The name means "the burial place" — from Yr Wyddfa — traditionally said to be the burial cairn of a giant.
At 1085m (3560ft), Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa is the highest Hewitt and the tallest of the 523 Hewitts. It has a prominence of 1039m, making it a particularly independent summit. At this altitude, summit conditions can be severe — check the Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa wind chill, freezing level and cloud base before setting out. Winter walking on Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa requires full mountain equipment.
Geology: The bedrock here is Bedded Pyroclastic Formation — Basalt — a dark volcanic rock formed from rapidly cooled lava. Age: Caradoc Series.
Planning to walk Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 1085m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 1085m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on exposed summits than in the valley below).
Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa weather can change quickly at 1085m. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa?
Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa is 1085 metres (3560 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Hewitt in Wales.
What is the weather like on Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa?
At 1085m, Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa experiences significantly harsher conditions than the valleys below. Summit temperatures are typically 6-8°C colder due to the lapse rate, winds are stronger and more exposed, and cloud cover can reduce visibility to just a few metres. Always check the summit forecast before setting out — hillandglen.com shows live wind chill, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk updated hourly.
Is Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa safe to climb in winter?
Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa is a serious winter mountain at 1085m. Snow, ice and sub-zero wind chill are common from November to April. Full winter equipment is essential: ice axe, crampons, waterproofs, warm layers and navigation tools. Always check the freezing level and wind forecast before attempting a winter ascent.
What is a Hewitt?
A Hewitt is a mountain in England or Wales over 2,000 feet (609.6 metres) with a drop of at least 30 metres on all sides. There are 523 Hewitts. The list was compiled by Alan Dawson and includes all major peaks south of the Scottish border.
When is the best time to climb Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa?
The best months for climbing Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. Summer offers the most stable conditions and longest daylight hours. Winter ascents (November-April) are possible but require full winter mountaineering equipment and experience.
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