Yr Wyddfa, commonly known as Snowdon, is the tallest mountain in Wales and England, rising to 1,085 meters (3,560 feet). Located within Gwynedd at the heart of Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon’s breathtaking vistas and challenging ascents make it the busiest mountain in the UK. This article breaks down the numbers and statistics that define Snowdon, from its height and geological past to staggering visitor records and unique mountain features.
Height, Geography, and Geological Importance
- Height: 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) above sea level, making Snowdon the highest point in Wales and England.
- Location: Standing within Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, the mountain forms a prominent part of the Snowdon Massif, bordered by Beddgelert, Pen-y-Pass, and Llanberis.
- Geology: Snowdon was formed during the Ordovician period, around 450–500 million years ago, by volcanic activity, and was later shaped by glaciation. These glacial movements created sharp arêtes, such as Crib Goch, and cirques, such as Glaslyn, contributing to the mountain’s striking landscape.
- Summit: The summit area covers about 18 acres and often sits above the clouds, offering panoramic views across Wales on clear days.
Climbing Routes and Accessibility
- Main Paths: There are six main footpaths to the summit: Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miner’s Track, Watkin Path, Snowdon Ranger, and Rhyd Ddu. The Llanberis Path is the most popular, regarded as the easiest and busiest route.
- Popularity by Numbers:
- Railway: The historic Snowdon Mountain Railway, opened in 1896, spans 7.6 kilometres from Llanberis to the summit, attracting nearly 98,567 passengers in a single year (2021).
Visitor Numbers: A Growing Phenomenon
- Annual Visitors: Recent estimates place annual visitors to Snowdon at 600,000–700,000, with some reports suggesting even higher numbers post-pandemic.
- Three Peaks Challenge: Snowdon is part of the famed National Three Peaks Challenge, drawing challengers from across the UK alongside Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike.
- Monthly and Weekly Trends: Saturday is the busiest day for climbs, and August, during summer holidays, sees the highest footfall.
- Night Hiking: The mountain is climbed around the clock, with locals noting hikers ascending and descending even at night.
Climate and Weather
- Temperature: The summit averages just 5°C (41°F) year-round, roughly 10°C cooler than conditions at the base, making weather a crucial factor in planning a climb.
- Precipitation and Conditions: Rapid shifts in weather are common. Snow can fall during any month, and fog is frequent, adding to the mountain’s challenge.
Snowdonia National Park and Local Impact
- Park Context: Snowdon sits within Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, one of the UK’s most visited protected areas, with the park as a whole seeing over 4 million annual visitors.
- Economic Importance: Tourism, driven heavily by Snowdon’s popularity, underpins the region’s economy with millions of overnight stays and sustained local business.
- Overtourism: The mountain’s popularity puts a strain on local resources. Peak times see traffic, parking issues, and path crowding, leading to calls for careful management.
Notable Features and Trivia
- Prominence: Snowdon’s prominence (relative height) is 1,039 meters, the highest in Wales, classifying it as a Marilyn, Hewitt, Nuttall, and historic county top.
- Lakes: The mountain is home to several picturesque lakes, including Llyn Lydaw (the largest at 110 acres) and Glaslyn below the summit.
- Historic Ascents: Used by Sir Edmund Hillary in preparation for Mount Everest, the peak has a rich mountaineering tradition.
- Unique Names: ‘Yr Wyddfa’ means ‘the tumulus’ or ‘the barrow’ in Welsh, referencing a burial legend, and Snowdon is derived from Old English ‘snow hill’.
- Flora and Fauna: The mountain is a haven for rare plants and birds, including the endangered Snowdon lily and peregrine falcon.
Records and Milestones
- Most Ascents: The record for most ascents in a single day stands at nine for men and eight for women.
- Fastest Climb: Competitive races, such as the annual Snowdon Race, see elite athletes summiting and descending in under an hour.
- Historical Data: Yearly visitor numbers have grown from 500,000 in the 2010s to regularly exceeding 700,000 in the 2020s, highlighting a steady rise.
- Railway Milestone: The Snowdon Mountain Railway’s century-plus operation remains unique in the UK.
Conservation and Responsible Tourism
- Sustainability Efforts: Heavy footfall endangers paths and local wildlife, pushing authorities and charities to invest in path maintenance, signage, and sustainable facilities.
- Visitor Guidelines: Climbers are encouraged to respect weather conditions, local communities, and the unique environment by minimising waste and sticking to marked trails.
