Walking Routes up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Snowdon ( Yr Wyddfa ) is the highest mountain in England and Wales, and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the United Kingdom! The views from the top on a clear day are simply breathtaking.

There are a number of paths to the summit – the Llanberis path being the easiest and Crib Goch the most difficult. The latter is most certainly not for the faint-hearted! It is recommended that only experienced climbers and mountaineers attempt this route (more on this later!).

Anyone attempting to walk up Snowdon should be prepared for all eventualities. The mountain can often catch people out. It can be warm and sunny in the valley, but freezing cold and misty on the hills. Conditions are unpredictable and can take a turn for the worse quickly and unexpectedly. Walkers should check the mountain forecast before they leave, but still be prepared for things to change in an instant.

Walkers should carry warm clothing with them and other essentials such as food supplies, water, map (including waterproof case), compass, waterproofs (including trousers), a torch, first aid kit, phone with spare battery pack, whistle, hat and gloves. It also goes without saying that decent walking boots with a good ankle support are a must.

The Llanberis Path

The Llanberis Path is considered to be the easiest and most gradual route up Snowdon. It is a great option for novice walkers and families with children. That said, it is still a difficult walk with some challenging sections. It can also be dangerous when visibility is poor – walkers should be aware of the steep slopes alongside the path on parts of the route.

The Snowdon Ranger Path

This path is considered to be the earliest of the six main routes up to the summit. Named after the mountain guide John Morton, who called himself the ‘Snowdon Ranger’, it climbs gradually up to, and around the slopes of Moel Cynghorion to Bwlch Cwm Brwynog. The next section involves a steep climb over the shoulder above Clogwyn Du’r Arddu before meeting with the Llanberis path. It is generally considered to be second easiest ascent up Snowdon after the Llanberis Path.

The Miners’ Track

One of the most popular routes up Snowdon, this path is relatively easy and gradual at the start, but becomes trickier and more challenging towards the end. Starting at the Pen y Pass youth hostel, the path is well defined in the first stages and gentle for much of the way. Unfortunately, this means that the last section is very steep and demanding, and requires negotiating a rocky section.

The Rhyd Ddu Path

Once called the Beddgelert Path, this is usually the quietest of all the main routes up Snowdon, and offers spectacular scenery and views. In its initial stages it ascends gradually from the valley. However, the path soon increases in steepness taking walkers on to Llechog ridge (care should be taken as this is quite exposed). The path continues along more ridgeline sections towards the summit. The ridge parts of the route should not be attempted in wet or windy conditions.

The Pyg Track

Like the Miners’ Track, the Pyg Track also starts at Pen y Pass. It is the shortest route up Snowdon and has the least amount of ascent. However, this does not mean that it is easy! Much of the path is challenging and there are some steep and rugged sections.

The Watkin Path

Named after Sir Edward Watkin, Liberal Member of Parliament, this was the first designated footpath in Britain, and paved the way towards opening the countryside to walkers. In fact, the path was officially opened by the then Prime Minister William Gladstone in 1892. It is generally considered to be one of the hardest routes up Snowdon, as it starts only a little above sea level. The earlier sections are wide and fairly even, but become rocky towards the second half. The final ascent is steep and loose.

Crib Goch

Crib Goch is a notorious sharp ridge (arete). The most dangerous of all the recognised routes up Snowdon, it is very exposed with extremely steep sides. It is the site of many accidents, many of them fatal and should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers, and people with a head for heights. It is not uncommon for people to literally freeze with fear while trying to traverse this ridge. Walkers should initially follow the Pyg Track. On leaving this track, there’s a well travelled path to the base of the scramble. The scramble begins with an exhilarating climb up rocks that bottleneck up to the crest of the ridge.