North Wales is home to the stunning National Park Snowdonia. It is a land with magnificent views, old myths and legends, and the perfect playground for adventurers. Within Snowdonia lies Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales (and England). There are a number of walking routes up, and this guide will help you decide which is best for you, whether you’re a beginner at hiking, or an experienced adrenaline junkie!
The Llanberis Path
The Llanberis Path is also known as the Pony Path. This is a popular route up, as it’s one of the easiest routes to take – with not as many steep inclines as the others.
This walk is still no stroll as it takes around 5-6 hours to complete. You must make sure you have lots of water and snacks to keep you going, and sensible walking shoes are a must.
The Llanberis Path walk begins opposite the Royal Victoria Hotel at the end of Victoria Terrace, Llanberis.
The Miners’ Track
The Miners track was originally built for the workers at Britannia Copper Mine – which you can see on the way up!
This is a more challenging walk that has steep inclines. If you’re new to hiking then another route might be more suitable.
You begin this walk at Pen-Y-Pass car park, then head up the zig zagging path up to Bwlch and continue on to the summit.
Rhyd Ddu Path
The Rhyd Ddu path is usually the quietest of all the main routes. This one offers breath-taking views to the Moel Hebog and Nantlle Hills.
This is a difficult walk, and should only be attempted by experienced walkers with the correct gear when the conditions are icy and snowy. It takes you to a rocky path at Llechog Ridge where you must take extra care.
The ascent begins at Rhyd Ddu car park in the village of Rhyd Ddu.
The Ranger Path
The Ranger Path takes you up the east side of the mountain beginning at Llyn Cwellyn. It then leads onto the Llanberis Path for the final push up to the summit.
There are amazing views of the valleys, surrounding mountains, and lakes to be enjoyed – but there are some steep inclines along the way.
The Watkin Path
This route begins in Nant Gwynant, at the Bethania Bridge and takes you up the south side of the mountain. This path heads through an ancient woodland, and past and incredible waterfall with rock pools.
This path isn’t as difficult as some, claimed to be medium difficulty. It is extremely popular with walkers because of the stunning views.
The Pyg Track
This path is the shortest route up Snowdon, and also the one that has the least ascent, but don’t let that fool you. This is definitely not the easiest route up as it can be very steep and rocky at parts.
This walk begins at Pen-Y-Pass car park. If you’re quite fit you should make it to the top in just 3 hours!
Crib Goch
Crib Goch is easily the hardest route up Snowdon, but also one of the best scrambles in the country! The ridge is very exposed, a lot of experience and care is needed.
Make sure you only tackle this route if you’re not afraid of heights too! Otherwise you’ll find it pretty daunting.
If you don’t think you could manage walking up Snowdon, the alternative is taking the Snowdon Mountain Railway. This gives you the lovely views and experience of the summit whilst not having to walk for hours.
West Point Beach Resort is only around 30 minutes away from each of the starting points to the paths up Snowdon. Give us a call today and our team will be happy to help with all your enquiries.