Eryri contains all 15 Welsh summits over 3,000 feet, grouped in three great massifs: the Snowdon group, the Glyderau and Tryfan, and the Carneddau to the north. To the south, Cadair Idris stands apart in magnificent isolation above the Mawddach Estuary.
These are the mountains that gave the national park its identity. They are not high by Alpine standards, but they rise steeply from close to sea level, the weather changes fast, and the rock is rough, old and unforgiving. This page helps you choose between them; the individual guides cover routes in detail, and our round-up of classic mountain walks beyond Yr Wyddfa suggests where to start. For how these hills compare with the Alps, and how Everest climbers have trained on them, see Eryri and the Alps: geology, Everest training and Welsh climbers.
The Main Summits at a Glance
| Summit | Height | Range | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) | 1,085m | Snowdon massif | Highest in Wales, six main paths |
| Garnedd Ugain | 1,065m | Snowdon massif | Second summit of the Snowdon group |
| Carnedd Llewelyn | 1,064m | Carneddau | Vast, remote plateau |
| Carnedd Dafydd | 1,044m | Carneddau | Broad ridge above Ogwen |
| Glyder Fawr | 1,001m | Glyderau | Shattered rocky plateau |
| Glyder Fach | 994m | Glyderau | Cantilever Stone, Bristly Ridge |
| Pen yr Ole Wen | 978m | Carneddau | Steep climb straight from Ogwen |
| Y Garn | 947m | Glyderau | Fine views over Cwm Idwal |
| Crib Goch | 923m | Snowdon massif | Knife-edge scramble |
| Tryfan | 917m | Glyderau | Scrambling only, hands needed to the top |
| Aran Fawddwy | 905m | Arans | Highest in southern Eryri |
| Y Lliwedd | 898m | Snowdon massif | Great cliffs above Llyn Llydaw |
| Cadair Idris (Penygadair) | 893m | Cadair Idris | Cwm lakes and legends |
| Moel Siabod | 872m | Moelwynion | Isolated, huge panorama |
| Arenig Fawr | 854m | Arenigs | Quiet, little-visited |
| Y Llethr | 756m | Rhinogydd | Rough, trackless terrain |
The Ranges
Tryfan
917m. One of the great scrambling mountains of Britain. The North Ridge is a Grade 1 classic; the summit boulders Adam and Eve are a rite of passage. Ogwen Valley base.
The Glyderau
Glyder Fawr (1001m) and Glyder Fach (994m). A shattered plateau of frost-riven rock, the Cantilever Stone, and some of the most dramatic cwms in Wales.
The Carneddau
Carnedd Llewelyn (1064m). The largest mountain plateau in Wales, carrying six of the fifteen Welsh 3,000-footers. Remote, featureless in mist, with feral ponies on the high ground.
Cadair Idris
Penygadair (893m). The great mountain of southern Eryri, rising above the Mawddach Estuary. Three classic routes, a dramatic cwm lake, and one of the finest summit views in Wales.
Moel Siabod
872m. The isolated sentinel above Capel Curig, with one of the finest panoramas in Eryri. An accessible afternoon mountain with an optional east ridge scramble.
The Rhinogydd
Y Llethr (756m). Ancient Cambrian rocks, trackless terrain, and the Roman Steps packhorse route. The loneliest and least-visited range in Eryri.
How to Choose a Mountain
For a first big hill
Moel Siabod and Cadair Idris give a proper mountain day on clear paths without scrambling. Yr Wyddfa by one of its main routes is the obvious goal, but expect crowds on summer weekends.
For scrambling
Tryfan, Bristly Ridge on the Glyderau and Crib Goch are the classics. All involve exposure and route-finding on steep rock. Our scrambling guide explains the grades and how to build up to them.
For space and solitude
The Carneddau feel huge and empty once you are on the plateau. Further south, the Rhinogydd, the Arans and the Arenigs see a fraction of the walkers who visit Yr Wyddfa, but the going is rougher and the navigation harder.
Seasons and Safety
Eryri is one of the wettest parts of the UK, and summits are often in cloud when the valleys are clear. Check a mountain forecast such as the Met Office mountain forecast or MWIS before you go, and plan a lower alternative. In winter, snow and ice can transform even straightforward paths, demanding an ice axe, crampons and the skills to use them; see our winter walking guide and our advice on winter safety in the mountains of Eryri. Carry a map and compass on every route, especially on the featureless Carneddau plateau. Our mountain safety guide covers kit and planning. In an emergency, call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Welsh 3,000s?
The 15 summits over 3,000 feet (914m), all in the Snowdon, Glyderau and Carneddau groups. Strong walkers attempt the lot within 24 hours, a long and demanding challenge; see the Welsh 3,000s in 24 hours.
What is the highest mountain in Eryri outside the northern ranges?
Aran Fawddwy (905m) in the south of the national park, just higher than Cadair Idris.
Which mountain has the best view?
Many locals would pick Moel Siabod, which looks straight across at the Snowdon Horseshoe and the Glyderau. Cadair Idris is the other strong contender, with the Mawddach Estuary and Cardigan Bay below.
Do I need to scramble to reach Tryfan’s summit?
Yes. There is no walking route to the top of Tryfan: every approach involves using your hands on rock.
