Snowdon, along with a few other neighboring peaks that are more than 3000 ft (914.4 m) tall, is part of the Snowdon Massif.The Snowdon massif is present between Beddgelert, Pen-y-Pass, and Llanberis. Apart from being Wales’ highest mountain, it is also the highest peak in the British Isles.The Snowdon mountain is 3556 ft (1,085 m) above sea level. This is the busiest mountain in the United States. There are six different routes to reach the Snowdon summit. They are the Watkin Path, Llanberis Path, Miners Path, Pyg Track, Rhyd Ddu Path, and Snowdon Ranger. It is one of the best tourist spots. The Snowdon range also has several beautiful lakes. Research states that most of the rocks in Snowdon and its neighboring mountains come from the Ordovician Period. It is included in the National Three Peaks Challenge, along with two other mountains. Initially, this mountain was believed to be the tallest in the whole of Britain. However, later measurements revealed that other mountains, like Ben Nevis, were taller than Snowdon. The average annual rainfall on the slopes of the mountain is 200 in (508 cm). The summit of Snowdon has been mentioned in Welsh literature. According to ancient folklore, the summit is the tomb of Rhitta Gawr, a giant.History of SnowdonSnowdonia changed and formed its current landscape as a result of glacial activity changes that occurred throughout the Ordovician epoch (485-443 million years ago). Snowdonia has been inhabited for several years. The Snowdonia mountain houses various prehistoric artifacts. Tre’r Ceiri, often known as the Settlement of Giants, was a prominent and noteworthy Iron Age town with a dominant position on the Llyn Peninsula. The remnants that stand 400 ft (121.9 m) over the Irish Sea were built in 200 BC. It encompasses 150 stone homes. Snowdonia, apart from being Wales’ highest mountain, was once the site of bitter political disputes. The kingdom of Gwynedd rose to power once again after the fall of the Roman period. This put Snowdonia and the surrounding areas into the limelight. It quickly grabbed the attention of Vikings and Normans alike. The local lords were alarmed and erected spectacular fortresses to safeguard their domain. Some of the remains of these fortresses can still be seen today.Flora and FaunaThe whole coastline of the Snowdonia National Park is an area of special conservation. The national park starts from the Llŷn Peninsula and ends at the mid-Wales coast.Welsh oak, mountain-ash, birch, hazel, and ash are some of the most common trees in the Snowdonia national park. The natural forests in the national park are primarily mixed deciduous forests. You can also find coniferous forests like the Gwydir Forest in Conway County. Snowdon lily (Gagea serotina) is one of the rarest plants in Britain and can only be found in Snowdonia. The Snowdon Lily is found on the cliffs of Snowdon. Snowdonia hawkweed (Hieracium snowdoniense) is a rare and attractive yellow-flowering plant that is also endemic to Snowdonia. However, the population of several such rare species is being threatened by the increasing population of an invasive species called the Rhododendron ponticum. This rapidly spreading invasive species has been taking over the area and overusing the nutrients in the soil, threatening the existence of other species in the national park. It pairs up with a root fungus and produces toxins. For the past seven years, these toxins have been harming the flora and fauna in the national park and other regions. After constant efforts by the Snowdonia National Park authority, this invasive species has finally been irradiated.Snowdonia has some wonderful semi-natural environments. Since it is located in North Wales, the region has warm, rainy weather. This makes it one of the most suitable places for several species. Most of the species in Snowdonia are either rare or of worldwide importance. Some of the species that are legally protected are the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) and the Pine Marten (Martes martes). The Glutinous snail is a rare snail found only in one lake in Snowdonia. Otters, feral goats, and polecats are some of the mammals in the region. The red-billed chough, osprey, raven, red kite, merlin, and peregrine falcon are the most popular bird species.Reason Behind the NameSnowdonia is named after the tallest mountain in the region, Snowdon. Snowdown is derived from the Saxon snow dune, which means snow hill. Snowdonia also goes by the name of Eryri. This name is commonly used in North Wales. ‘Eryri’ is a word in Welsh (a Brittonic language used by Welsh people). The name owes its roots to the Welsh word ’eryr’, which means ’eagles’. ‘Eryri’ means ’the land of eagles’. However, based on some new suggestions based on research, there is a possibility for the word to signify highlands. The name is said to be more related to the Latin word ‘oiriri’, meaning ’to rise’. In a document in the ninth century Historia Brittonum, the name ‘Eryri’ was first spotted.Rock Climbing HotspotThe hiking event in Snowdon is a well-liked event. Snowdon’s summit has around 350,000 visitors every year. The Snowdon mountain, along with the neighboring mountains, provides an incredible rock climbing experience in the United Kingdom.Snowdon Ranger Path: This path is 3.9 mi (6.3 km) long and starts alongside the Llyn Cwellyn. It is said to be the most ancient route to the peak. The trail initially starts with zigzag patterns and gets connected to the railway, the Llanberis Path, and the Crib Goch Path.Crib Goch: Hiking on this mountain is one of the best ridge treks in Britain. Crib Goch also forms a major part of the circle of peaks around Cwm Dyli called the Snowdon horseshoe. The trail begins at the Pyg Track, after which it branches off. Once it reaches the Crib Goch ridge, it drops to Bwlch Coch and rises again before reaching the Llanberis trail. It is 3.1 mi (5 km) long. The routes that climb this mountain are called ‘mountaineering routes’.Y Lliwedd: Y Lliwedd is 4 mi (6.4 km) long. It is mostly used to climb down mountains. It follows the Watkin Path.Pyg Track: The Miners’ track joins the Pyg track for a majority of its zigzag ascent. The Pyg track meets the Llanberis Path and Snowdon Ranger paths when it reaches the summit ridge. It is part of the second half of the Snowdon Horseshoe walk, which uses the Crib Goch route.Watkin Path: It is 3.9 mi (6.2 km) long. It is the toughest direct route to reach the summit of Snowdon. It is named after Sir Edward Watkin, who set out to build a railway tunnel below the English Channel. The start of the route is said to be the prettiest. It has several steep gradients.The Clogwyn Du’r Arduu is the best climbing cliff. It is also known as ‘cloggy’. The first recorded climb was in 1978.Did you know? The 144 mi (232 km) sightline from Snowdon to Merrick in southern Scotland is the longest sightline in the British Isles.Snowdon Mountain RailwayThe narrow-gauge rack, along with the Pinion Mountain railway situated in Gwynedd (Northwest Wales) is called the Snowdon Mountain Railway.It has been in use for more than 100 years. It runs from Llanberis to the highest mountain in Wales, the summit of Snowdon. Heritage Great Britain owns the railway. It carries over 140,000 passengers each year. The railway works from March until the end of October. The first train was opened on April 6, 1896.Did you know? The only public rack in the United States is on the Snowdon mountain railway.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Mount Snowdon facts, then why not take a look at Sugarloaf Mountain Brazil facts, or the second tallest mountain in the US?
Snowdon, along with a few other neighboring peaks that are more than 3000 ft (914.4 m) tall, is part of the Snowdon Massif.
