Climbing Snowdon
If you are moderately fit climbing Snowdon is definitely within your reach. Out of the three highest peaks in the UK, Mount Snowdon is probably the friendliest for the Novice Walker to ascend. Apart from anything else, in the summer months there is a cafe at the top where you can get a welcome cup of tea - or a mug of soup if the weather is cold. And if you're feeling tired after the strenuous climb up you can always get the train back down. (Note: cafe is only open when the trains are running - trains run from mid May to the end of October all the way to the summit but don't run in very bad weather).There are six main routes to the summit of Snowdon. They are fairly easy to follow, and mostly easy underfoot. Many thousands of people reach the summit each year, so you will not be walking alone.
Times and length of walks up Snowdon
You will be spending about 6 hours or more walking up and down Snowdon, and depending on the path you follow, will be covering between 7 and 10 miles. The Watkins path is the hardest, as on this route you will also be ascending 3,300 ft of the total 3,560 ft of the mass of Snowdon - starting only a couple of hundred feet above sea level. The Pyg and Miners tracks for comparison, start at 1,170 ft up, so although they are of similar length to the Watkins path, are less strenuous overall (although they also do have very steep parts).
The Watkins Path
3 1/2 miles long, hardest walk.
Named after Sir Edward Watkin, and was originally passable to the old quarry approximately half way up by horse and cart. Opened to the public in 1892 by Gladstone, who gave a speech at what is now known as Gladstone Rock. The top part of the walk is across loose scree, and the path can be hard to follow. There are steep drops, and loose footing so take care. Being the hardest walk does mean that there is usually room in the car park as it is less popular than the others.
Llanberis Path
5 miles long - easier walk
This is the longest, but probably one of the easiest walks. It is very popular in summer, probably as the wait for the train can be long, and people start to stroll up the path to while away the time. There is a fairly large car park here as it serves the station as well.
It is not the most interesting route, but you do have great views of the trains!
Pyg Track
3 1/4 miles - good route
The Pyg and the Miners Tracks start at the same point. The car park here gets very full, and an early start is essential. It is not known how the Pyg Track got its name - it could be as it passes over the Pigs's Pass (Bwlch y Mocl), because it is close to the Pen y Gwryd Hotel, or because pyg, in welsh, also means pitch, and part of the surface of the path looks like black pitch. Whatever the origin, this path starts 1,170 feet above sea level which gives you a helpful start on the way.
Much of this walk is rugged, and very challenging, but the scenery is interesting.
Miners' Track
3 3/4 miles - easy first part
This is a good walk to try if you want to walk on Snowdon but don't want to try to reach the summit as the first part is fairly gentle. The track was built during the 1800's to serve Britannia Copper Mines which were abandonned in 1917. Mine Manager Arthur Lockwood drove his car to Llyn Glaslyn, and the track to this point at the lake still resembles a road so is a good walking surface. The track does get considerably steeper towards the summit.
Snowdon Ranger Track
3 3/4 miles Easier route
In what is now the Youth Hostel at the start of the track lived John Morton, who used to be a guide taking walkers up Snowdon, and this path is named after him. The parth is fairly easy, and has very good views.
Beddegelert Path
3 3/4 miles Easier route
This is one of the easiest and the least used routes. It starts at the site of the South Snowdon Station of the Welsh Highland Railway. The parth is easy to follow and climbs gradually to the summit. It does get steeper nearer the top.
Notes for any route up Snowdon
Whichever route you take up the mountain, be sure to look out for markers which will show you the way down - it is easy to take a wrong path, and some are not suitable for inexperienced walkers, or those without proper climbing gear. Although many thousands of people climb Snowdon each year, it is still a mountain with steep cliffs in places, and can be very dangerous.
All paths have some fairly steep parts to them, so none can be described as an easy stroll.
Because of the numbers of visitors conservation work is ongoing in the mountains. Be sure to keep clear of areas where the path has been diverted to guard against erosion, and make sure you take all your rubbish home with you!
Any of the walks will take you across farmland, and sheep roam freely on the mountain. If you take your dog with you it must be on a lead.
Having climbed Snowdon once, if you enjoyed the experience you can always plan to do it again!
As you near the Summit
On most of the paths as you get close to the summit the going gets very steep. Don't give up, take it easy, and be heartened by the thought you will be able to rest in relative comfort and have a nice cup of tea or soup, a bite to eat and even buy a certificate which tells all that you have reached the top! (Although beware, train travellers can also buy these!) Remember though, the cafe is only open when the trains are running - normally mid May to October except in bad weather.
The summit is marked by a cairn, on top of which is a brass plaque which points out what you might be able to see, and the distance away it is. If you are lucky you might get good views - however, you might only just be able to see your hand in front of your face! Whichever way, you can be proud you reached the top!
The sort of view you hope for from the top of Snowdon!
The view from the top on a slightly less clear day!
On this page:
The Watkins Path
Llanberis Path
Pyg Track
Miners' Track
Snowdon Ranger Track
Beddegelert Path
Near the Summit
Notes for all routes
The Watkins Path
Llanberis Path
Pyg Track
Miners' Track
Snowdon Ranger Track
Beddegelert Path
Near the Summit
Notes for all routes
The top of the summit cairn on a clear day
Walking up Mount Snowdon
Have you climbed Ben Nevis, Snowdon or Scafell Pike? Or taken part in the Three Peaks Challenge? We'd love to here from you! And with your permission include your story (and any pictures) on this site. Click here to send us an email!
For more descriptions of these walks see:
Miners and Pyg Paths
Miners and Rangers Paths
Llanberis Path
Ben Nevis Tourist Path
Ben Nevis Facts and History
Holidays around Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis on Crutches
A Night on Ben Nevis
Walkers share their Stories
Ben Nevis part of Three Peaks
Pole Dancing on Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis c1960
Ben Nevis Facts and History
Holidays around Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis on Crutches
A Night on Ben Nevis
Walkers share their Stories
Ben Nevis part of Three Peaks
Pole Dancing on Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis c1960
Walks up Snowdon
Snowdon Facts and History
Holidays in Snowdonia
Travelling to Snowdon
Miners and PYG Tracks
The Llanberis Path
Miners Path/Rangers Path
Snowdon Facts and History
Holidays in Snowdonia
Travelling to Snowdon
Miners and PYG Tracks
The Llanberis Path
Miners Path/Rangers Path
Three Peaks Challenge
Three Peaks Part 1
Three Peaks Part 2
Three Peaks Driver's View
Three Peaks Plus
Three Peaks Part 1
Three Peaks Part 2
Three Peaks Driver's View
Three Peaks Plus
Mountainwalk.co.uk is produced by Webmaster Productions Copyright 2012
One of the benefits of walking on this mountain is that you do not need to go down the same way you went up. The convenient Sherpa buses travel around in the summer months between the walks, and you can catch a ride back to where you parked your car. The cost of the Sherpa bus is very reasonable, allowing you to travel around and enjoy the scenery as an alternative to driving.
Once you have chosen the route you wish to take, unless you are using the bus you should aim to get to your starting point early in the morning - the car parks fill up very quickly, and you don't really want to add extra miles of road walking to your day - the ascent itself will be enough to wear you out!
Once you have chosen the route you wish to take, unless you are using the bus you should aim to get to your starting point early in the morning - the car parks fill up very quickly, and you don't really want to add extra miles of road walking to your day - the ascent itself will be enough to wear you out!
Be Prepared
Check the weather forecast before you start your walk, and always carry waterproofs with you even if you think the day will be fine. When you park your car on a bright sunny day you may still find yourself climbing through thick cloud as you reach the summit.
The paths up Snowdon are all fairly easy to follow - just be careful that you follow the same path down from the top as you took up. Although the paths are well marked it is advisable to take a map and compass with you.
Finally, remember to take warm clothing, as it will be several degrees cooler at the summit.
The summit on a foggy day
