Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest and most popular mountain in Wales. Over half a million people climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) every year.
There are six main routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) of varying difficulty. Consider your level of experience & fitness, the weather conditions on the day and what you want to see before choosing a footpath.
Understanding Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Located in the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales (and England), standing at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) above sea level.
The mountain offers breathtaking views of North Wales via a range of walking routes. There are six main footpaths which are located on different sides of the mountain and meet at the summit. At the top is the Hafod Eryri visitor centre and cafe.
In addition to the six main footpaths there are several multi-mountain and Grade 1 scrambling routes which are listed here.
This article covers the six main walking footpaths first followed by the scrambling routes. They are listed in order of difficulty starting with the easiest. The level of difficulty is based on the physical challenge of the routes based on; length, height gained, steepness and quality of the footpath.
The 6 main routes
One of the highlights of Snowdon is the variety of routes to choose from. They all have different points of interest, views and challenges as well as different levels of difficulty. From easiest to hardest, the main walking footpaths are:
Llanberis Path
The Snowdon Ranger Path
Miners Track
PYG Track
Rhyd ddu path
Watkin Path
1 - Llanberis Path - Easiest Path up Snowdon
The Llanberis Path is the easiest and most popular route up Snowdon. The gradual climb and good footpath make it the best route for beginners. The footpath begins in the village of Llanberis where there are lots of accommodation and car parking options. The Snowdon Mountain Railway track runs from Llanberis to the summit parallel to the Llanberis Path.
Best for views of
Dinorwic Slate quarry - Once the second biggest slate quarry in the world
The cliffs of Clogwyn Du’r Arddu (Dark Black Cliffs)
The Glyderau mountain range
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Advantages
A - Well engineered footpath
A - Gentle gradient
A - Halfway house cafe
Disadvantages
D - Busy
D - Longest route
2 - The Snowdon Ranger Path
The Ranger Path is a hidden gem due to the perks of being relatively easy and quiet. It is less busy than the Llanberis Path because of the limited car parking at Llyn Cwellyn car park and infrequent public transport links. The footpath is difficult to follow as it gains height so is not recommended unless you have good navigation skills.
Best for views of...
The beautiful Nant y Betws valley with its forests and lakes
The Nantlle Ridge
The lakes of Cwm Clogwyn
Advantages
A - Not busy
A - Easy route
A - Lakes
Disadvantages
D - Limited parking & limited public transport
D - Difficult to navigate in poor visibility
3 - Miners Track & PYG Track
The PYG Track & Miners Track are listed together as they are nearly always linked as a circular route. They are a similar difficulty and start at the same place: Pen-y-Pass. Both footpaths are popular and rugged in places and the circular is a really scenic route. The start of both routes is relatively easy with unrivalled views of Snowdon's lakes. They steepen around the zig-zags before joining the Llanberis Path for the final ascent.
Be aware that you will need to pre-book the car park at Pen y Pass or catch the Snowdon Sherpa Bus.
Best for views of...
Llyn Llydaw & Glaslyn (Snowdon's lakes)
The miners causeway which spans the Llyn Llydaw reservoir
The rocky cliffs of the four of the biggest mountains in Wales
Advantages
A - Shortest routes to the summit
A - Crossing the causeway over Llyn Llydaw
A - Circular walk from one car park
A - Regular Snowdon Sherpa busses
Disadvantages
D - Busy
D - Limited and expensive parking
5 - Rhyd Ddu Path
This gem of a route is on the quieter western side of Snowdon and can be combined with the South Ridge for a fantastic circular walk. The Rhyd Ddu Path has a rugged mountain feel especially along the ridgeline near the summit. The route starts at the Rhyd Ddu Car Park.
Best for views of...
Lofty views of the National Park as you cross the ridge
The mountains of Nantlle Ridge & Moel Hebog
Beddgelert Forest
Advantages
A - Not busy
A - Can be combined with the South Ridge for a fantastic circular walk
Disadvantages
D - Path is difficult to follow
D - Can be muddy/ boggy
6 - Watkin Path
The Watkin Path is the toughest footpath up Snowdon. It is a great choice for experienced hikers and individuals with a good level of fitness due to it's varied terrain and rich history. It was the first designated footpath in Great Britain and is a great way to see Snowdonia’s industrial slate history. The top of this footpath is really steep, loose and difficult to navigate especially in poor weather. It can be combined with the South Ridge for arguably the best circular walk on Snowdon.
Best for views of...
Snowdon's waterfalls
Afon Cwm Llan river
Slate mines
Nant Gwynant
Advantages
A - Passes slate workings which are now a UNESCO World Heritage site
A - Gladstone Rock
A - Can be combined with the South Ridge for great circular walk
Disadvantages
D - Very steep scree slope near the top
D - Navigation can be very challenging
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon's) other routes
In addition to the main footpaths there are other ways to access the summit which include scrambles and multi-mountain routes. These offer stunning views and a sense of adventure to experienced hikers with a good head for heights. The main multi-mountain and scrambling routes are:
The South Ridge
Crib Goch (Grade 1 scramble)
Snowdon Horseshoe (Grade 1 scramble)
7 - South Ridge
The South Ridge is often called the walkers Crib Goch. It is a thrilling adventure and the views on both sides of the ridge are incredible. There are a few short sections where you will need to use your hands to scramble up the rocks. These sections aren’t sustained or difficult. This route can be accessed from either Rhyd Ddu (shorter and easier) or the Watkin Path (longer and more difficult). The Rhyd Ddu variation starts in the village it is named after while the Watkin Path starts at Nant Gwynant.
Best for views of...
Nant Gwynant
Snowdon's slate heritage
Advantages
A - Thrilling ridgeline
A - Really quiet
A - Can be combined with Watkin Path or Rhyd Ddu for a fantastic circular walk
Disadvantages
D - Difficult to navigate
D - Long route
8 - Crib Goch (Grade 1 scramble)
Crib Goch is one of the finest ridge traverses in the UK. It is nearly always combined with Garnedd Ugain (1065m) before heading onto Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Crib Goch is very dangerous and people die on it every year. For this reason should only be attempted when it is ‘in condition’ by experienced hillwalkers or with a mountain guide.
Best for views of...
Snowdon and Garnedd Ugain; the tallest mountains in Wales
Cwm Glas
Advantages
A - Atmospheric views
A - Thrilling adventure
Disadvantages
D - You might die
9 - The Snowdon Horseshoe (Scrambling at Grade 1)
The Snowdon Horseshoe is epic! It combines the mountains: Snowdon (1085m), Garnedd Ugain (1065m), Crib Goch (923m) & Y Lliwedd (898m). It is a test of navigation, bravery and endurance. On a good day you will be richly rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment after completing this rip roaring adventure.
Best for views of...
Snowdon from lot's of angles
Atmospheric landscape
Advantages
A - Rocky alpine feel
A - Sustained height
Disadvantages
D - Sore muscles and feet
Circular routes
The abundance of footpaths on Snowdon lends itself well to combining them. The routes which can be naturally combined in order of difficulty are:
PYG Track or Miners Track with the Llanberis Path (Sherpa Bus)
PYG Track with the Miners Track
South Ridge with Rhyd Ddu Path
South Ridge with Watkin Path
Crib Goch with Llanberis Path (Sherpa Bus)
Crib Goch with PYG Track or Miners Track
Snowdon Horseshoe
Choosing the Right Route for You
Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) should be a slightly challenging but hugely rewarding, memorable and fun day out. To ensure that is the case and you are not another Mountain Rescue statistic you should:
Consider your level of experience and fitness when choosing a route
Think about the time of year and weather conditions
Research the different paths and choose one that suits your needs
Safety and Preparation
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) has become a popular tourist attraction. Unlike most tourist attractions it is still a mountain and sees over 300 mountain rescue call outs a year with several fatalities. To increase safety you should:
Always check the weather forecast before setting out
Wear suitable clothing and footwear, and bring plenty of food and water
Let someone know your planned route and expected return time
Be prepared to turn around
Novice hikers should consider booking onto a guided tour
Guided Trips and Mountain Guides
Consider hiring a mountain guide or joining a guided trip if you are new to mountain hiking. Guided trips can offer valuable insights and expertise, and help ensure safety on the mountain.
Here at Walk Snowdonia we offer inexpensive guided walks up Yr Wyddfa on a regular basis
Getting to Snowdon and Facilities
There are several car parks located near the starting points of the different routes. Some of them such as the Llyn Cwellyn Car Park and Rhyd ddu car park have limited parking spaces so get there early on busy days. The Pen y Pass car park is the only one that needs to be pre-booked.
Final Tips and Reminders
Always park in the designated car parks and avoid parking along the roadside
Respect the mountain and other walkers
Take all litter home with you
Enjoy the scenery and take your time – the views from the summit are well worth the effort
Conclusion
Snowdon is a beautiful and challenging mountain that offers something for everyone
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there is a route to suit your needs
With the right preparation and mindset, you can successfully summit Snowdon and enjoy the stunning views from the top
FAQ's
Which is the best route up Snowdon?
All of the routes up Snowdon are fantastic and have their own unique character. The best route for you depends on your level of experience, desired challenge and what you would like to see.
For a thrilling day in an atmospheric location the Snowdon Horseshoe is unbeatable.
Which is the most scenic route?
All of Snowdon's footpaths have striking views. Generally, the more challenging routes are less grassy and more rocky which makes for interesting and varied scenery. Some of the best views on Snowdon are: The Miners Track as it meanders through Snowdon's lakes, the waterfalls of the Watkin Path and the views from the South Ridge which are extensive and spectacular for a sustained period of time.
Which route is best for sunrise?
The PYG & Miners Track is the best route for sunrise. These routes are on the eastern side of the mountain so you get good views of the sunrise when walking down.
Which route is best for sunset?
Waking in the dark is a little more difficult if you have a good torch. The Llanberis Path is a good choice for sunset hikes especially in the summer as there are good views of the sunset. The Ranger Path is a good choice outside the summer months.
What's the difference between the PYG Track & the Miner's Track?
Both routes start and finish in the same place and meet just below the zigzags. Although the PYG Track is slightly shorter, it is more difficult due to the sustained uneven nature of the footpath. The lower section of the Miners Track is easy but from Glaslyn lake, the track is very steep, uneven and challenging.
Is the Pyg track better than the Llanberis Path?
The Pyg Track is shorter but more challenging than the Llanberis path. The PYG Track is a steeper and more rugged footpath with more exposure to steep drops. Both routes have good scenery. The views from the Llanberis Path are more extensive whereas the PYG Track has excellent views of Snowdon's lakes and the mountains of the Snowdon Horseshoe.
Can you get lost on Snowdon?
Unfortunately, people getting lost on Snowdon is a cause of Mountain Rescue call outs. The chances of getting lost increase on the more difficult footpaths and in poor weather.
Is the Snowdon summit cafe open?
The Hafod Eryri visitor centre and cafe is usually open daily from mid-May to the end of October in favourable weather.
For more information about Snowdon take a look at our blog articles:
コメント