Mount Snowdon

Snowdon as viewed from Llyn Lydaw

Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and the highest British mountain south of the Scottish Highlands. It is located within the Snowdonia National Park (in Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri), and its summit is known as Yr Wyddfa (meaning 'the grave') at an altitude of 1,085 m (3,560 ft) above sea level. The English name Snowdon comes from the Saxon "Snow Dun", meaning "snow hill".

Snowdon is notable for having one of the wettest climates in Great Britain, receiving an annual average of more than 4,500 mm (180 in) of precipitation. Despite this, over 350,000 visitors reach the summit on foot or via the rack-and-pinion Snowdon Mountain Railway every year.^[1] As well as appreciating the magnificent views, during the summer months they can take advantage of the refreshment area at the summit. Originally built in 1935 by the renowned architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it is now owned by Snowdonia National Park Authority. However, this building was commonly regarded as one of the worst eyesores in the whole of Britain, and a planning application ^[2] for its redevelopment was submitted in 2003. Work commenced in September 2006, and the cafe was finally demolished to great cheers. The new centre, which will be completed by spring 2008, will have up to date facilities giving visitors the chance to learn more about Wales' highest mountain and its environment^[3]

References[edit]

1. ↑ http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/
2. ↑ see here for the 2003 planning application to redevelop the summit "cafe"
3. ↑ see: BBC News September 2006