Snowdon

Snowdon is the highest mountain in England and Wales and more than 360,000 visitors reach its summit every year.  Standing tall over the village of Llanberis, Snowdon is a part of a close-knit family of jagged peaks and can offer views of Snowdonia, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and Ireland.

Reaching the summit at 1085 m

The easiest way to reach the summit of Snowdon is to take the Snowdon Mountain Railway.  Your journey starts in Llanberis and you travel by carriage up the spectacular railway to the summit.  At the summit there is a cafe with a panoramic view.  Either walk down or take a return trip back to Llanberis.  The railway is very very popular so please book ahead to avoid disappointment.  It is usually open from April to October.

If you prefer the challenge to walk to the summit, you can choose from six different paths to conquer this 1,085 metre (3,560 feet) giant which are the Llanberis path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path or the Snowdon Ranger Path.  From Carreg Cottage, the Pyg Track and Miner's Track are easily accessible vis the bus to Pen y Pass or, alternatively, you can park at Pen Y Pass (there is a pre-booking system in place for this car park over the summer due to how busy it gets).  The easiest route is to ascend the Pyg Track and descend the Llanberis Path into Llanberis - you can get the bus back to the cottage or your car.  The prettiest route is possibly the Watkin Path starting down the steep sided valley of Nant Gwynant.  This route passes Gladstone Rock where William Gladstone, the PM, opened the path to 2000 people in 1892.

The Snowdon Horseshoe is a classic mountaineering ridge walk for experienced walkers taking in the 3 summits of Snowdon over 3000 feet - Crib Coch, Crib y Ddysgl and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) before traversing Lliwedd to return.  The record time is under 2 hours but the average hill walker will take 5 to 6 hours.  It is possibly the best ridge walk in the UK.

Alternatively you can mountain bike up Snowdon, with maybe some walking involved too!  More details can be found here.

Weather and Safety

Remember that the weather on Snowdon can change in an instant and it will be much cooler on the summit than in the valley.  So whether you are going on the train, by foot or on two wheels, please check out the forecast and wear suitable footwear and clothing.  Many a time we have seen visitors jumping off the train in shorts and heels and looking rather chilled and out of place!  Snowdon in winter is a very special place but can be a dangerous place too.  Only venture out if you have the right equipment and experience.