When the Snowdon Mountain Railway first opened in 1896, a hotel was built a short distance from the summit of Snowdon. It was replaced in the 1930s by a restaurant designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Time and the elements took their toll, and by the end of the 20th century, the building was described by Prince Charles as ‘the highest slum in Wales'.

It’s a good job, then, that later this year, Hafod Eryri will be opening its doors, serving hot tea to summit conquerors and weather reports for those contemplating a descent. The Welsh National Poet, Gwyn Thomas, has composed a couplet for the new building: Copa’r Wyddfa: yr ydych chwi yma, yn nes at y nefoedd’ (meaning: ‘The summit of Snowdon: you are here, nearer to Heaven’). Well, half a million visitors a year can’t be wrong.

www.eryri-npa.co.uk