Welsh National Parks: Reclaiming the Welsh Names of National Parks

In an effort to preserve the complex and beautiful Welsh language, two of the national parks in Wales have reclaimed their Welsh names.

The Welsh language is Britain’s oldest language and has spent the last 4,000 years evolving. Today, however, it is estimated that under 18% of the Welsh population speaks the language.

By referring to Wales’ most renowned landmarks by their Welsh names, this initiative gives people from across the world the opportunity to engage with the Welsh language and its culture.

Find everything you need to know about Wales’ national parks name change below…

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

In November 2022, the park authorities declared that the national park in North Wales will be known by its Welsh name instead of the English equivalent, Snowdonia. The decision to switch back to the Welsh name was made following a petition signed by 5,000 individuals requesting the change.

As a result, the highest mountain in Wales, which draws in over 400,000 hikers annually, will now be referred to as ‘Yr Wyddfa’, and the national park in which it is located will be called ‘Eryri’.

Yr Wyddfa –

Meaning: ‘Wyddfa’ is a Welsh term meaning ‘the tomb’ or ‘burial ground’ of Rhita Gawr.

Pronunciation: Yr Wyddfa is said ‘uhr-with-va’.

Eryri – 

Meaning: Eryri is believed to originate from the Latin oriri, meaning to rise.

Pronunciation: Eryri is pronounced, ‘er-ruh-ree’.

Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog

As of April 2023, the national park formerly known as Brecon Beacons National Park will now be referred to as Bannau Brycheiniog National Park or informally as ‘the Bannau’.

This decision is a direct response to the pressing issues of climate change and biodiversity loss that the park is facing. The plan aims to tackle these major problems, which are likely shared by other national parks in Great Britain, and require collective efforts to address.

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park – 

Meaning: Bannau is the plural of ‘ban’, meaning peak; Brycheiniog refers to the old kingdom of King Brychan. The peaks of Brychan’s kingdom.

Pronunciation: Bannau Brycheiniog is said ‘ban-eye bruck-ein-iog’.

Bannau Brycheiniog: an old name for a new way to be

Welsh National Parks FAQ

If you are planning a visit to one of these Welsh national parks soon, take a look at our guide to Welsh words and Welsh phrases, and impress the locals with your knowledge!