Eryri's ranking slips over shortcoming that all other national parks 'do better'

The incomparable Nant Gwynant in Eryri
The incomparable Nant Gwynant in Eryri -Credit:Getty Images


National parks are often seen as the souls of Britain, preserving beauty and tradition while showcasing the great outdoors. However, a new study suggests Eryri (Snowdonia) may have lost the essence of what made it special.

Surveys are rarely scientific but invariably Eryri is near the top of lists of the UK’s national parks. In recent years, publications such as TimeOut, Condé Nast Traveller and the Telegraph have ranked Eryri among the top two, eulogising its culture and sense of adventure.

As well as its starkly majestic mountains, Wales’ oldest national park has 60 miles of stunning coastline and oceans of dark skies. Its UNESCO-listed slate landscape is a reminder of the endeavors that shaped the region, while its 359 scheduled monuments, six castles and seven Roman sites shows this has long been a vibrant landscape. Not forgetting its eight heritage railway lines, another legacy of Eryri’s industrial past.

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Yet, according to recent surveys, it appears the park’s halo is in danger of slipping. Of the UK’s national parks, Which? last year placed Eryri seventh, marking it up for scenery but down for “peace and quiet”. In another study, published this week, the national park found itself in a lowly 10th spot: on this occasion its Achilles Heel was parking.

According to this survey, commissioned on behalf of cinch, Eryri has just one-twentieth of the parking provision offered by England’s New Forest. In this respect, it ranked worst of all 15 national parks.

Other analysis suggests Eryri performs poorer than average for cafes and restaurants. But it is parking – in recent years the subject of so much debate – that stands out. Is this really fair?

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In terms of visitor numbers, Eryri is not one of the busiest. It may have the UK’s most visited mountain in Yr Wyddfa, but overall numbers are less than half that of South Downs and the Lake District. The Peak District, Broads and North York Moors also attract more visitors. So parking provision is relative and, besides, it’s long been an Eryri goal not to pave over its beauty.

With the May Bank Holiday now upon us, parking ticket receipts will again be expected to soar as irresponsible drivers hog roadsides and block roads. Online tirades by irate visitors and pictures of cars being impounded are not a good look and these may indeed suggest a weakness in provision. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here’s how to sign up

Vehicle recovery trucks line up to tow away cars parked illegally on the A5 in the Ogwen Valley
Vehicle recovery trucks line up to tow away cars parked illegally on the A5 in the Ogwen Valley -Credit:Gwalia Garage

There’s long been an argument that Eryri must respond accordingly if it’s to retain its tourism appeal. In fact, the National Park Authority has moved to address the problem but not quite in the way all visitors would like.

Taking a long-term approach, the Authority opted for sustainability over concrete, creating a park-and-ride network that, while not perfect, is the envy of many. Eryri may have fewer car parks but, in the honeypot area around Yr Wyddfa, they are served by fleets of buses and minibuses. Other national parks may one day be forced to emulate Eryri's example.

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Other survey criteria listed by cinch – and another by Tripplo – suggest Eryri is the UK’s fourth most “Instagrammable” national park destination. It’s a long way behind the Lake District, which, with 4.3m Insta hashtags to date, has more than three times that of Eryri.

In terms of TikTok videos, the differences are even starker. So far the Peak District has attracted 363.3m views, more than 12 times the number in Eryri. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

All of these figures are meaningless without context. Parks with more visitors will need more facilities and will solicit greater online activity. Demographics have a role too: despite having twice the visitor numbers, the Lake District has two-thirds fewer TikTok views compared with Eryri, reflecting their different age profiles.

So the surveys which rely on feedback and subjective opinion, and which put Eryri at or near the top, have probably got it about right. With its countless lakes and waterfalls, the national park remains as spectacular as ever.

If you are planning to visit and want peace and quiet, try out Eryri’s less-visited southern half. If preparing to face Yr Wyddfa's queues, can’t afford Penypass car park and don’t want to risk a parking fine, the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service is invariably the best option. There’s more on the options here.

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