Thousand of holidaymakers are set to visit Snowdonia National Park in the coming weeks with three Bank Holidays falling in May.

There have already been reports of hundreds of people queuing to get to the Snowdon summit in recent weeks, even before the Bank Holidays. 

While the Snowdonia National Park Authority said there had been instances of irresponsible and illegal parking at Pen y Pass and Ogwen over Easter.

Ahead of the first of three Bank Holiday weekends in May, the authority said it can be "extremely busy" and urged visitors to respect the National Park and its communities and take precautions to ensure visits are safe and enjoyable.

Planning your visit to Snowdonia National Park this Bank Holiday

Local authorities and community organisations have worked in partnership over the Winter to increase services in Snowdonia National Park ahead of the 2023 visitor season.

The new Parking Eryri app is a useful tool for the public to make informed decisions about where they visit in the National Park by providing real-time information on parking availability in the Authority’s car parks.

The Sherpa bus service, Bws Ogwen and the T10 are sustainable ways to explore and enjoy the beauty of Yr Wyddfa and Ogwen during the upcoming bank holiday, reducing the impact of cars on the environment and easing traffic congestion.

Illegal parking in the National Park may result in fixed penalties.

Yr Wyddfa Volunteer Wardens and the Caru Eryri Volunteers will be around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) over the bank holiday weekends.

They will be litter picking and ensuring the mountain remains clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

They will also be offering expert local advice to visitors and sharing their knowledge about the National Park.

Snowdonia National Park Authority’s Chief Executive, Emyr Williams, said: “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable visit to Eryri, by planning ahead and following guidance, visitors can help to make sure that this bank holiday weekend is a success for all.

Bank Holidays to look forward to in 2023

"Visitors to Eryri should have a backup plan in case their desired area is too busy, as the popularity of some locations can cause limited parking availability and increased congestion.

"Exploring less popular areas or visiting at quieter times can provide a more enjoyable and sustainable experience while still allowing visitors to appreciate Eryri’s natural beauty.”

Visitors queue to get to Snowdon summit

Pictures and videos have surfaced on social media showing long queues to the Snowdon Summit during April. 

@kenanramsay Busy bank holiday weekend at 1,085 above sea level 🤦‍♂️ #fyp #wales #snowdon #bankholiday #easter #easterweekend #british #silly #foryoupage ♬ Oh no Oh No (Cover) - Leasis

One user posted a video from the Easter Bank Holiday weekend which saw a long line of people waiting to get a glimpse from the top of Snowdon. 

Commenting on the post, one person said: "Haha never ever go on a bank holiday!"

Another user said: "Takes away the whole point of escaping to the mountains."

While a third person added: "I was there on a bank holiday and it was ridiculous. I didn't wait an hour to walk the 30 steps to the top for a pic eff that."