Are you planning your holiday in North Wales in 2024 and thinking about climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)?
We get lots of guests staying with us at Crafnant House who come to climb Yr Wyddfa (the Welsh and now official name for Snowdon) - the highest mountain in Wales and England.
At 3560 ft (1,085 m) high it is a justifiably popular outdoor activity and can be both a real adventure and an exhilarating day out with breathtaking views, especially if you get a ‘cloud-free’ summit!
As experienced walkers we’ve hopefully included everything you need to know in our guide about the the different paths up and down and our honest opinions on the best and most scenic routes!
We have also included helpful information and advice to help you with:
travelling to and climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) sustainably and responsibly
car parking
Sherpa bus services (a great way of travelling to the trail starting points!)
facilities
when to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
the weather
what to wear on your hike and what kit to take with you
It is worth knowing that climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is extremely popular now and the mountain can get exceptionally busy on any day.
If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful hike consider one of the many other beautiful mountains in North Wales - you are likely to have it to yourself!
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On the PYG track on the way up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
The routes vary in distance and challenge level, from the (supposed) easiest to the hardest and most difficult, although we do not rank them here - see below why!
It is worth reading about each one - and our preparation guide - before deciding which is the best route for you *
So in no particular order, we look at:
Preparation for your walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Travel and car parking
Facilities on the mountain
Environmentally responsible climbing
When is the best time to climb?
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) weather
What to wear and what kit to take
Fitness & training
* Please note : these are not listed or ranked in order of difficulty!
Other websites do this but it is difficult to do and very subjective, as everyone has different experience levels, abilities, and preferences!
Our best advice is to read the individual descriptions below for our honest opinions on each route and choose which route is best for you!
The starting points for the different routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - the PYG Track and Miners Track are closest to our B&B! (c) OS Maps
Many of the routes can be combined so you get a more varied, circular walk - you can use the Sherpa bus network to get back to your start point.
All of the paths are well maintained and most are generally easy to follow.
You should keep to the path at all times for both safety and to lessen the impact on the environment.
A map and compass and / or smartphone with GPS and OS maps are recommended though in case you get lost, especially in bad weather.
A torch is also useful to carry in case it gets dark and / or the weather changes considerably.
Having the right equipment and kit is a crucial part of your preparation when climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - see what we recommend below!
If you need any help planning your day on the mountain just get in touch before your stay with us at Crafnant House!
The best walking routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
The Llanberis Path
Total distance: 9 miles (return trip)
Total climbing: 975m (3,199 ft)
How long does it take? Approximately 6 hours (there and back)
Start and finish: Far end of Victoria Terrace in Llanberis
Travel: Approximately 40 minutes / 20 miles from our B&B - Crafnant House
Car parking: A number of pay & display car parks are available in and around the village - we recommend the large one at Llyn Padarn country park / The National Slate Museum
Sherpa bus stop: Llanberis Interchange
The Llanberis Path is often known as the ‘easiest’ route to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and is considered to be the best for beginners - for this reason it is the most popular.
It is also the longest, starts at sea-level, and you can also see the top most of the way up which is not always the best thing if you are finding it tough.
For these reasons it is not our favourite as it can get very busy at peak times and sometimes feels like a bit of a trudge that goes on… and on…
The Llanberis Path
It starts steeply from the village of Llanberis but soon eases off and then becomes a long but pleasant, gradual climb on an obvious path up to the summit, with the railway running parallel to the trail for part of the route.
Most people take approximately 5-6 hours to walk to the top and back, depending obviously on how quickly you walk.
We often then tell guests that calling it ‘the easiest’ is not necessarily true - the “most straightforward” is probably a better description!
So we don’t say ‘don’t do it’ - just that you might want to also consider the other routes, or combine it with one of them.
TOP TIP!
Combine the Llanberis Path with the Miners Track or PYG track!
Parking is easier in Llanberis so you won’t always need a very early start.
You could walk up this one then down one of the others (which are more scenic) before getting the Sherpa bus back to Llanberis.
Going back down the same path you walked up can be a bit boring!
2. The Miners Track
Total distance: 8 miles (return trip)
Total climbing: 723m (2,372 ft)
How long does it take? Approximately 6 hours (up and down)
Start and finish: Pen-y-Pass
Travel: Approximately 30 minutes / 15 miles from our B&B - Crafnant House
Car parking:
Small car park at Pen-y-Pass - pay and display in the winter (£10 - cards accepted) - pre-book only from 23rd March 2024
Or use the park and ride service from nearby Nant Peris
Sherpa bus stop: Pen-y-Pass
The Miners Track was originally built to transport copper from the Britannia copper works, the remains of which are visible along the route.
The path starts reasonably flat and gentle as it winds its way through stunning lakes and scenery.
It then starts climbing significantly after Llyn Llydaw, past Llyn Glaslyn towards a rocky scree section that takes you towards the peak of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
The ‘path’ in this final section of ascent can often be unclear so take care in this area!
It is a very good option though given the beautiful scenery and it being not too difficult!
The Miners Track is not as long as the Llanberis path and only a bit ‘testing’ in that last third (ie. you might need your hands to support you in the steeper rocky section).
We often recommend coming back on the Miner’s Track as it is a bit easier on the knees (!) going down it, plus the last section is relatively flat which is quite nice after your climb!
TOP TIP!
Combine the Miners Track with the PYG track!
They both go from the same starting point, so do both routes (up one, down the other) and get the best variety of scenery!
3. The PYG Track
Total distance: 7 miles (return trip)
Total climbing: 723m (2,372 ft)
How long does it take? Approximately 6 hours (up and down)
Start and finish: Pen-y-Pass
Travel: Approximately 30 minutes / 15 miles from our B&B - Crafnant House
Car parking:
Small car park at Pen-y-Pass - pay and display in the winter (£10 - cards accepted) - pre-book only from 23rd March 2024
Or use the park and ride service from nearby Nant Peris
Sherpa bus stop: Pen-y-Pass
The PYG track was rumoured to be named after the Pen y Gwryd Hostel by climbers who stayed there (including members of the 1953 Everest expedition who practised on Yr Wyddfa!)
It is slightly shorter than the Miners Track but for that reason it is much steeper and a lot more challenging.
It rises steeply straight away from the start at Pen-y-Pass and becomes quite rugged and rocky in sections.
As compensation though you are soon above the lakes that the Miners Track snakes around.
On a clear day the views can be amazing - in our opinion it is the most scenic route with the best views.
The two paths meet each other again just before the final ascent to the summit.
TOP TIP!
Combine the PYG Track with the Miners Track - they both go from the same starting point.
We usually recommend to our B&B guests hiking up the PYG Track and going back down the Miners Track - it is our favourite combination of routes with the best views.
Llyn Glaslyn, viewed from the PYG track
4. Crib Goch
Total distance: 7-8 miles (return trip)
Total climbing: 852m (2,795 ft)
How long does it take? Approximately 7-8 hours (up and down)
Start and finish: Pen-y-Pass
Travel: Approximately 30 minutes / 15 miles from our B&B - Crafnant House
Car parking:
Small car park at Pen-y-Pass - pay and display in the winter (£10 - cards accepted) - pre-book only from 23rd March 2024
Or use the park and ride service from nearby Nant Peris
Sherpa bus stop: Pen-y-Pass
Crib Goch is not a path in its own right but a challenging diversion from the PYG Track.
It is without doubt the hardest and toughest ‘route’ up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - a grade 1 scramble that goes along a narrow, exposed knife-edge ridge.
*** WARNING ***
The Llanberis Mountain Rescue team advise that it is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by beginners or novice walkers.
Accidents are unfortunately common every year when people fall from the ridge, sometimes resulting in fatalities.
For these reasons we don’t advise anyone to try it unless:
you know exactly what Crib Goch involves, and
you have both mountain and scrambling experience, and
the weather conditions are ideal
You reach it by starting along the PYG Track - approximately a third of the way along there is a right turn at a stile at Bwlch y Moch for a clearly marked path leading up to the ridge.
To avoid Crib Goch continue left at this point to continue on the PYG Track.
Once you have completed the traverse of the ridge you reach the point where the PYG Track, Snowdon Ranger and Llanberis paths converge for the final ascent to the top.
For the return trip you can take any of the others paths down, such as the Llanberis Path, PYG Track or Miners Track.
TOP TIP!
Only attempt it if the weather conditions are perfect, and - crucially - avoid it completely unless you are an experienced mountain walker
5. The Watkin Path
Total distance: 8 miles (return trip)
Total climbing: 1,015m (3,330 ft)
How long does it take? Approximately 6 hours (up and down)
Start and finish: Pont Bethania Bridge Car Park (can fill up very early)
Travel: Approximately 35 minutes / 18 miles from our B&B - Crafnant House
Car parking: Very small pay and display car park at the start - please do not park on roadside verges!
Sherpa bus stop: Nant Gwynant car park
Named after Sir Edward Watkin, an MP and railway entrepreneur, the Watkin path is on the ‘other side’ of the mountain.
The landscape on this path has quite a different feel to the other more traditional routes.
The initial section is stunning and very scenic, taking you through picturesque woodland before hiking past numerous waterfalls, streams and pools.
It soon becomes rocky and more challenging in the second half though, with very loose scree in places and a final steep ascent to the peak.
We consider it to be one of the hardest routes to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), however, the first part offers beautiful scenery and is a fantastic walk even if you don’t go to the top.
NB : The Watkin Path used to be a lovely, quiet option even when the other routes were busy, however, this is no longer the case.
It is now usually exceptionally busy - some would say spoiled - due to it’s new found popularity on social media featuring the ‘attractions’ in the first section, such as the scenic rock pools…
Parking can now be extremely difficult at the start unless you arrive very early (please do not park on roadside verges) - why not use the Sherpa bus instead?
TOP TIP!
Make sure you are back down in time to refuel at Caffi Gwynant - a cafe located in an old chapel near the start / finish point
6. The Rhyd Ddu Path
Total distance: 8.5 miles (return trip)
Total climbing: 895m (2,936 ft)
How long does it take? Approximately 6 hours (up and down)
Start and finish: Rhyd Ddu Station Car Park
Travel: Approximately 55 minutes / 25 miles from our B&B - Crafnant House
Car parking: Small pay and display car park at the start
Sherpa bus stop: Rhyd Ddu Station Car Park
This used to be known as the Beddgelert path as it was from there that walkers used to start their hike up the mountain.
Rhyd Ddu is usually one of the quieter options so is well worth considering on those days when the more popular routes on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) might be inundated!
Jasmine and Bryn at the trig point at the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - it was sunny at the start!
It is a gradual start along an old track but soon rises quite steeply, and sections nearer the summit are very rocky and narrow with steep slopes below - care should be taken in this section.
TOP TIP!
You can combine the Rhyd Ddu path with the Snowdon Ranger, and do a fantastic loop as both start and finish not that far from each other.
7. The Snowdon Ranger Path
Total distance: 8 miles (return trip)
Total climbing: 936m (3,071 ft)
How long does it take? Approximately 6 hours (up and down)
Start and finish: Llyn Cwellyn Car Park
Travel: Approximately 50 minutes / 26 miles from our B&B - Crafnant House
Car parking: Small pay and display car park at the start
Sherpa bus stop: Llyn Cwellyn Car Park
The Snowdon Ranger path begins near the youth hostel of the same name, and is thought to be one of the original routes up the mountain.
It follows a track up the slopes of the mountain on the western side before joining the Llanberis path for the final ascent to the summit.
The first section is relatively gentle, followed by some steep rocky zig-zigs, before a final ascent to the summit across sections of loose scree.
Stunning views on the Snowdon Ranger path
We consider it to be one of the more straightforward routes to the top due to few rocky or scrambling sections - possibly the ‘easiest’ after the Llanberis path?
Also it is usually quieter than the other busier paths - we have done it a few times now and always enjoy it!
TOP TIP!
When you descend make sure you look out for the marker stones as the Snowdon Ranger path, Llanberis path and PYG track all go back down the same initial section
8. Preparation for your walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
These are the essential things to know about and prepare for before you set out on your walk up the mountain.
Good planning and preparation before the day will ensure you both enjoy it more and that you go up and down safely!
If you are a beginner or inexperienced then it is definitely worth considering using a local company such as Climb Snowdon - they provide professionally guided walks and a fully supported experience.
Travel and car parking for Snowdon
Car parks at the start of each route are generally small and can fill up early in the morning, especially at weekends and in the summer
If you do want an early start we can provide a takeaway breakfast, whilst the butchers opposite our B&B in Trefriw sells excellent picnic provisions, including their famous sausage rolls!
Pen-y-Pass car park
The car park at Pen-y-Pass (for the Miners Track and PYG track) is:
pay and display (£10 per day - cards taken) in the winter months
pre-book only the rest of the year (£20 for up to 8 hours)
65 spaces are usually available each day
Pre-booking returned from 23rd March 2024 - click here to book
Park and ride services
Alternatively a regular park and ride service to Pen-y-Pass is also available from nearby Nant Peris which has a much larger car park
You do not have to pre-book the park and ride service
Buses usually run approximately every 15 minutes from Spring to Autumn - click here for the latest timetables
Other places to park
Car parks in Llanberis are more plentiful and larger, although these can also get very busy in the summer, especially at weekends
Car parks at other starting points such as those for the Watkin Path and Rhyd Ddu paths are pay and display only and fill quickly on busy days - get there early!
Don’t park on the roadside or verges, block roads or park outside of designated car parks or pay and display marked bays
Parking tickets are routinely issued throughout the national park and cars are regularly towed away if parked illegally!
Sherpa bus network & travelling by train
Consider instead using the excellent Sherpa bus services around the National Park instead of driving
Sherpa buses go to Pen-y-Pass (and other starting points) from popular places to stay such as Betws-y-Coed (5 miles from us in Trefriw), Llanberis, Caenarfon, Bangor, Beddgelert and Porthmadog
The map below has the Sherpa bus routes, plus other services that cover the national park
The nearest train stations to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) are at Bangor (on the North Wales mainline) and Betws-y-Coed - Sherpa buses go from both to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Bus routes around Eryri | Snowdonia, including the Sherpa bus services - click to enlarge
Facilities on the mountain
The visitor centre at the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - Hafod Eryri - has toilets and a cafe when it is open
It can get very busy and we advise you to take plenty of water and provisions with you regardless
You can only buy bottles of water at the visitor centre when it is open - you cannot refill your own water bottles
You should plan to take sufficient water with you, and consider using your own refillable bottles
The visitor centre / cafe at the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - Hafod Eryri - closed for the winter at the end of October 2023 when Snowdon Mountain Railway services stopped going to the summit
There are therefore no facilities of any kind available at the summit over the winter
Hafod Eryri is expected to reopen in Spring 2024 when train services restart
Don’t plan to walk up and get the train back down as there are very limited places - if any - on a standby basis, and you will probably be disappointed!
IMPORTANT - ‘Leave No Trace’
There are no toilets or rubbish bins at any other points on the mountain
Please respect the environment - Snowdon is very popular and the ecosystem is increasingly under pressure
Eryri | Snowdonia National Park encourages all visitors to ‘leave no trace’ - whatever you carry onto the mountain please take home with you!
This includes taking down with you all waste whether man-made or organic (eg. banana skins, apple cores and so on)
There are toilets at starting points such as Llanberis and Pen-y-Pass, so ‘go’ before you start!
When is the best time to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)?
Climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is undeniably popular at the moment so do not be surprised that you will not be alone walking up it…
If you want a quiet, mountain experience then consider one of the many other peaks in the national park which are as enjoyable to climb up, if not (in our opinion) more so…!
Long queues to reach the trig point at the summit are normal now, especially at weekends
Weekdays in spring and autumn are better for walking up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), especially outside of school holidays - there are less crowds, it is not as hot, and there can even be less rain!
An early start will definitely help you avoid the crowds!
In the summer when days are longer why not consider walking up and down in the afternoon and evening?
Car parks and paths can be quieter and you might get to enjoy the sunset (just make sure you are back down before it is dark!)
The winter is quieter but snow and ice on the slopes and freezing conditions makes climbing hazardous
Mountain experience along with equipment such as crampons and ice axes are essential in the winter
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) weather
Be prepared for all kinds of weather!
It could be sunny and warm when you set off for your walk at the bottom but then be cold, windy and raining when you reach the top, even in the summer
Weather conditions and the temperature can change quickly and dramatically at any time of the year on the mountain
See below for what clothing we recommend!
There can be ice and snow on paths, the slopes and at the summit from October through to as late as April / May
Always check the latest weather forecast!
We use the Mountain Weather Information Service for their reliable and accurate mountain forecasts
What to wear / kit to take
We highly recommend good quality (and worn in!) supportive walking boots and not trainers
Most of the routes encompass rocks, boulders and loose scree
You don’t want a twisted ankle to spoil your day… or need carrying off the mountain by Mountain Rescue…
From spring through to autumn sunscreen, long sleeves, hats and lots of water are essential on a sunny day
All routes are very exposed with no shelter and few trees - we see lots of guests returning ‘a touch pink’!
Comfortable clothing designed for walking and hiking is a must
Jeans are not recommended - if the weather changes you will get dangerously wet and cold very quickly
Walking poles are useful for those who want a bit of extra support, especially in sections of loose scree
In the winter crampons, ice axes and winter clothing are usually essential
The weather and temperature can change quickly and dramatically at any time of the year
We recommend always carrying the following:
extra layers of clothing and items such as hats and gloves
a waterproof jacket (waterproof trousers too if you have them)
sufficient food and drinks to get you up and down
bags for waste
a fully charged mobile phone
a torch - head torches are recommended
a map and compass
Fitness / training
A good general level of fitness will help you get to the top (it is typical to be walking for at least 6-7 hours, maybe longer)
Some shorter practice walks and training will definitely mean you enjoy the day more
Equally we have had guests who were absolute beginners and still made it - and just about enjoyed it - but they did find it a struggle at times…
Whatever your experience it is a proper mountain which should be respected - if you feel unsafe or unsure at any stage then turn back and do it another day!
Llanberis Mountain Rescue
The Llanberis Mountain Rescue team does amazing work every year assisting those in need on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the surrounding area
They are a fully voluntary organisation and rely on donations - you can support their work here!
Looking for a place to stay in North Wales?
Crafnant House is our boutique B&B - in the village of Trefriw, Eryri | Snowdonia.
Our Victorian home has five guest bedrooms decorated in a modern style.
A delicious breakfast is served each morning in our dining room!
We look forward to welcoming you to North Wales soon!
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