang|[[:wikt:dun|dun]]}}'', meaning "snow hill".<ref name="Marsh22" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last1=Owen |first1=Hywel Wyn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8vGxEAAAQBAJ |title=Dictionary of the Place-Names of Wales |last2=Morgan |first2=Richard |date=2022-05-20 |publisher=Y Lolfa |isbn=978-1-80099-239-9 |page=443}}</ref>

The Welsh name of the mountain, {{lang|cy|Yr Wyddfa|italic=yes}}, is first recorded in [[Latin]] as {{lang|la|Weddua vaur|italic=yes}}1284. This is probably an approximation of {{lang|cy|Pen y Wyddfa Fawr|italic=yes}}. The element {{lang|cy|gwyddfa|italic=yes}} in this context means 'height, promontory', and also appears in the Welsh name for the town of [[Mold, Flintshire|Mold]], {{lang|cy|Yr Wyddgrug|italic=yes}}.<ref name=":1" />

{{lang|cy|Gwyddfa|italic=yes}} later developed the meaning "burial cairn", and there is a legend that the giant [[Rhitta Gawr|Rhita]] is buried under the mountain's summit cairn.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Academy |first=Welsh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P51iAAAAMAAJ&q=gwyddfa+rhita |title=The Oxford Companion to the Literature of Wales |date=1986 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-211586-7}}</ref> One legend claims that Rhita was defeated and buried on the mountain by [[King Arthur]], and another states that Rhita was killed by the giant [[Idris Gawr|Idris]] who lived on the mountain [[Cadair Idris]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gwyndaf |first=Robin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ApSEknvrLboC&dq=gwyddfa+rhita&pg=PA46 |title=Chwedlau Gwerin Cymru |date=1989 |publisher=National Museum Wales |isbn=978-0-7200-0326-0 |pages=46}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ellis |first=Peter Berresford |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GsgoAAAAYAAJ&q=gwyddfa+rhita |title=The Chronicles of the Celts: New Tellings of Their Myths and Legends |date=1999 |publisher=Robinson |isbn=978-1-85487-887-8}}</ref> The mountain is also linked to other figures from Arthurian legend, a legendary ''{{lang|cy|[[Afanc]]}}'' (water monster) and the {{lang|cy|[[Tylwyth Teg]]}} (fairies).<ref name="Marsh22">{{harvnb|Marsh|1984}}</ref>

The Welsh mountain is sometimes referred to as "Mount Snowdon" or "Mt Snowdon".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Walks |first1=Mountain |last2=Elston |first2=Jamie |date=2017-10-10 |title=Mount Snowdon – Snowdon, Snowdonia. Mount Snowdon Information |url=https://www.mountain-walks.co.uk/mount-snowdon/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Mountain Walks}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perrin |first=Jim |date=2013-08-23 |title=How to climb Mount Snowdon |url=http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/aug/23/how-to-climb-mount-snowdon |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=The Guardian|location=London}}</ref>

In November 2022, national park authority announced they are to refer to the mountain by its Welsh name ''Yr Wyddfa'', not Snowdon.<ref name="rename" /> Following a two-year transition period, in November 2024, the authority announced the name would be kept following its success in gaining support and adoption by businesses and media.<ref name=":2" />

==Environment==
===Geography and geology===
[[File:Crib Goch - geograph.org.uk - 353320.jpg|thumb|The "knife-edge" arête of [[Crib Goch]] (foreground) and the [[pyramidal peak]] of Snowdon (background) are both the result of [[glaciation]]]]

A 1682 survey estimated that the summit of Snowdon was at an elevation of {{convert|3720|ft}}; in 1773, [[Thomas Pennant]] quoted a later estimate of {{convert|3568|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level at [[Caernarfon]]. It was long believed to be the tallest mountain on the island of Great Britain until measurements taken in the 18th century confirmed that [[Ben Nevis]] and several other Scottish peaks were taller.<ref name="Jones"/> Recent surveys give the height of the summit as {{convert|1085|m|abbr=on}}, making Snowdon the highest mountain in Wales, and the highest point in the [[British Isles]] outside [[Scotland]].<ref name="Barnes"/>

The rocks which today make up Snowdon and its neighbouring mountains were formed in the [[Ordovician]] Period. At that time, most of modern-day Wales was near the edge of [[Avalonia]], submerged beneath the ancient [[Iapetus Ocean]].<ref>{{cite journal |first1=R. S. |last1=Thorpe |first2=P. T. |last2=Leat |first3=A. C. |last3=Mann |first4=M. F. |last4=Howells |first5=A. J. |last5=Reedman |first6=S. D. G. |last6=Campbell |year=1993 |title=Magmatic evolution of the Ordovician Snowdon Volcanic Centre, North Wales (UK) |journal=[[Journal of Petrology]] |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=711–741 |doi=10.1093/petrology/34.4.711|bibcode=1993JPet...34..711T }}</ref> In the Soudleyan (former British regional) stage ({{Ma|458|457}}) of the [[Caradoc (age)|Caradoc (British regional) epoch]], a [[volcano|volcanic]] [[caldera]] formed, and produced [[ash flow]]s of [[rhyolite|rhyolitic]] [[tuff]], which formed deposits up to {{convert|500|m}} thick.<ref name="Cope">{{cite book |editor1-first=J. C. W. |editor-last=Cope |editor2-first=J. F. |editor2-last=Ingham |editor3-first=P. F. |editor3-last=Rawson |year=1992 |edition=2nd |title=Atlas of Palaeogeography and Lithofacies |publisher=[[Geological Society]] |isbn=978-1-86239-055-3 |chapter=Ordovician |pages=19–36 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0I6BNSgx3_cC&pg=PA30}}</ref> The current summit is near the northern edge of the ancient caldera; the caldera's full extent is unclear, but it extended as far as the summit of [[Moel Hebog]] in the south-west.<ref>{{cite journal |first1=A. J. |last1=Reedman |first2=T. B. |last2=Colman |first3=S. D. G. |last3=Campbell |first4=M. F. |last4=Howells |year=1985 |title=Volcanogenic mineralization related to the Snowdon Volcanic Group (Ordovician), Gwynedd, North Wales |journal=[[Journal of the Geological Society]] |volume=142 |issue=5 |pages=875–888 |doi=10.1144/gsjgs.142.5.0875|bibcode=1985JGSoc.142..875R |s2cid=128875080 }}</ref>

Snowdon and its surrounding peaks have been described as "true examples of [[orography|Alpine topography]]".<ref>{{cite book |last=Yates |first=R. A. |title=Wales: A Physical, Historical and Regional Geography |editor=Emrys G. Bowen |editor-link=Emrys G. Bowen |year=1957 |chapter=Physiographical evolution |pages=19–52 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OUUOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA49 |publisher=[[Methuen Publishing|Methuen]]}}</ref> The summits of Snowdon and [[Garnedd Ugain]] are surrounded by [[Cirque|cwms]], rounded valleys scooped out by [[glaciation]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Gannon |first=Paul |year=2008 |title=Rock Trails Snowdonia: a Hillwalker's Guide to the Geology and Scenery |publisher=Pesda Press |isbn=978-1-906095-04-8 |chapter=The Glyderau and glaciation |pages=79–88 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rr5UJ4ycZ3AC&pg=PA79}}</ref> Erosion by glaciers in adjacent cwms caused the characteristic [[arête]]s of [[Crib Goch]], [[Crib y Ddysgl]] and [[Y Lliwedd]], and the [[pyramidal peak]] of Snowdon itself.<ref>{{cite book |last=Waugh |first=David |year=2002 |title=Geography: an Integrated Approach |edition=3rd |publisher=[[Nelson Thornes]] |isbn=978-0-17-444706-1 |chapter=Glaciation |pages=102–129 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7GH0KZZthGoC&pg=PA115}}</ref> Other [[glacial landform]]s that can be seen around Snowdon include [[roche moutonnée|roches moutonnées]], [[glacial erratic]]s and [[moraine]]s.<ref>{{cite book |last=Raine |first=Mike |editor=Mike Raine |year=2009 |title=Nature of Snowdonia |publisher=Pesda Press |isbn=978-1-906095-10-9 |chapter=Glaciation |pages=35–39 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uidTqo4bbaoC&pg=PA35 }}</ref>

===Climate===
In winter, Snowdon often has a covering of snow (giving rise to its English name).<ref>{{cite book |last=Room |first=Adrian |year=2006 |title=Placenames of the World: Origins and Meanings of the Names for 6,600 Countries, Cities, Territories, Natural Features, and Historic Sites |edition=2nd |publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] |isbn=978-0-7864-2248-7 |page=351 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M1JIPAN-eJ4C&pg=PA351}}</ref> Although the amount of snow on Snowdon in winter varies significantly, 55% less snow fell in 2004 than in 1994.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/4112137.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |title=Snow 'disappears' from Snowdon |date=20 December 2004}}</ref> The slopes of Snowdon have one of the wettest climates in Great Britain, receiving an annual average of more than {{convert|200|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}} of [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Howe |first=G. Melvyn |chapter=Weather and climate |pages=53–94 |title=Wales: A Physical, Historical and Regional Geography |editor=Emrys G. Bowen |editor-link=Emrys G. Bowen |year=1957 |publisher=[[Methuen Publishing|Methuen]] |series=Regional geography series |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OUUOAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA82}}</ref>

===Flora and fauna===
[[File:Lloydia serotina snowdon.jpg|thumb|''[[Gagea serotina]]'' (the "Snowdon lily") grows on the cliffs of Snowdon]]
The environment of Snowdon, particularly its rare plants, has led to the designation of much of the eastern part of the massif as a [[national nature reserve (United Kingdom)|national nature reserve]].<ref name="Marsh_Watkin"/><ref>{{cite web |title=National Nature Reserves (NNR) |url=http://lle.gov.wales/catalogue/item/ProtectedSitesNationalNatureReserves/?lang=en |website=Lle |publisher=NRW/Welsh Government |access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref> In addition to plants that are widespread in Snowdonia, Snowdon is home to some plants rarely found elsewhere in Britain. These include the "Snowdon lily", ''[[Gagea serotina]]'', which is also found in the [[Alps]] and in North America; it was first discovered in Wales by [[Edward Lhuyd]], and the genus ''Lloydia'' (now included in ''[[Gagea]]'') was later named in his honour by [[Richard Anthony Salisbury]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Jones |first=David |year=2003 |title=Welsh Wildlife |publisher=[[Y Lolfa]] |isbn=978-0-86243-654-4 |chapter=Flowers |pages=11–34 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cglEQ0uArk0C&pg=PA23}}</ref> Snowdon lies in the northern part of [[Snowdonia National Park]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Baker |first1=Nick |last2=Phillips |first2=Adrian |name-list-style=amp |year=2009 |title=The National Trust Book of the Countryside |publisher=[[Anova Books]] |isbn=978-1-905400-69-0 |chapter=Snowdonia |pages=350–353 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FdLH727swN4C&pg=PA350}}</ref> which has also provided some legal protection since the park's establishment in 1951.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Park facts and figures |url=http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/press/factsandfigures.htm |publisher=[[Association of National Park Authorities]] |access-date=6 December 2011 |archive-date=27 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627173746/http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/press/factsandfigures.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Eurasian otter|Otters]], [[European polecat|polecats]], and [[goat]]s have been seen near or on the mountain,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llanberismountainrescue.co.uk/news/goats-on-snowdon|title=Do Snowdon's goats speak Welsh or English?|website=llanberismountainrescue.co.uk|date=15 July 2020}}</ref> although [[pine marten]]s have not been seen for many years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/08/03/if-you-go-down-to-the-woods-today-you-might-find-an-endangered-pine-marten-91466-24300490/|title=If you go down to the woods today you might find an endangered pine marten|last=Turner|first=Robin|date=3 August 2009|publisher=WalesOnline}}</ref> Birds that can be seen include the [[common raven|raven]], [[red-billed chough]], [[peregrine falcon|peregrine]], [[osprey]], [[merlin (bird)|merlin]], [[red kite]] and moorland birds.<ref>{{cite book|title=Nature of Snowdonia: A Beginner's Guide to the Upland Environment|publisher=Pesda Press|year=2009|first=Mike|last= Raine|isbn=9781906095109|pages=90–91}}</ref>

===Lakes===
[[File:Llyn Llydaw - geograph.org.uk - 1236149.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Llyn Llydaw]], the largest and deepest lake on Snowdon's flanks, is crossed by a causeway at its eastern end]]
A number of lakes are found in the various [[cirque|cwms]] of the Snowdon range:
* [[Llyn Llydaw]] – {{convert|1430|ft|m|abbr=on}} high, {{convert|110|acre|ha|abbr=on}} – lies in [[Cwm Dyli]], Snowdon's eastern cwm, and is one of Snowdonia's deepest lakes, at up to {{convert|190|ft|abbr=on}} deep. Various explanations of its name have been put forward, including ''{{Lang|cy|lludw}}'' ("ash"), from ashen deposits along the shore, to ''{{lang|cy|Llydaw}}'' ("[[Brittany]]").<ref name="Roberts_Llydaw">{{harvnb|Roberts|1995|pp=179–181}}</ref> It contains evidence of a [[crannog]] settlement, and was the location of a {{convert|10|x|2|ft|m|adj=on|sigfig=1}} [[dugout canoe]] described in the ''Cambrian Journal'' in 1862.<ref name="Roberts_Llydaw"/> The lake is significantly coloured by washings from the copper mines nearby, and is used by the Cwm Dyli [[hydroelectric power]] station, which opened in 1906.<ref name="Roberts_Llydaw"/> The lake is crossed by a [[causeway]], built in 1853 and raised in the 20th century to prevent the causeway from flooding frequently.<ref name="Hermon">{{cite book |last=Hermon |first=Peter |year=2006 |title=Hillwalking in Wales, Volume 2 |series=British Hills Series |edition=2nd |publisher=[[Cicerone Press]] |isbn=978-1-85284-468-4 |chapter=The Snowdon Range |pages=237–283}}</ref>
* [[Glaslyn]] – {{convert|1970|ft}} high, {{convert|18|acre}} – lies higher up Cwm Dyli than Llyn Llydaw.<ref name="Roberts_Glaslyn">{{harvnb|Roberts|1995|pp=145–148}}</ref> It was originally called ''{{lang|cy|Llyn y Ffynnon Glas}}'', and has a depth of {{convert|127|ft}}.<ref name="Roberts_Glaslyn"/> For a long time, it was believed to be bottomless, and is also the location for various myths.<ref name="Roberts_Glaslyn"/>
* Llyn Ffynnon-y-gwas – {{convert|1430|ft}} high, {{convert|10|acre}} – lies in Cwm Treweunydd, Snowdon's north-western cwm, and is passed by the Snowdon Ranger path.<ref name="Roberts_Gwas">{{harvnb|Roberts|1995|pp=131–132}}</ref> It was enlarged by damming for use as a reservoir for use by slate quarries, but the level has since been lowered, and the lake's volume reduced to {{convert|24000|m3}}.<ref name="Roberts_Gwas"/>

Other lakes include: Llyn Du'r Arddu below Clogwyn Du'r Arddu, at a height of {{convert|1901|ft}}, {{convert|5|acre}}; Llyn Teyrn near Pen-y-pass, at a height of {{convert|1237|ft}}, {{convert|5|acre}}; and several smaller pools.<ref>{{harvnb|Roberts|1995}} ''passim''</ref>

==Leisure activities==
Snowdon has been described as "the busiest mountain in Britain",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llanberismountainrescue.co.uk/snowdon|title=Snowdon Information|website=Llanberis Mountain Rescue|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-date=28 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228020210/http://www.llanberismountainrescue.co.uk/snowdon|url-status=dead}}</ref> with some 543,541 people having walked up the mountain in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visitor Monitoring Figures – 2022: Yr Wyddfa, Ogwen & Idwal, Cader Idris and others |url=https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Visitor-Monitoring-Report-2022.pdf |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Eryri National Park |format=PDF}}</ref> There are six main walking paths, which can be combined in various ways.<ref name="Rowland">{{cite book |last=Rowland |first=E. G. |title=Ascent of Snowdon |series=British Hills Series |edition=5th |year=1975 |publisher=[[Cicerone Press]] |isbn=978-0-902363-13-7}}</ref> In addition, the circular walk starting and ending at {{lang|cy|[[Pen-y-Pass]]}} and using the {{lang|cy|Crib Goch}} route and the route over {{lang|cy|Y Lliwedd}}, both of which involve [[scrambling]], is called the Snowdon Horseshoe, and is considered "one of the finest ridge walks in Britain".<ref name="Marsh_Horseshoe" /> The routes are arranged here anticlockwise, starting with the path leading from Llanberis. In winter conditions, all these routes become significantly more dangerous and the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team state that "additional skills, equipment and knowledge are required".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.llanberismountainrescue.co.uk/safety/winter-conditions|title=Winter Conditions|access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> Many inexperienced walkers have been killed over the years attempting to climb the mountain via the main paths.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ashton |first=Steve |year=2002 |title=Ridges of Snowdonia |series=British Hills Series |edition=2nd |publisher=[[Cicerone Press]] |isbn=978-1-85284-350-2 |chapter=The Snowdon Group |pages=72–100 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=10CqPLA9KQYC&pg=PA73}}</ref>

The mountain itself may also be viewed on takeoff and approach to both [[Manchester Airport]] and [[Liverpool John Lennon Airport]] on very clear days, and even from [[Howth Head]] in [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]].<ref>{{cite news |title='I was surprised by how clear it was' – Stunning photo of snowy Wales taken from Dublin |url=https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/i-was-surprised-by-how-clear-it-was-stunning-photo-of-snowy-wales-taken-from-dublin-39969920.html |access-date=20 January 2021 |newspaper=The Independent}}</ref>

[[File:Snowdon summit queue on August 8 2020.jpg|thumb|Part of the queue for the summit pillar in August 2020]]
On 26 June 2018, Sam Laming became the first ever [[Wingsuit flying|Wingsuit]] pilot to perform a 'Proximity Flight' over a UK mountain, by flying approximately 30 metres over Snowdon's summit, after jumping from a helicopter with fellow wingsuit camera pilot, Mike Hitchcock.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-kent-44664719/wingsuit-flyer-in-snowdon-close-proximity-feat|title=Wingsuit flyer in Snowdon feat|publisher=BBC News}}</ref>

In 2021, John Harold, the director of the Snowdonia Society, reported that the number of visitors ascending Snowdon was exceeding capacity. At popular times walkers queue for upwards of 45 minutes for an opportunity to take a photo at the summit pillar.<ref>{{cite web |title=This is the worst Snowdon queuing I can remember |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-wales-58284171 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=23 August 2021 |date=23 August 2021}}</ref>

===Rock climbing===
[[File:Clogwyn Du'r Arddu - geograph.org.uk - 837339.jpg|thumb|[[Clogwyn Du'r Arddu]]<br />A rock climbing site]]
The [[Snowdon Massif]] includes a number of cliffs, and holds an important place in the history of [[rock climbing]] in the United Kingdom. [[Clogwyn Du'r Arddu]] is often colloquially known as 'Cloggy' among climbers, and was the site of the first recorded climb in Britain, in 1798.<ref name="Marsh22"/> It was carried out by [[Peter Bailey Williams]] and [[William Bingley]], while searching for rare plants.<ref name="Marsh22"/> It is now considered to be one of the best cliffs in Britain for rock climbing.<ref name="Marsh_Rhyd" />

[[Y Lliwedd]] was also explored by early climbers, and was the subject of a 1909 climbing guide, ''The Climbs on Lliwedd'' by J. M. A. Thompson and A. W. Andrews, one of the first in Britain.<ref name="Marsh22"/> Snowdon was used by [[Edmund Hillary]] and his group during preparations for their successful 1953 expedition to climb [[Mount Everest]].<ref name="Marsh22"/>

===Paths===
[[File:SnowdonMap.svg|upright=1.6|thumb|left|Sketch map of the [[Snowdon Massif]]<br />'''Legend'''<br />· grey: ridges<br />· red lines: paths<br />· orange lines: roads<br />· dotted grey line: Snowdon Mountain Railway]]
The first recorded ascent of Snowdon was by the botanist [[Thomas Johnson (botanist)|Thomas Johnson]] in 1639.<ref name="Marsh22"/> However, the 18th-century Welsh historian [[Thomas Pennant]] mentions a "triumphal fair upon this our chief of mountains" following [[Edward I of England|Edward I]]'s conquest of Wales in 1284, which could indicate the possibility of earlier ascents.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pennant |first=Thomas |author-link=Thomas Pennant |title=A Tour in Wales |url=https://archive.org/details/b30416450_0002 |year=1778–1783}} Cited by {{harvnb|Marsh|1984}}</ref>

The six main paths were mapped by the Google Trekker in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/trips-breaks/take-tour-snowdonia-google-street-10577102|title=Take a tour of Snowdonia – with Google Street View|first=Eryl|last=Crump|date=11 December 2015|access-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> The elevations and gradients given here are for the start point on a public road, based on [[Ordnance Survey]] mapping.  Other definitions are possible so alternative figures can be found (e.g.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/snowdon-walking-routes|title=Snowdon – Your Ultimate Guide to the Six Walking Routes to the Summit {{!}} Visit Snowdonia|website=visitsnowdonia.info|access-date=2020-04-26}}</ref>).
[[File:Profiles of main routes up Snowdon.png|alt=A graph showing the profiles of the six main walking routes up Snowdon plus the two halves of the Snowdon Horseshoe|left|thumb|upright=1.6|Profiles of the main routes up Snowdon]]

====Llanberis Path====
Length: {{convert|6.8|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}. Elevation gain: {{convert|965|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Overall gradient: 1 in 7.1 (14.1%).

The Llanberis Path is the longest route to the summit. It follows close to the line of the railway, and being the easiest ascent,<ref name="Barnes" /> it is the route used by the annual [[Snowdon Race]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://snowdonrace.co.uk/services/servicesView.aspx?serviceid=1&folder=1 |title=Race route |publisher=[[Snowdon Race]] |access-date=20 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309222543/http://snowdonrace.co.uk/services/servicesView.aspx?serviceid=1&folder=1 |archive-date=9 March 2012 }}</ref> which has a record time of less than 40 minutes recorded from the start to the summit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://snowdonrace.co.uk/services/servicesView.aspx?serviceid=12&folder=4 |title=Race records |publisher=[[Snowdon Race]] |access-date=20 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309222552/http://snowdonrace.co.uk/services/servicesView.aspx?serviceid=12&folder=4 |archive-date=9 March 2012 }}</ref>

The section of the Llanberis Path above Clogwyn station has long been called the "Killer Convex"; in icy conditions, this convex slope can send unwary walkers over the cliffs of Clogwyn Du'r Arddu. Four people died there in February 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=Walker's mountain hike 'madness' |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=30 July 2009 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8177483.stm}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Geldard |first=Jack |url=http://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/page.php?id=1653 |title=Editorial: Recent Deaths on Snowdon |date=February 2009 |access-date=29 April 2011 |publisher=UK Climbing}}</ref>

====Snowdon Ranger Path====
[[File:Llyn Ffynnon-y-gwas from Moel Gynghorion - geograph.org.uk - 1780520.jpg|thumb|The Snowdon Ranger Path crosses a boggy area before ascending past Llyn Ffynnon-y-gwas]]
Length: {{convert|6.3|km|mi|sigfig=2|abbr=on}}. Elevation gain: {{convert|935|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Overall gradient: 1 in 6.7 (14.9%).

The Snowdon Ranger Path ({{langx|cy|Llwybr Cwellyn}}) begins at the [[youth hostel]] beside [[Llyn Cwellyn]], to the west of the mountain, served by the [[A4085 road|A4085]] and [[Snowdon Ranger railway station]]. This was formerly the Saracen's Head Inn, but was renamed under the ownership of the mountain guide John Morton.<ref name="Jones">{{cite web |last=Jones |first=G. Lindsay |year=2009 |title=The Capel Curig Footpaths up Snowdon: a Brief History |url=http://www.snowdonia-society.org.uk/uploads/docs/Snowdon_Paths_History.pdf |access-date=20 April 2011 |publisher=[[Snowdonia Society]] |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721110950/http://www.snowdonia-society.org.uk/uploads/docs/Snowdon_Paths_History.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is thought to be the oldest path to the summit.<ref name="Barnes" />

The route begins with [[zigzag]]s through turf,<ref name="Hermon"/> before reaching a flatter [[bog]]gy area in front of Llyn Ffynnon-y-gwas. The path then climbs to Bwlch Cwm Brwynog, and then snakes along the ridge above Clogwyn Du'r Arddu towards the summit. This path meets the railway, the Llanberis Path, the Crib Goch path, and the combined Pyg Track and Miners' Track all within a short distance, just below the summit.<ref name="Hermon"/>

====Rhyd Ddu path====
Length: {{convert|5.8|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}. Elevation gain: {{convert|905|m|ft|abbr=on}} or {{convert|896|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="Hermon"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://positivelynorthwales.com/2017/05/25/the-main-paths-to-the-top-of-snowdon/|title=The Main Paths to the Top of Snowdon|date=25 May 2017}}</ref> depending on exact start point. Overall gradient: 1 in 6.4 (15.7%).

The Rhyd Ddu path, formerly called the Beddgelert Path, leads from the village of [[Rhyd Ddu]], west of Snowdon, gently up on to Llechog, a broad ridge dropping west from the summit.<ref name="Marsh22"/> It is considered one of the easier routes to the summit,<ref name="Hermon" /><ref name="Marsh22"/> with the advantage that the summit is visible from the start,<ref name="Marsh22"/> but is one of the least used routes.<ref name="Marsh_Rhyd">{{harvnb|Marsh|2010|pp=29–32}}</ref> It climbs at a shallow gradient to Bwlch Main, shortly southwest of the summit, from where it climbs more steeply, meeting up with the Watkin Path at a site marked with a large standing stone a few hundred metres from the summit.  An alternative start begins at [[Pitt's Head]] on the [[A4085 road]].<ref name="Marsh_Rhyd" />

====Watkin Path====
[[File:Plascwmllan and the Gladstone Rock - geograph.org.uk - 1286451.jpg|thumb|Plas Cwmllan (right) and Gladstone Rock (left) in Cwm Llan, looking along the Watkin Path]]
Length: {{convert|6.2|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}. Elevation gain: {{convert|1025|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Overall gradient: 1 in 6.1 (16.5%).

The Watkin Path is "the most demanding route direct to the summit of Snowdon",<ref name="Marsh_Watkin">{{harvnb|Marsh|2010|pp=33–36}}</ref> since it starts at the lowest elevation of any of the main routes and has the steepest overall gradient.<ref name="Hermon" /> It was first conceived by [[Sir Edward Watkin]], a railway owner who had attempted to build a railway tunnel under the [[English Channel]], and had a [[summer home]] in [[Nant Gwynant]] near the start of the path.<ref name="Barnes">{{cite book |last=Barnes |first=David |year=2005 |title=The Companion Guide to Wales |publisher=Companion Guides |isbn=978-1-900639-43-9 |chapter=Caernarfonshire: Eifionydd; Llŷn; Arfon |pages=279–315}}</ref> It was originally designed as a donkey track and opened in 1892.<ref name="Hermon" />

The start of the Watkin Path has been described as "the prettiest beginning" of the routes up Snowdon.<ref name="Hermon"/> It begins at Bethania on the [[A498 road|A498]] and climbs initially through old [[Celtic broadleaf forests|broadleaved woodland]].<ref name="Hermon"/> After leaving the woods, the path climbs past the waterfalls of the Afon Llan to the glacial [[cirque]] of Cwm Llan, crossing a disused [[Inclined plane|incline]] from an abandoned slate quarry.<ref name="Marsh_Watkin"/> It then reaches Plas Cwmllan, formerly the home of the quarry manager for the South Snowdon Slate Works beyond, and later used for [[target practice]] by [[commando]]s during the Second World War.<ref name="Marsh_Watkin"/> Near Plas Cwmllan is the large boulder known as Gladstone Rock, which bears a plaque commemorating a speech given in 1892 by [[William Ewart Gladstone]], the then 82-year-old [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]], on the subject of ''Justice for Wales''.<ref name="Hermon"/> The slate workings in Cwm Llan were opened in 1840, but closed in 1882 due to the expense of transporting the slate to the sea at [[Porthmadog]]. Various buildings, including barracks and dressing sheds, remain.<ref name="Marsh_Watkin"/>

From the slate quarries, the Watkin Path veers to the north-east to reach Bwlch Ciliau, the [[col]] between Snowdon and [[Y Lliwedd]], which is marked by a large orange-brown [[cairn]].<ref name="Hermon"/> From here, it heads west to meet the Rhyd Ddu Path at a standing stone shortly below the summit of Snowdon.<ref name="Marsh_Watkin"/>

====Over Y Lliwedd====
[[File:View towards Y Lliwedd from the summit of Yr Wyddfa-Snowdon - geograph.org.uk - 702192.jpg|thumb|[[Y Lliwedd]] In early spring]]
Length: {{convert|6.4|km|mi|sigfig=2|abbr=on}}.

The route over [[Y Lliwedd]] is more frequently used for descent than ascent, and forms the second half of the Snowdon Horseshoe walk, the ascent being over Crib Goch. It is reached from the summit by following the Watkin Path down to Bwlch y Saethau, and then continuing along the ridge to the twin summits of Y Lliwedd.<ref name="Marsh_Horseshoe" /> The path then drops down to Cwm Dyli to join the Miners' Track towards Pen-y-Pass.

====Miners' Track====
[[File:Crib Goch, Pyg track, Miners track, taken from Yr Wyddfa Snowdon - geograph.org.uk - 1524971.jpg|thumb|The Pyg Track (above) and Miners Track (below) merge above Glaslyn. Crib Goch is visible at the top]]
Length: {{convert|6.6|km|mi|sigfig=2|abbr=on}}. Elevation gain: {{convert|726|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Overall gradient: 1 in 9.1 (10.9%).

The Miners' Track ({{langx|cy|Llwybr y Mwynwyr}}) begins at the car park at [[Pen-y-Pass]], at an elevation of around {{convert|360|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and has the shallowest overall gradient.<ref name="Marsh22"/> It begins by skirting [[Llyn Teyrn]] before climbing slightly to cross the causeway over [[Llyn Llydaw]].<ref name="Marsh22"/> It follows the lake's shoreline before climbing to [[Glaslyn]], from where it ascends steeply towards Bwlch Glas. It is joined for most of this zigzag ascent by the Pyg Track, and on reaching the summit ridge, is united with the Llanberis Path and Snowdon Ranger Path.<ref name="Marsh22"/> Derelict mine buildings are encountered along several parts of the path.<ref name="Marsh22"/>

====Pyg Track====
[[File:Pyg Track Snowdon.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Pyg Track Snowdon|Standing stone marking the start of the Pyg Track at Pen-y-Pass]]

Length: {{convert|5.3|km|mi|sigfig=2|abbr=on}}. Elevation gain: {{convert|726|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Overall gradient: 1 in 7.3 (13.7%).

The "Pyg Track" ({{langx|cy|Llwybr Pyg}}), or "Pig Track" (both spellings may be encountered), also leads from Pen-y-Pass.<ref name="Hermon" /> The track climbs over Bwlch y Moch on the eastern flanks of Crib Goch, before traversing that ridge's lower slopes.<ref name="Marsh22"/> Above Glaslyn, it is joined by the Miners' Track for the zigzag climb to Bwlch Glas between Snowdon and Garnedd Ugain, where it joins the combined Llanberis and Snowdon Ranger paths.<ref name="Marsh22"/>

From the website of the [[Snowdonia National Park Authority]],
<!-- Quotation follows. Fair Use contended. Please do not remove attribution. -->
{{Blockquote|Nobody knows for certain why this path is called the Pyg Track. It's possible that it was named after the pass it leads through, {{lang|cy|Bwlch y Moch}} (translated Pigs' Pass) as the path is sometimes spelled 'Pig Track'. Or, maybe because it was used to carry '{{lang|cy|pyg}}' (black tar) to the copper mines on Snowdon. Another possible explanation is that the path was named after the nearby Pen y Gwryd Hotel, popular amongst the early mountain walkers.|Snowdonia National Park Authority<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/Hard-Mountain-Walks/PYG-Track |title=PYG Track |year=2005 |publisher=[[Snowdonia National Park Authority]] |access-date=23 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613181320/http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/Hard-Mountain-Walks/PYG-Track |archive-date=13 June 2013 }}</ref>}}

====Crib Goch====
Length: {{Convert|5.0|km|mi|sigfig=2|abbr=on}}.

The traverse of {{lang|cy|[[Crib Goch]]}} has been described as "one of the finest ridge walks in Britain",<ref name="Marsh_Horseshoe" /> and forms part of the Snowdon Horseshoe, a circuit of the peaks surrounding Cwm Dyli.<ref name="Marsh22"/> The path follows the Pyg Track before separating off from it at {{lang|cy|Bwlch y Moch}} and leading up the East ridge of [[Crib Goch]]. After the Crib Goch ridge, it descends slightly to Bwlch Coch, then ascends to the peak of Garnedd Ugain ({{convert|1065|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=or}}), before dropping to join the Llanberis path. All routes which tackle Crib Goch are considered mountaineering routes or [[Scrambling|scrambles]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Ashton|first=Steve|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ujrf-jRaVFQC&pg=PA115|title=Scrambles in Snowdonia|publisher=[[Cicerone Press]]|year=1992|isbn=978-1-85284-088-4|edition=2nd|pages=115–118|chapter=Crib Goch (923&nbsp;m)}}</ref>

==Snowdon Mountain Railway==
{{main|Snowdon Mountain Railway}}
[[File:TrainatSnowdonSummit.jpg|thumb|left|Approaching the [[Summit railway station (Snowdon Mountain Railway)|Summit railway station]]]]

The [[Snowdon Mountain Railway]] (SMR) ({{langx|cy|Rheilffordd yr Wyddfa}}) is a [[narrow-gauge railway|narrow-gauge]] [[Rack railway|rack-and-pinion]] [[mountain railway]] that travels for {{convert|4+3/4|mi|km|1}} from [[Llanberis]] to the [[Summit railway station (Snowdon Mountain Railway)|Summit station]] of Snowdon.<ref name="Nabarro">{{cite book |last=Nabarro |first=Gerald |author-link=Gerald Nabarro |year=1972 |title=Steam Nostalgia: Locomotive and Railway Preservation in Great Britain |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0-7100-7391-4 |chapter=Snowdon Mountain Railway |pages=191–195 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I5E9AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA191}}</ref> It is the only public rack and [[pinion]] railway in the [[United Kingdom]],<ref name="Nabarro"/><ref>{{cite book |last1=Berry |first1=Oliver |last2=Else |first2=David |last3=Atkinson |first3=David |name-list-style=amp |year=2010 |title=Discover Great Britain |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] |isbn=978-1-74179-993-4 |page=272 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a8qi9lWrrbYC&pg=PA272}}</ref> and after more than 100&nbsp;years of operation it remains a popular [[tourist attraction]], carrying more than 130,000 passengers annually.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/visitor-numbers-rise-board-snowdon-8090238 |work=[[North Wales Daily Post|Daily Post]] |date=11 November 2014 |title=Visitor numbers rise on board Snowdon Mountain Railway |author=Laura Swire}}</ref> Single carriage trains are pushed up the mountain by either [[steam locomotive]]s or [[diesel locomotive]]s. It has also previously used [[railcar|diesel railcars]] as [[multiple unit]]s. The railway was constructed between December 1894, when the first sod was cut by Enid Assheton-Smith (after whom locomotive No.2 was named), and February 1896, at a total cost of £63,800 (equivalent to £{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|63800|1896|{{Inflation/year|UK}}|r=-3}}}} as of {{Inflation/year|UK}}).{{Inflation/fn|UK|df=y}}

===Summit===
{{Infobox building
| name             = Hafod Eryri
| image            = Hafod Eryri No 1.jpg
| image_alt        = Hafod Eryri, built in 2009
| image_size       = 250px
| caption          = ''Hafod Eryri'' (2009)
| altitude         = 1,065 m (3,494 ft)
| cost             = £8.4m
| address          = via Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4TY
| coordinates      = {{coord|53.068865|-4.075588|type:mountain_region:GB}}
| opened_date      = 12 June 2009
| architecture_firm = [[Ray Hole Architects]]
| structural_engineer = [[Arup Group Limited|Arup]]
| main_contractor  = [[Carillion]]
| awards           = RIBA Welsh Architecture Award 2010
| website          = [http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/pages/summit-visitor-centre Hafod Eryri Visitor Centre]
}}
<!--[[File:The summit of Snowdon (1133952).jpg|thumb|left|Buildings on the summit of Snowdon, 1853]]-->

The first building to be erected at the Snowdon summit was in 1838 to sell refreshments, and a [[Alcohol licensing laws of the United Kingdom|licence to sell intoxicating liquor]] was granted in 1845.<ref name="Marsh22"/> Very basic accommodation was also provided for visitors.<ref name="Johnson">{{cite book |last=Johnson |first=Peter |title=An Illustrated History of the Snowdon Mountain Railway |year=2010 |publisher=Oxford Publishing Company |isbn=978-0-86093-631-2}}</ref> When the [[Snowdon Mountain Railway]] was opened in 1896, the company strove to get an alcohol licence for its own proposed new hotel, but being unable to, took over both summit huts by 1898.<ref name="Johnson"/>

During the 1930s, many complaints were received about the state of the facilities at the summit and in 1934/5 a new station building was erected in two phases; the upstairs accommodation was completed in 1937. It was designed by Sir [[Clough Williams-Ellis]] and included rooms for visitors and a [[Cafe (British)|cafe]]. The other operators were bought out and the ramshackle collection of buildings on the summit was cleared. The flat roof was intended to be used as a viewing platform and some photographs show it being used in this way. However, other photographs taken of the cafe show that the roof leaked, which probably explains why the practice was stopped. The Summit was taken over by government agencies during the war and the accommodation was restricted to staff use afterwards.<ref name="Johnson"/><!-- The building displayed a slate plaque with the following couplet: ''{{lang|cy|"Grwydryn, aros ennyd; ystyra ryfeddol waith Duw a'th daith fer ar y ddaear hon."}}'' ("Wanderer, wait a moment; consider God's wondrous work and your short journey on this earth.")--> Having become increasingly dilapidated in post-war decades, this building was described by [[Charles, Prince of Wales|Prince Charles]] as "the highest slum in Wales".<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/makeover-for-highest--slum-in-wales-1690633.html |title=Makeover for 'highest slum in Wales' |newspaper=[[The Independent]]|location=London |date=26 May 2009 |access-date=13 April 2011 }}</ref> Its state led to a campaign to replace the building. In April 2006, Snowdonia National Park Authority, with the support of the [[Snowdonia Society]], agreed a deal to start work on a new cafe and visitor centre complex.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://icnorthwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/regionalnews/tm_objectid=16911781&method=full&siteid=50142&headline=snowdon-centre-deal-agreed--name_page.html|title=Snowdon centre deal agreed|work = [[North Wales Daily Post]]|date=6 April 2006}}</ref> By mid-October 2006 the old building had been largely demolished.

The new [[Royal Institute of British Architects|RIBA]] Award-winning<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.architecture.com/RegionsAndInternational/UKNationsAndRegions/Wales/Awards/RIBA%20Awards.aspx |title=RIBA Awards 2010 |publisher=[[Royal Institute of British Architects]] |date=20 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310122544/http://www.architecture.com/RegionsAndInternational/UKNationsAndRegions/Wales/Awards/RIBA%20Awards.aspx |archive-date=10 March 2012 }}</ref> £8.4&nbsp;million visitor centre, ''{{lang|cy|Hafod Eryri}}'', designed by [[Ray Hole Architects]] in conjunction with [[Arup Group Limited|Arup]] and built by [[Carillion]], was officially opened on 12 June 2009<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8095531.stm |title=£8.4m Snowdon summit cafe opens |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=12 June 2009}}</ref> by [[First Minister of Wales|First Minister]] [[Rhodri Morgan]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Ford |first=Stephen |url=http://www.demotix.com/news/summit-cafe-snowdon-opened-first-minister-rhodri-morgan |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729092403/http://www.demotix.com/news/summit-cafe-snowdon-opened-first-minister-rhodri-morgan |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2012 |title=Summit cafe on Snowdon opened by First Minister Rhodri Morgan |publisher=[[Demotix]] |date=12 June 2009 |access-date=28 April 2011 }}</ref> The Welsh National Poet, [[Gwyn Thomas (poet)|Gwyn Thomas]], composed a new couplet for the new building, displayed at its entrance and on the windows, which reads "''{{lang|cy|Copa'r Wyddfa: yr ydych chwi, yma, Yn nes at y nefoedd}} / The summit of Snowdon: You are, here, nearer to Heaven''".<ref>{{cite news |last=Dube |first=Steve |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/countryside-farming-news/countryside-news/2010/06/15/snowdon-summit-centre-hits-the-peak-of-success-91466-26650951/ |title=Snowdon summit centre hits the peak of success |date=15 June 2010 |access-date=28 April 2011 |publisher=[[Western Mail (Wales)|Western Mail]]}}</ref> The name ''Hafod Eryri'' was chosen from several hundred put forward after a competition was held by the BBC.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/6173519.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |title=Snowdon visitors' centre is named |date=13 December 2006 |access-date=28 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Turner |first=John S. |url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1489814 |title=SH6054 : Inscriptions on Hafod Eryri on Yr Wyddfa – in the sun |publisher=[[Geograph Britain and Ireland]] |access-date=28 April 2011 |date=15 September 2009}}</ref> ''{{lang|cy|Hafod}}'' is [[Welsh language|Welsh]] for an [[Agriculture in Wales#History|upland summer residence]], while ''{{lang|cy|Eryri}}'' is the Welsh name for [[Snowdonia]].<ref name="Marsh22"/>

The summit pillar was built in 2001, the brass [[toposcope]] carrying the date 2000. This plate details exactly 100 locations—mostly other peaks—which can be seen, given ideal visibility. Of the locations mentioned, [[Mount Leinster]] (in the Blackstairs Mountains in Ireland) is the furthest, at 188 miles away, with the [[Wicklow Mountains]] (also in Ireland) being 100 miles away. [[Slieve Donard]], in Northern Ireland, is 108 miles away. The [[Lake District]] is 100 miles away, Penmaen Dewi ([[St David's Head]] in Pembrokeshire) is 96 miles away, [[Kinder Scout]] (in the Peak District) is 94 miles away, and the [[Isle of Man]] is 84 miles away.

Originally Snowdon and its summit were owned by three agricultural estates, Vaynol, Hafod y Llan and the Baron Hill Estate.  Today the Vaynol land at the summit is owned by the Snowdonia National Park Authority, Hafod y Llan by the National Trust and the Baron Hill Estate retains its holding.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27294829 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |title=Blencathra sale: Who owns Britain's mountains? |date=8 May 2014}}</ref> The Baron Hill Estate land consists of the farm of Gwastadannas, which includes the Snowdon Horseshoe, Glaslyn, Llyn Llydaw and the northern end of Nant Gwynant.

==Welsh literature==
[[File:Bedivere.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|In Arthurian legend, [[Bedivere]] threw ''[[Excalibur]]'' into a lake identified by some as [[Glaslyn]] on the slopes of Snowdon.]]
In [[Welsh folklore]], the summit of Snowdon is said to be the [[tomb]] of [[Rhitta Gawr]], a [[Giants (Welsh folklore)|giant]].<ref name="Marsh22"/> This is claimed to be the reason for the [[Welsh language|Welsh]] name ''Yr Wyddfa'',<ref name="Hermon"/> literally meaning "the [[tumulus]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cs.cf.ac.uk/fun/welsh/LexiconForms.html |title=Welsh-English Lexicon |publisher=[[Cardiff University]] |access-date=1 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025095420/http://www.cs.cf.ac.uk/fun/welsh/LexiconForms.html |archive-date=25 October 2007 }}</ref> Rhitta Gawr wore a cloak made of men's beards, and was slain by [[King Arthur]] after claiming Arthur's beard.<ref name="Roberts_Glaslyn"/> Other sites with [[Arthurian legend|Arthurian]] connections include Bwlch y Saethau, on the ridge between Snowdon and Y Lliwedd, where Arthur himself is said to have died. A cairn, ''Carnedd Arthur'', was erected at the site and was still standing as late as 1850,<ref name="Roberts_Glaslyn"/> but no longer exists.<ref name="Marsh22"/> According to the folklore, Arthur had [[Bedivere]] throw his sword ''[[Excalibur]]'' into [[Glaslyn]], where Arthur's body was later placed in a boat to be carried away to [[Afallon]]. Arthur's men then retreated to a cave on the slopes of Y Lliwedd, where they are said to sleep until such time as they are needed.<ref name="Roberts_Glaslyn"/><ref name="Marsh_Horseshoe">{{harvnb|Marsh|2010|pp=25–28}}</ref> [[Merlin]] is supposed to have hidden the golden throne of Britain among the cliffs north of Crib y Ddysgl when the Saxons invaded.<ref>{{harvnb|Roberts|1995|pp=143–145}}</ref>
Glaslyn was also the final resting place of a water monster, known as an ''{{lang|cy|[[afanc]]}}'' (also the Welsh word for [[beaver]]), which had plagued the people of the [[Conwy valley]]. They tempted the monster out of the water with a young girl, before securing it with chains and dragging it to Glaslyn.<ref name="Roberts_Glaslyn"/><ref name="Marsh22"/> A large stone known as Maen Du'r Arddu, below Clogwyn Du'r Arddu, is supposed to have [[magic (paranormal)|magical powers]]. Like several other sites in Wales, it is said that if two people spend the night there, one will become a great poet while the other will become insane.<ref>{{harvnb|Roberts|1995|pp=100–101}}</ref> Llyn Coch in Cwm Clogwyn has been associated with the [[Tylwyth Teg]] (fairies), including a version of the [[fairy]] bride legend.<ref>{{harvnb|Roberts|1995|pp=38–39}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
In 1968, scenes representing the [[Khyber Pass]] were filmed for ''[[Carry On... Up the Khyber]]'' on the lower part of the Watkin Path.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/snowdon-became-khyber-path-carry-10953985|title=When Snowdon became Khyber Pass for Carry On film|first=Mari|last=Jones|date=12 March 2016|website=North Wales Live}}</ref> In 2005, [[Angela Douglas]], one of the stars of the film, unveiled a plaque at the precise location where filming took place to commemorate the location filming. It now forms part of the North Wales Film and Television Trail run by the [[Wales Screen Commission]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/4296396.stm |title=Carry on plaque unveiled |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=30 September 2005}}</ref>

== In art ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180px">
File:Philippe-Jacques de Loutherbourg - Snowdon from Capel Curig - Google Art Project.jpg|''[[Snowdon from Capel Curig]]'' by [[Philip James de Loutherbourg]], 1787
(Barcelona) Snowdon and Dinas Emrys from above Beddgelert - William Turner - Tate Britain.jpg|''Snowdon and Dinas Emrys from Above Beddgelert'' – [[Joseph Mallord William Turner|William Turner]] – [[Tate Britain]]
</gallery>

== Injuries and deaths ==
In January and February 2009 on Snowdon there were four people who died and three of these four deaths were related to people falling.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2009/02/11/fourth-man-dies-on-snowdon?printview=1|title=Fourth man dies on Snowdon|last=Smith|first=Bob|date=11 February 2009|work=Grough|access-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709074338/https://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2009/02/11/fourth-man-dies-on-snowdon?printview=1|archive-date=9 July 2022}}</ref> In 2021 there were four people who died on Snowdon.<ref name="4 January 2022">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/04/lake-district-mountain-rescue-warning-weather-forecast|title=Lake District mountain rescue warning after 'chaotic' festive period|last=Halliday|first=Josh|date=4 January 2022|work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709075005/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/04/lake-district-mountain-rescue-warning-weather-forecast|archive-date=9 July 2022}}</ref>

In 2021 two people were injured and taken to hospital after being struck by lightning on top of Snowdon.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jul/29/two-women-struck-by-lightning-on-summit-of-snowdon |title=Two women struck by lightning on summit of Snowdon|date=29 July 2021|work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709081017/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jul/29/two-women-struck-by-lightning-on-summit-of-snowdon |archive-date=9 July 2022}}</ref>

== Use of ''Yr Wyddfa'' in English ==
In April 2021 a motion was put forward by [[Gwynedd Council]]lor John Pughe Roberts for Snowdon to be called by its Welsh name ''Yr Wyddfa'' in all official use, and for [[Snowdonia]] to similarly be known only as ''Eryri''. The motion, however, was rejected as the National Park already had a task group looking at the use and retention of Welsh names. An earlier petition calling for the National Park Authority to do this had been rejected by the [[Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament|Senedd]] the previous year after it was found to be the responsibility of the park itself, rather than the Welsh Government.<ref>{{cite news |last=Morris |first=Steven |date=29 April 2021 |title=Yr Wyddfa: push for Snowdon to be known only by Welsh name |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/29/yr-wyddfa-calls-snowdon-known-only-by-welsh-name |access-date=29 April 2021 |work=The Guardian |location=London}}</ref>

In May 2021, following the dismissal of the motion, YouGov conducted a poll on Snowdon's name. Sixty per cent of Welsh adults supported the English name ''Snowdon'', compared to 30% wanting the Welsh name {{lang|cy|Yr Wyddfa}}. Separating by language, 59% of Welsh speakers preferred the Welsh name, while 37% wanted ''Snowdon'' to not be scrapped entirely; 69% of non-Welsh speakers firmly supported ''Snowdon'' as the mountain's name.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-18 |title=Poll: Majority want Wales' highest peak to be referred to as Snowdon not Yr Wyddfa |url=https://nation.cymru/news/poll-majority-want-wales-highest-peak-to-be-referred-to-as-snowdon-not-yr-wyddfa/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Nation.Cymru}}</ref>

In November 2022, Snowdonia National Park Authority voted to use ''Yr Wyddfa'' and ''Eryri'' (rather than Snowdon and Snowdonia) in its usage,<ref name="rename">{{Cite news |date=2022-11-16 |title=Snowdon: Park to use mountain's Welsh name Yr Wyddfa |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-63649930 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> though in statutory documents both Welsh and English will still be required by law.<ref>{{Cite web |last=G |first=Ioan |date=16 November 2022 |title=Paper on Place Names Principles approved in order to safeguard and celebrate Welsh place names within the National Park |url=https://snowdonia.gov.wales/paper-on-place-names-principles-approved-in-order-to-safeguard-and-celebrate-welsh-place-names-within-the-national-park/}}</ref>

In November 2024, the authority stated that the name change had been a "success" as many businesses and media had followed suit. The authority stated that a summer survey showed "strong support" from locals and visitors for the name change. While some concerns were raised over misconceptions by some that the Welsh names were new and mispronunciations, the authority stated that the change resulted in the park being more associated with a Welsh identity, and more different from other UK national parks. The authority is set to make a pronunciation guide and publish a report on the change.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Yr Wyddfa: National park to continue using Welsh name for Snowdon |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpvz1k23zlwo |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Wales|Mountains}}
* [[Ben Nevis]]
* [[Mountains and hills of Scotland]]
* [[Scafell Pike]]
* [[Slate industry in Wales]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |first=Terry |last=Marsh |title=The Summits of Snowdonia |publisher=[[Robert Hale Publishing]] |year=1984 |isbn=978-0-7090-1456-0 |chapter=Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) |pages=178–183}}
* {{cite book |first=Terry |last=Marsh |year=2010 |title=Great Mountain Days in Snowdonia |publisher=[[Cicerone Press]] |isbn=978-1-85284-581-0}}
* {{cite book |first=Geraint |last=Roberts |year=1995 |title=The Lakes of Eryri |publisher=[[Gwasg Carreg Gwalch]] |isbn=978-0-86381-338-2}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Snowdon}}
* {{cite EB1911|wstitle=Snowdon |volume=25 |short=x}}
* [https://www.google.co.uk/intl/en-GB/streetview/#snowdonia-national-park The main ascent routes on Google Streetview (as mapped by Trekker)]
* Computer-generated virtual panoramas from Snowdon<sup>[http://viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas.html#longlinesbrit 1]</sup>: [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/WAL/Snowdon-N.gif north] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215172223/http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/WAL/SNOWDON-N.gif |date=15 December 2021 }}; [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/WAL/Snowdon-S.gif south] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215172154/http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/WAL/SNOWDON-S.gif |date=15 December 2021 }}
* Free printable contour map of Snowdon and the routes up [http://www.walkeryri.org.uk/Routes/wyddfa10.html download map]
* [https://snowdoninfo.com/ SnowdonInfo, a comprehensive information site]

{{Welsh3000|R.1}}
{{Seven Wonders of Wales}}
{{Highest mountains of the United Kingdom}}
{{P600 mountains in Britain and Ireland}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Beddgelert]]
[[Category:Betws Garmon]]
[[Category:Llanberis]]
[[Category:Mountains and hills of Gwynedd]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Gwynedd]]
[[Category:Mountains and hills of Snowdonia]]
[[Category:Hewitts of Wales]]
[[Category:Highest points of Welsh counties]]
[[Category:Landmarks in Wales]]
[[Category:Marilyns of Wales]]
[[Category:National nature reserves in Wales]]
[[Category:Furths]]
[[Category:Nuttalls]]
[[Category:Ordovician calderas]]
[[Category:One-thousanders of Wales]]
[[Category:Pyramidal peaks]]