A man who climbed Yr Wyddfa, the highest peak in Wales, was left astonished to find the summit nearly empty, with thick cloud obscuring what are usually spectacular views. Phil, known as Fell Walking on TikTok, documented his ascent on a day when poor weather kept most hikers away.
Unexpected Solitude at the Summit
Phil visited Yr Wyddfa in Gwynedd, expecting the usual queues that often form at the top of the popular 1,085-metre mountain. Instead, he found only a handful of people. In his video, he remarked: "Funny old thing, no queues for the summit of Yr Wyddfa (1,085m) today!" The reason became clear as the footage showed dense cloud enveloping the peak, limiting visibility to just a few metres.
Despite the lack of views, Phil took the conditions in good humour. One viewer commented: "This is actually so funny. Surprising, I thought people loved a wet hike." Phil replied: "I loved the weather that day!"
Previous Early Morning Visits
This is not the first time a hiker has reported an empty summit. Another walker previously shared what it was like to climb Yr Wyddfa in the early hours of the morning, also finding few people. The mountain, part of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), is one of the UK's most popular hiking destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
What to Know About Yr Wyddfa
Yr Wyddfa stands at over 3,000 feet and is the highest peak in Eryri National Park. It is renowned worldwide and is home to several Welsh mountain farms. The national park's website advises: "Yr Wyddfa is Eryri’s highest peak, and although there are several mountains over 3,000 feet in the National Park, the popularity of this famous mountain is far and above the rest."
Climbing Yr Wyddfa is challenging and requires a high level of fitness. The website warns: "Factors such as the seasons, your fitness level, your mountaineering skills, your preparations beforehand and the mountain’s popularity can all affect your experience of Yr Wyddfa." It also emphasises that the weather can play a huge part: "It is much colder, wetter and windier at the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Preparing for these conditions is essential."
Impact of Weather on Visitor Numbers
Phil's experience highlights how weather conditions can dramatically affect the number of visitors to Yr Wyddfa. On clear days, the summit can be crowded, but when cloud rolls in, many choose to stay away. Despite the poor visibility, Phil's video has been viewed dozens of times, with many finding the empty summit amusing.
