Respect the Countryside Code
When completing the Three Peaks Challenge and exploring Yr Wyddfa and the surrounding areas, it’s essential to follow the Countryside Code to help protect the environment and the rural communities. Many of the paths to the summit pass through working farmland, so it is important to be mindful of the countryside and its inhabitants.
Bringing your dog?
- Always keep your dog under control: Ensure your dog stays on the path and does not disturb wildlife or livestock.
- Keep dogs on leads: Particularly in the vicinity of livestock, wildlife, and during the bird breeding season. On open access land (which includes all of Yr Wyddfa), dogs must be on a lead from 1 March to 31 July to protect ground nesting birds.
- Respect local signs: Check for specific dog restrictions in the area you are visiting.
- Clean up after your dog: Dog waste must always be bagged and disposed of in a public bin or taken home. Biodegradable bags are recommended. Do not leave waste bags behind under any circumstances.
- Be cautious around livestock: If you feel threatened by animals, let your dog off the lead to ensure both your safety.
Camping in Eryri
If you are planning to stay overnight after your challenge, for the best camping experience in the park, be sure to:
- Stay at an official campsite – more information here.
- Book your spot well in advance
- Plan your journey to the campsite, as some areas can get remarkably busy during peak seasons
Wild camping is strictly prohibited throughout Eryri without prior permission from the landowner or farmer. This includes Yr Wyddfa. Camping in car parks, on roadside verges, or sleeping overnight in vehicles is also not permitted at any time.
Open fires
Open fires and braziers are strictly prohibited at all times on the mountain. This is to protect the delicate environment, prevent wildfires, and ensure the safety of all visitors. Open flames can spread quickly in dry conditions, posing a serious threat to wildlife, vegetation, and the landscape—including the railway and café building. They also present significant risks to people in the area. For a safe and enjoyable visit, please do not light fires and always respect the natural surroundings.
Noise and light pollution
For those taking on the challenge of a night-time ascent or descent of Yr Wyddfa, please be mindful of the local residents living near the mountain paths. To minimise disturbance, keep noise and lights to a minimum.
Yr Wyddfa lies within a designated Dark Sky Reserve, an area protected for its exceptional night sky visibility. When using head torches or other lights, please turn them off when not in use—especially near homes—to reduce light pollution. Your consideration helps preserve the peace and natural beauty of the area for everyone to enjoy.
Litter
As Yr Wyddfa is often the final stop of the Three Peaks Challenge, we sometimes find large amounts of rubbish left behind before people head home. Please help us keep the mountain clean by taking all your litter with you – including food waste like orange peels, apple cores, tea bags, and banana skins. Dispose of it responsibly at home, in your local bins and waste facilities.
Additionally, launching balloons or lanterns is strictly prohibited to protect the environment.
Using drones
Use of drones for non-commercial purposes
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has set out legal responsibilities that all drone users must follow. For more information about using drones on Yr Wyddfa, please visit the Eryri National Park website here.
Plastic-free Yr Wyddfa
Eryri National Park and Partneriaeth Yr Wyddfa Partnership are working towards making Yr Wyddfa the first plastic-free mountain in the world. Please think carefully about what you bring with you and be sure to take all your litter home. For more information on how you can help us achieve this goal, visit the Plastic-Free Yr Wyddfa page on the Eryri National Park website.
