Snowdonia

As the official gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed is uniquely positioned within the National Park for its easy access to Snowdon. Snowdon is the highest mountain in England & Wales at 3,560ft. Also in close distance to Betws-y-Coed are Tryfan and 15 other peaks all with their own trails to the Snowdon summit.

It is only 6 miles to Pen-y-Pass which is the main trekking route up to Snowdon via the Pyg & Miners tracks. There is a pay & display car park or take the Sherpa Bus direct from the village.

Further along from Capel Curig on the A5 and situated in the Ogwen Valley is Tryfan which is known as the 'hands on' mountain with the famous Adam and Eve boulders at the summit. It is a very popular climb and offers a more adventurous experience.

Adjacent to Tryfan lies Cwm Idwal, a spectacular hanging valley and is a site of special specific scientific interest (SSSI). The mountains act as an amphitheatre around the lake and are popular with climbers especially in Winter. Cwm Idwal has a car park and visitors centre.

Safety in the mountains is paramount as the weather conditions vary frequently and therefore you are advised to check the forecast before venturing out and inform them of your route. Proper weather mountain gear is essential on all climbs in Snowdonia.

Snowdonia – We need to Give a little Back

People who love the area, including visitors, residents, businesses and scientists have realised for a long time that they need to do something to ensure that Snowdonia retains its beauty, natural diversity and unique appeal.

It was the third National Park to be designated in Britain, and the first in Wales. Today, Snowdonia is one of 15 National Parks in Britain. Snowdonia National Park is an independent authority, who’s main purposes remain to:

Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.
Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public.
A duty to seek to foster the economic and social well being of local communities within the Park.

However, the continually growing popularity… (more than double the number of people on Mount Snowdon since 2007!) and the inevitable pressures that increased numbers of people bring, mean that the area is more than ever in danger of becoming a ‘victim of it’s very own success’.

It is important to understand that the negative impacts resulting from the significant increases in user numbers are not being covered by funding from Government or taxation, and so this means that real threats exist in both the short and long term.

The threats to the unique aspects and therefore value of Snowdonia are significant, specific and numerous, but it is imaginable to think of the place with its environment, wildlife and community degraded or destroyed in anyway.

Please have a look at the video below to find out about the amazing new scheme starting in the area.

View of our photo gallery

Snowdon
Tryfan
Wintery Snowdonia