Snowdon's Welsh name is Yr Wyddfa

Starting a campaign to change the name of the Welsh mountain range, Welsh language pressure group Cymuned said the range only became known by its English title because of Victorian day-trippers.

It also wants the Snowdon mountain itself to be known by its Welsh name Yr Wyddfa - the Eminent High Place of the Tomb - which had been used locally for more than 1,500 years..

It is an interesting discussion and one we will watch develop John Ablitt, Snowdonia National Park Authority

"Snowdon and Snowdonia only began to be used widely from the 19th century onwards when Victorian day-trippers started to arrive," said Cymuned spokesman Meirion Llywelyn.

He added that the group had decided on the campaign after hearing about other language struggles around the world.

"I heard about the Aborigines who are fighting for the world-famous Ayers Rock to be referred to by the local Aborigine name, Uluru," said Mr Llywelyn.

"That had been used for thousands of years before Europeans arrived in the continent.

"I also know there's a big campaign in Nepal and Tibet to use the Tibetan name, Qomolangma, instead of Mount Everest.

A campaign to rename Ayers Rock is also under way

"Everest is merely a Victorian invention whereas the peak's original name has been used for centuries and refers to a Tibetan goddess," he added.

In fact, Sir George Everest - the man who first surveyed the Himalayan peak and gave it his name - was born in Crickhowell, south Wales.

A spokesman for the Snowdonia National Park Authority said he would be watching the debate with interest.

"It is an interesting discussion and one we will watch develop," said John Ablitt, head of recreation and communication.

The Cymuned group said they will be handing out leaflets highlighting the campaign at Snowdon to coincide with the start of the Easter rush.