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65-524: In the late 18th century, Richard Pennant, 1st Baron Penrhyn , built a road from Bangor through the Nant Ffrancon and Dyffryn Ogwen to Betws-y-Coed , and eventually through to Shrewsbury (in use by 1798). In 1801, Lord Penrhyn built the then named Capel Curig Inn. In 1808 the Mail coach which ran from Holyhead to Shrewsbury began running via Capel Curig . The Mail coach ceased operation in 1848 following

130-410: A cafe . The other operators were bought out and the ramshackle collection of buildings on the summit was cleared. The flat roof was intended to be used as a viewing platform and some photographs show it being used in this way. However, other photographs taken of the cafe show that the roof leaked, which probably explains why the practice was stopped. The Summit was taken over by government agencies during

195-580: A volcanic caldera formed, and produced ash flows of rhyolitic tuff , which formed deposits up to 500 metres (1,600 ft) thick. The current summit is near the northern edge of the ancient caldera; the caldera's full extent is unclear, but it extended as far as the summit of Moel Hebog in the south-west. Snowdon and its surrounding peaks have been described as "true examples of Alpine topography ". The summits of Snowdon and Garnedd Ugain are surrounded by cwms , rounded valleys scooped out by glaciation . Erosion by glaciers in adjacent cwms caused

260-536: A cellar underneath what is now the dining room. A less well-known activity was that of "Farmers' Night" which was instigated very early on and still continues today. Its function was to foster good relations, not only with local farmers but with people who lived in Capel Curig. Plas y Brenin is now a vibrant outdoor centre and is managed by the Mountain Training Trust (MTT), on behalf of Sport England , and

325-504: A height of 1,237 feet (377 m), 5 acres (2.0 ha); and several smaller pools. Snowdon has been described as "the busiest mountain in Britain", with some 543,541 people having walked up the mountain in 2022. There are six main walking paths, which can be combined in various ways. In addition, the circular walk starting and ending at Pen-y-Pass and using the Crib Goch route and

390-461: A later estimate of 3,568 ft (1,088 m) above sea level at Caernarfon . It was long believed to be the tallest mountain on the island of Great Britain until measurements taken in the eighteenth century confirmed that Ben Nevis and several other Scottish peaks were taller. Recent surveys give the height of the summit as 1,085 m (3,560 ft), making Snowdon the highest mountain in Wales, and

455-475: A photo at the summit pillar. The Snowdon Massif includes a number of cliffs, and holds an important place in the history of rock climbing in the United Kingdom. Clogwyn Du'r Arddu is often colloquially known as 'Cloggy' among climbers, and was the site of the first recorded climb in Britain, in 1798. It was carried out by Peter Bailey Williams and William Bingley , while searching for rare plants. It

520-402: A public road, based on Ordnance Survey mapping. Other definitions are possible so alternative figures can be found (e.g. ). Length: 6.8 km (4.2 mi). Elevation gain: 965 m (3,166 ft). Overall gradient: 1 in 7.1 (14.1%). The Llanberis Path is the longest route to the summit. It follows close to the line of the railway, and being the easiest ascent, it is the route used by

585-508: Is accommodation with up to 65 beds. There are also conference and function room facilities, a large lecture space, a dining room, bar (with one of the best views in Snowdonia) and stores / shop (which hires equipment to the public). 53°06′07″N 3°55′04″W  /  53.10192°N 3.91779°W  / 53.10192; -3.91779 Richard Pennant, 1st Baron Penrhyn Richard Pennant, 1st Baron Penrhyn (1737 – 21 January 1808)

650-592: Is derived from the Old English elements snaw and dun , meaning "snow hill". The Welsh name of the mountain, Yr Wyddfa , is first recorded in Latin as Weddua vaur in 1284. This is probably an approximation of Pen y Wyddfa Fawr . The element gwyddfa in this context means 'height, promontory', and also appears in the Welsh name for the town of Mold , Yr Wyddgrug . Gwyddfa later developed

715-442: Is now considered to be one of the best cliffs in Britain for rock climbing. Y Lliwedd was also explored by early climbers, and was the subject of a 1909 climbing guide, The Climbs on Lliwedd by J. M. A. Thompson and A. W. Andrews, one of the first in Britain. Snowdon was used by Edmund Hillary and his group during preparations for their successful 1953 expedition to climb Mount Everest . The first recorded ascent of Snowdon

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780-421: Is one of three remaining National Centres owned by the sports council, the others being Lilleshall and Bisham Abbey. It is widely regarded as providing gold standard instruction in all aspects of mountaineering, mountain biking and paddling, as well as in rescue. It also supports a range of organisations to develop new coaching and leadership awards, and works with a broad range of groups to get more people active in

845-411: Is part of the larger Snowdon range, which includes Garnedd Ugain , Yr Aran , and Moel Eilio . There are several lakes on the mountain, the largest of which is Llyn Lydaw (110 acres (45 ha)), located on the eastern flank at 1,430 ft (440 m). The mountain has been described as the "busiest in the United Kingdom", and in 2022 it was climbed by 543,541 walkers. There are six main paths to

910-539: The Tylwyth Teg (fairies). It has been argued that Mount Snowdon strictly refers to a higher mountain in British Columbia, Canada , with the Welsh mountain simply being "Snowdon". However, the Welsh mountain has been referred to in some uses as "Mount Snowdon" or "Mt Snowdon". A 1682 survey estimated that the summit of Snowdon was at an elevation of 3,720 feet (1,130 m); in 1773, Thomas Pennant quoted

975-552: The 1780 general election , he was defeated at Liverpool. On the recommendation of Charles James Fox , he was granted an Irish peerage from King George III and created 1st Baron Penrhyn of Penrhyn in the county of Lough , Ireland in 1783. Holding an Irish peerage did not disqualify him from standing for elections to the House of Commons as, both before and after the Acts of Union , Irish peerages were used to create peers who could not sit in

1040-586: The British Mountaineering Council treated the existence of Plas y Brenin with a deal of politically motivated negativity. Plas y Brenin is uniquely positioned below Llynnau Mymbyr at the foot of Dyffryn Mymbyr , the broad valley leading to the Pen-y-Gwryd hotel and the Snowdon Horseshoe . The centre's purpose is to offer the highest quality training courses, playing a key role in developing

1105-616: The House of Lords but who could do so in the House of Commons. In the 1784 general election , Penrhyn again contested Liverpool and was returned as MP to Parliament. In the ensuing parliament he is said to have made over thirty speeches relating to the West Indies and trade in Liverpool. There was a debate on the slave trade in May 1788, and it was reported that the only two MP's who spoke in favor of

1170-742: The Peak District and South Pennines that surround Manchester. The view between Snowdon and Merrick (southern Scotland) is the longest theoretical line of sight in the British Isles at 144 miles (232 kilometres). In practice, atmospheric conditions make such sightings extremely rare, but a report from 2015 demonstrates the observation. The mountain itself may also be viewed on takeoff and approach to both Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport on very clear days, and even from Howth Head in Dublin , Ireland . On 26 June 2018, Sam Laming became

1235-461: The United Kingdom , and after more than 100 years of operation it remains a popular tourist attraction , carrying more than 130,000 passengers annually. Single carriage trains are pushed up the mountain by either steam locomotives or diesel locomotives . It has also previously used diesel railcars as multiple units . The railway was constructed between December 1894, when the first sod

1300-579: The youth hostel beside Llyn Cwellyn , to the west of the mountain, served by the A4085 and Snowdon Ranger railway station . This was formerly the Saracen's Head Inn, but was renamed under the ownership of the mountain guide John Morton. It is thought to be the oldest path to the summit. The route begins with zigzags through turf, before reaching a flatter boggy area in front of Llyn Ffynnon-y-gwas. The path then climbs to Bwlch Cwm Brwynog, and then snakes along

1365-624: The "Snowdon lily", Gagea serotina , which is also found in the Alps and in North America; it was first discovered in Wales by Edward Lhuyd , and the genus Lloydia (now included in Gagea ) was later named in his honour by Richard Anthony Salisbury . Snowdon lies in the northern part of Snowdonia National Park , which has also provided some legal protection since the park's establishment in 1951. Otters , polecats , and goats have been seen near or on

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1430-495: The Beddgelert Path, leads from the village of Rhyd Ddu , west of Snowdon, gently up on to Llechog, a broad ridge dropping west from the summit. It is considered one of the easier routes to the summit, with the advantage that the summit is visible from the start, but is one of the least used routes. It climbs at a shallow gradient to Bwlch Main, shortly southwest of the summit, from where it climbs more steeply, meeting up with

1495-554: The Llanberis path. All routes which tackle Crib Goch are considered mountaineering routes or scrambles . The Snowdon Mountain Railway (SMR) ( Welsh : Rheilffordd yr Wyddfa ) is a narrow gauge rack and pinion mountain railway that travels for 4 + 3 ⁄ 4 miles (7.6 km) from Llanberis to the Summit station of Snowdon. It is the only public rack and pinion railway in

1560-581: The Second World War. Near Plas Cwmllan is the large boulder known as Gladstone Rock, which bears a plaque commemorating a speech given in 1892 by William Ewart Gladstone , the then 82-year-old Prime Minister , on the subject of Justice for Wales . The slate workings in Cwm Llan were opened in 1840, but closed in 1882 due to the expense of transporting the slate to the sea at Porthmadog . Various buildings, including barracks and dressing sheds, remain. From

1625-518: The Watkin Path at a site marked with a large standing stone a few hundred metres from the summit. An alternative start begins at Pitt's Head on the A4085 road . Length: 6.2 km (3.9 mi). Elevation gain: 1,025 m (3,363 ft). Overall gradient: 1 in 6.1 (16.5%). The Watkin Path is "the most demanding route direct to the summit of Snowdon", since it starts at the lowest elevation of any of

1690-498: The Welsh slate industry- most prominently the Penrhyn quarry. On his death on 21 January 1808, Penrhyn's entire estate went to his second cousin, politician George Hay Dawkins , who subsequently adopted the surname of Dawkins-Pennant. Dawkins' daughter Juliana and her husband were named as co-heirs of the estate on the condition that they also took the surname Pennant, which they duly accepted. Dawkins' son-in-law, Edward Gordon Douglas ,

1755-649: The annual Snowdon Race , which has a record time of less than 40 minutes recorded from the start to the summit. The section of the Llanberis Path above Clogwyn station has long been called the "Killer Convex"; in icy conditions, this convex slope can send unwary walkers over the cliffs of Clogwyn Du'r Arddu. Four people died there in February 2009. Length: 6.3 km (3.9 mi). Elevation gain: 935 m (3,068 ft). Overall gradient: 1 in 6.7 (14.9%). The Snowdon Ranger Path ( Welsh : Llwybr Cwellyn ) begins at

1820-470: The car park at Pen-y-Pass , at an elevation of around 360 m (1,180 ft), and has the shallowest overall gradient. It begins by skirting Llyn Teyrn before climbing slightly to cross the causeway over Llyn Llydaw . It follows the lake's shoreline before climbing to Glaslyn , from where it ascends steeply towards Bwlch Glas. It is joined for most of this zigzag ascent by the Pyg Track, and on reaching

1885-477: The characteristic arêtes of Crib Goch , Crib y Ddysgl and Y Lliwedd , and the pyramidal peak of Snowdon itself. Other glacial landforms that can be seen around Snowdon include roches moutonnées , glacial erratics and moraines . In winter, Snowdon often has a covering of snow (giving rise to its English name). Although the amount of snow on Snowdon in winter varies significantly, 55% less snow fell in 2004 than in 1994. The slopes of Snowdon have one of

1950-537: The eastern flanks of Crib Goch, before traversing that ridge's lower slopes. Above Glaslyn, it is joined by the Miners' Track for the zigzag climb to Bwlch Glas between Snowdon and Garnedd Ugain, where it joins the combined Llanberis and Snowdon Ranger paths. From the website of the Snowdonia National Park Authority , Nobody knows for certain why this path is called the Pyg Track. It's possible that it

2015-572: The finest ridge walks in Britain", and forms part of the Snowdon Horseshoe, a circuit of the peaks surrounding Cwm Dyli. The path follows the Pyg Track before separating off from it at Bwlch y Moch and leading up the East ridge of Crib Goch . After the Crib Goch ridge, it descends slightly to Bwlch Coch, then ascends to the peak of Garnedd Ugain (1,065 m or 3,494 ft), before dropping to join

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2080-510: The first ever Wingsuit pilot to perform a 'Proximity Flight' over a UK mountain, by flying approximately 30 metres over Snowdon's summit, after jumping from a helicopter with fellow wingsuit camera pilot, Mike Hitchcock. In 2021, John Harold, the director of the Snowdonia Society, reported that the number of visitors ascending Snowdon was exceeding capacity. At popular times walkers queue for upwards of 45 minutes for an opportunity to take

2145-622: The highest in the British Isles south of the Scottish Highlands . Snowdon is designated a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna , and is located within Snowdonia National Park . The rocks that form Snowdon were produced by volcanoes in the Ordovician period, and the massif has been extensively sculpted by glaciation , forming the pyramidal peak of Snowdon and the arêtes of Crib Goch and Y Lliwedd . It

2210-589: The highest point in the British Isles outside Scotland . The rocks which today make up Snowdon and its neighbouring mountains were formed in the Ordovician Period. At that time, most of modern-day Wales was near the edge of Avalonia , submerged beneath the ancient Iapetus Ocean . In the Soudleyan (former British regional) stage ( 458 to 457 million years ago ) of the Caradoc (British regional) epoch ,

2275-499: The hotel etched their names into the windows of the then cocktail bar (now the reception area); these were still in place into the 1970s. In 1955 the Royal Hotel was renamed "Plas y Brenin", which means "The King's Mansion" in Welsh, as a memorial to King George VI, whose trust fund had bought the building for use by The Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR) and it became "The Snowdonia National Recreation Centre". Plas y Brenin

2340-521: The main routes and has the steepest overall gradient. It was first conceived by Sir Edward Watkin , a railway owner who had attempted to build a railway tunnel under the English Channel , and had a summer home in Nant Gwynant near the start of the path. It was originally designed as a donkey track and opened in 1892. The start of the Watkin Path has been described as "the prettiest beginning" of

2405-481: The meaning "burial cairn", and there is a legend that the giant Rhita is buried under the mountain's summit cairn. One legend claims that Rhita was defeated and buried on the mountain by King Arthur , and another states that Rhita was killed by the giant Idris who lived on the mountain Cadair Idris . The mountain is also linked to other figures from Arthurian legend, a legendary Afanc (water monster) and

2470-491: The mountain, although pine martens have not been seen for many years. Birds that can be seen include the raven , red-billed chough , peregrine , osprey , merlin , red kite and moorland birds. A number of lakes are found in the various cwms of the Snowdon range: Other lakes include: Llyn Du'r Arddu below Clogwyn Du'r Arddu, at a height of 1,901 feet (579 m), 5 acres (2.0 ha); Llyn Teyrn near Pen-y-pass, at

2535-413: The old building had been largely demolished. The new RIBA Award-winning £8.4 million visitor centre, Hafod Eryri , designed by Ray Hole Architects in conjunction with Arup and built by Carillion , was officially opened on 12 June 2009 by First Minister Rhodri Morgan . The Welsh National Poet, Gwyn Thomas , composed a new couplet for the new building, displayed at its entrance and on

2600-623: The opening of the Chester and Holyhead Railway . The inn wasn't built on the road (now the A5 ), but some distance from it on the present site to facilitate enjoyment of the superb view of Llynnau Mymbyr (the lakes) and the Snowdon horseshoe. Sometime between 1869 and 1871 the building's name was changed again from the Capel Curig Hotel to the Royal Hotel. Since its opening in 1801 the most famous guests over

2665-516: The outdoors as part of its national centre role. MTT is a registered charity, set up by the British Mountaineering Council and the training boards, Mountain Training UK and Mountain Training England, primarily to run the centre. The latter point should be considered as a justification of the original intent of Plas y Brenin that for the first twenty five years of the existence of the centre that

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2730-540: The people who develop the sector. A broad range of courses are offered under the 'climb, hike, paddle, bike' banner in addition to holding a range of cpd events for a broad range of groups – from those active in university clubs to those working professionally in the outdoors. Courses are run all year round, not only at Plas y Brenin in Snowdonia but in the north west of Scotland and in the Alps. On site facilities include: There

2795-438: The ridge above Clogwyn Du'r Arddu towards the summit. This path meets the railway, the Llanberis Path, the Crib Goch path, and the combined Pyg Track and Miners' Track all within a short distance, just below the summit. Length: 5.8 km (3.6 mi). Elevation gain: 905 m (2,969 ft) or 896 m (2,940 ft) depending on exact start point. Overall gradient: 1 in 6.4 (15.7%). The Rhyd Ddu path, formerly called

2860-560: The route over Y Lliwedd , both of which involve scrambling , is called the Snowdon Horseshoe, and is considered "one of the finest ridge walks in Britain". The routes are arranged here anticlockwise, starting with the path leading from Llanberis. In winter conditions, all these routes become significantly more dangerous and the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team state that "additional skills, equipment and knowledge are required". Many inexperienced walkers have been killed over

2925-631: The routes up Snowdon. It begins at Bethania on the A498 and climbs initially through old broadleaved woodland . After leaving the woods, the path climbs past the waterfalls of the Afon Llan to the glacial cirque of Cwm Llan, crossing a disused incline from an abandoned slate quarry. It then reaches Plas Cwmllan, formerly the home of the quarry manager for the South Snowdon Slate Works beyond, and later used for target practice by commandos during

2990-496: The second half of the Snowdon Horseshoe walk, the ascent being over Crib Goch. It is reached from the summit by following the Watkin Path down to Bwlch y Saethau, and then continuing along the ridge to the twin summits of Y Lliwedd. The path then drops down to Cwm Dyli to join the Miners' Track towards Pen-y-Pass. Length: 6.6 km (4.1 mi). Elevation gain: 726 m (2,382 ft). Overall gradient: 1 in 9.1 (10.9%). The Miners' Track ( Welsh : Llwybr y Mwynwyr ) begins at

3055-465: The slate quarries, the Watkin Path veers to the north-east to reach Bwlch Ciliau, the col between Snowdon and Y Lliwedd , which is marked by a large orange-brown cairn . From here, it heads west to meet the Rhyd Ddu Path at a standing stone shortly below the summit of Snowdon. Length: 6.4 km (4.0 mi). The route over Y Lliwedd is more frequently used for descent than ascent, and forms

3120-432: The summit ridge, is united with the Llanberis Path and Snowdon Ranger Path. Derelict mine buildings are encountered along several parts of the path. Length: 5.3 km (3.3 mi). Elevation gain: 726 m (2,382 ft). Overall gradient: 1 in 7.3 (13.7%). The "Pyg Track" ( Welsh : Llwybr Pyg ), or "Pig Track" (both spellings may be encountered), also leads from Pen-y-Pass. The track climbs over Bwlch y Moch on

3185-604: The summit station from May. The cliff faces on Snowdon, including Clogwyn Du'r Arddu , are significant for rock climbing , and the mountain was used by Edmund Hillary in training for the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest . The mountain, alongside Ben Nevis in Scotland and Scafell Pike in England, is climbed as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge . The name "Snowdon" is first recorded in 1095 as Snawdune , and

3250-483: The summit, the most popular of which begins in the town of Llanberis to the north. The summit can also be reached using the Snowdon Mountain Railway , which carried 98,567 passengers in 2021. The rack railway , which opened in 1896, operates over 4 + 3 ⁄ 4 miles (7.6 kilometres), from Llanberis to the Summit station . It generally operates from March to the end of October, with trains running to

3315-496: The trade were Penrhyn and Bamber Gascoyne . He stood again for Liverpool at the 1790 general election and was ahead in the poll, but withdrew in favour of Sir Banastre Tarleton . Pennant owned numerous properties in Caernarfonshire , Wales , half of which he inherited from his wife, Ann Susannah Pennant née Warburton, the daughter of British Army officer Hugh Warburton ; the other half he inherited from his father, who

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3380-509: The war and the accommodation was restricted to staff use afterwards. Having become increasingly dilapidated in post-war decades, this building was described by Prince Charles as "the highest slum in Wales". Its state led to a campaign to replace the building. In April 2006, Snowdonia National Park Authority, with the support of the Snowdonia Society , agreed a deal to start work on a new cafe and visitor centre complex. By mid-October 2006

3445-483: The wettest climates in Great Britain, receiving an annual average of more than 5,100 mm (200 in) of precipitation . The environment of Snowdon, particularly its rare plants, has led to the designation of much of the eastern part of the massif as a national nature reserve . In addition to plants that are widespread in Snowdonia, Snowdon is home to some plants rarely found elsewhere in Britain. These include

3510-564: The years attempting to climb the mountain via the main paths. Snowdon offers some of the most extensive views in the British Isles; on exceptionally clear days, Ireland , (the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland ), Scotland , England , and the Isle of Man (as well as Wales) are all visible, as well as 24 counties, 29 lakes and 17 islands. From here, it is also possible to see the mountains of

3575-419: The years have been Queen Victoria , Edward VII , George V , and Edward VIII . Other well-known people who have visited included Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond on 6 September 1807 (there is a plaque commemorating his visit), Sir Joseph Paxton (1856) (designer of The Crystal Palace ), Bishop Samuel Wilberforce (1858), Lord Byron (1913) and Sir Walter Scott (1818). Some distinguished visitors to

3640-608: Was Warburton's business partner. As the owner of Penrhyn quarry , he was prominent in the development of the Welsh slate industry . Pennant was also the absentee owner of six sugar plantations in Jamaica, which were operated with the forced labour of over six hundred enslaved Africans . Despite this, Pennant never visited the island, managing them from his estates in Britain. The wealth Pennant generated from his sugar plantations were invested by him into road and dock construction, alongside

3705-509: Was a British politician and peer who represented Petersfield and Liverpool in the House of Commons of Great Britain from 1761 to 1790. He was the owner of Penrhyn Castle , an estate on the outskirts on Bangor , North Wales . Pennant was also an absentee owner of six sugar plantations and slaves in Jamaica . In Parliament, Pennant opposed the British abolitionist movement . In Wales , Pennant

3770-505: Was a major figure in the development of the Welsh slate industry . He received an Irish peerage from George III in 1783, and died in 1808, leaving his estates to George Hay Dawkins . Pennant was the second son of John Pennant, a Liverpool -based merchant, and his wife Bonella Hodges, a wealthy heiress from the British colony of Jamaica . He was educated at Newcome's School in Hackney , and

3835-504: Was admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge on 18 January 1754. Pennant entered the House of Commons as an MP representing Petersfield at the 1761 general election alongside William Jolliffe under an arrangement with William Beckford . He intended to represent Liverpool in the House of Commons at the next election, but when a vacancy arose in 1767, he was returned unopposed at a by-election on 4 December 1767. He successfully contested Liverpool in 1768 , and again in 1774 . In

3900-463: Was by the botanist Thomas Johnson in 1639. However, the 18th-century Welsh historian Thomas Pennant mentions a "triumphal fair upon this our chief of mountains" following Edward I 's conquest of Wales in 1284, which could indicate the possibility of earlier ascents. The six main paths were mapped by the Google Trekker in 2015. The elevations and gradients given here are for the start point on

3965-406: Was cut by Enid Assheton-Smith (after whom locomotive No.2 was named), and February 1896, at a total cost of £63,800 (equivalent to £9,325,000 as of 2023). The first building to be erected at the Snowdon summit was in 1838 to sell refreshments, and a licence to sell intoxicating liquor was granted in 1845. Very basic accommodation was also provided for visitors. When the Snowdon Mountain Railway

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4030-591: Was later created 1st Baron Penrhyn of Llandygai . The widowed Lady Penrhyn moved to a home in Grosvenor Square. Snowdon Snowdon ( / ˈ s n oʊ d ən / ), or Yr Wyddfa ( Welsh: [ər ˈʊɨ̞̯ðva] ), is a mountain in Snowdonia , a region of North Wales . It has an elevation of 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level , which makes it both the highest mountain in Wales and

4095-461: Was named after the pass it leads through, Bwlch y Moch (translated Pigs' Pass) as the path is sometimes spelled 'Pig Track'. Or, maybe because it was used to carry ' pyg ' (black tar) to the copper mines on Snowdon. Another possible explanation is that the path was named after the nearby Pen y Gwryd Hotel, popular amongst the early mountain walkers. Length: 5.0 km (3.1 mi). The traverse of Crib Goch has been described as "one of

4160-449: Was opened in 1896, the company strove to get an alcohol licence for its own proposed new hotel, but being unable to, took over both summit huts by 1898. During the 1930s, many complaints were received about the state of the facilities at the summit and in 1934/5 a new station building was erected in two phases; the upstairs accommodation was completed in 1937. It was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and included rooms for visitors and

4225-690: Was visited by H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh (president of the CCPR) on 1 June 1956. G.I. Milton was its first Warden/Director. John A Jackson , initially Chief Instructor for two years, became its second Director from 1960 to 1976. This was to be Plas y Brenin's formative and hard-fought period and it eventually became the "gold standard" for other such centres around the world. The earliest outdoor courses such as horse riding, surveying, subaqua and flyfishing were later discontinued. Less well known sports such as archery and even javelin were taught; these sports were located in

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