Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri; www.eryri-npa.gov.uk) was founded in 1951 (making it Wales’ first national park). Around 350,000 people travel to the national park to climb, walk or take the train to the summit of Mt Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain.
No Snowdonia experience is complete without coming face-to-face with Snowdon (1085m). On a clear day the views stretch to Ireland and the Isle of Man. Even on a gloomy day you could find yourself above the clouds. At the top is the striking Hafod Eryri (h10am to 20min before last train departure; W) visitor centre, opened in 2009 by Prince Charles.
Six paths of varying length and difficulty lead to the summit, all taking around six hours return, or you can cheat and catch the Snowdon Mountain Railway (%0844 493 8120; www.snowdonrailway.co.uk; return diesel adult/child £27/18, steam £35/25; h9am-5pm mid-Mar–Oct), opened in 1896 and still the UK's only public rack-and-pinion railway.
However you get to the summit, take warm, waterproof clothing, wear sturdy footwear and check the weather forecast before setting out.
The Welsh Highland Railway ( www.festrail.co.uk; adult/child return £35/31.50) and Snowdon Sherpa buses link various places in Snowdonia with the town of Bangor, which can be reached by train from London Euston (£86, 3¼ hours, hourly).
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