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Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) near summit

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About

The Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon ) National Nature Reserve covers a massive 1,671 hectares, and it is home to arctic plants that have survived there since the end of the last glaciation approximately 12,000 years ago. The reserve is managed in partnership by Natural Resources Wales, the National Trust, the Snowdonia National Park Authority and local landowners.

At 1085m (3,560ft), Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa in Welsh - is the highest peak in the Snowdonia range, and the most famous mountain in Wales. Much of Yr Wyddfa is a National Nature Reserve.

Snowdonia is the only UK home for the delicate Snowdon lily, which grows on ledges and rock faces. Wildlife here includes feral goats and birds of prey.

There are several routes from various car parks onto Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Paths on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) are demanding, rocky and steep in places. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and check the weather forecast before setting off.

The car parks, toilets and all visitor facilities here are operated by the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

There are a number of access points to the reserve, but if you want to visit the summit of Snowdon and can't face the walk to the top the best place to start is from Llanberis, where you can catch the Snowdon Mountain Railway Train to within 20 metres of the summit.

Alternatively you can park and walk from the following locations:

The Snowdon Mountain Railway Station at Llanberis.

Pen y Pass: This pay-and-display car park is managed by Snowdonia National Park Authority. Both the Miners' Track and the Pyg Track start from this point. The car park can be found off the A4068 Llanberis to Capel Curig road 9.5km (6 miles) from Llanberis.

Pont Bethania car park: Access to this route is off the A498 road between Beddgelert and the A4068 road to Capel Curig. The Watkin Path starts opposite the car park.

Snowdon Ranger Youth Hostel car park: This car park is situated at the Hostel itself, which is on the A4085 Caernarfon to Beddgelert road. The Snowdon Ranger Path that leaves here travels along the western boundary of the NNR.

Rhyd Ddu car park: This pay and display car park is situated on the A4085 Beddgelert to Caernarfon road about 11km (7.5 miles) north of Beddgelert.

Public Transport Directions

Bangor station is 12 miles away.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) National Nature Reserve (NRW)

Type:Nature Reserve

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) National Nature Reserve (NRW), Llanberis, Gwynedd, LL55 4TT

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Tel0300 065 3000

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