Eryri (Snowdonia)

Eryri contains the highest and most dramatic mountain country in Wales, but its character changes markedly from one valley to the next. Around Yr Wyddfa, rocky ridges converge above deep glacial cwms, creating everything from well-built summit paths to the exposed scramble across Crib Goch.

The neighbouring Glyderau are rougher underfoot. Tryfan rises directly from the Ogwen Valley, while Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr form a landscape of shattered rock, enormous boulders and strange formations. To the north, the Carneddau provide longer and generally quieter days across broad ridges where wild ponies roam.

The mountains continue well beyond these famous northern groups. The Nantlle Ridge offers sustained, narrow walking above Cwm Pennant, while Moel Hebog rises steeply behind Beddgelert. The Moelwynion combine rocky summits with abandoned quarries, tramways and reservoirs. Farther south, Cadair Idris dominates the Mawddach landscape, and the Rhinogydd replace clear paths with heather, rock and some of the toughest walking terrain in Wales.

Eryri can be exceptionally busy, particularly around Yr Wyddfa and the Ogwen Valley. Walk beyond the obvious starting points, however, and the crowds quickly fall away. This is a region of scrambles, mountain circuits and quieter ridges where distance on the map rarely tells the whole story.