Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) stands as the crown jewel of Snowdonia National Park and the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 meters. This magnificent mountain attracts over 500,000 visitors annually who tackle its varied snowdon routes to reach the iconic summit. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer seeking challenging snowdon climbing routes or a casual walker looking for accessible snowdon walking routes, there’s a path suited to your experience level and preferences. Each route offers a unique perspective of the breathtaking landscapes, from dramatic ridges and tranquil lakes to expansive views across North Wales and beyond. This comprehensive guide explores all six official routes up snowdon, providing essential information on difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and estimated completion times to help you plan your perfect mountain adventure.
Snowdon Routes: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the details of each path, let’s examine a quick comparison of the six main snowdon routes. Each offers distinct characteristics and challenges, appealing to different types of hikers.
| Route Name | Distance (round trip) | Ascent | Difficulty | Est. Time (up/down) | Starting Point |
| Llanberis Path | 9 miles (14.5 km) | 975m | Easy/Moderate | 6-7 hours | Llanberis |
| Miners’ Track | 8 miles (13 km) | 723m | Moderate | 5-6 hours | Pen-y-Pass |
| Pyg Track | 7 miles (11 km) | 723m | Moderate | 5-6 hours | Pen-y-Pass |
| Rhyd Ddu Path | 8.5 miles (13.5 km) | 895m | Moderate | 5-7 hours | Rhyd Ddu |
| Watkin Path | 8 miles (13 km) | 1,015m | Hard | 6-8 hours | Nant Gwynant |
| Snowdon Ranger | 8 miles (13 km) | 936m | Moderate | 6-7 hours | Llyn Cwellyn |
This snowdon routes map overview helps visualize how the paths connect and their relative positions around the mountain. The eastern side of Snowdon, accessed from Pen-y-Pass, offers the most popular routes including the Pyg Track and Miners’ Track. Meanwhile, the less crowded western and southern approaches provide more solitude for those seeking a quieter mountain experience.
The routes up snowdon map shows that most paths converge near the summit, allowing hikers to ascend via one route and descend using another for a varied experience. Many visitors choose to combine routes, particularly the Pyg Track and Miners’ Track, as they share starting and ending points.
When selecting your route, consider not just difficulty but also starting location, available parking (which can be extremely limited at popular trailheads like Pen-y-Pass), and transportation options. With a clear understanding of the snowdon walking routes map, you can plan a rewarding journey to Wales’ highest peak.
The 6 Snowdon Routes Ranked by Difficulty
Understanding the varying challenges of each path is crucial when planning your ascent. Here are the six official snowdon routes ranked from easiest to most difficult:
1. Llanberis Path (Easiest)
The Llanberis Path is widely considered the most accessible of all mount snowdon routes. Beginning in the village of Llanberis, this 9-mile round trip follows a gradual ascent alongside the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Key Features:
- Longest but gentlest gradient of all routes
- Well-maintained path throughout
- Access to facilities at Llanberis and the summit (when open)
- Popular with first-time hikers and families
Despite being the “easiest” route, the Llanberis Path still represents a significant mountain hike with 975m of ascent and can take 6-7 hours to complete. The path can become extremely busy during summer months, but offers reassurance for newcomers due to its popularity and proximity to the railway.
2. Miners’ Track (Easy-Moderate)
The Miners’ Track begins at Pen-y-Pass car park and offers relatively gentle terrain for the first half before becoming considerably steeper. This historical snowdon walking route was originally built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine.
Key Features:
- Beautiful lakes including Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn
- Relatively flat first section before a steep climb
- Historical mining artifacts along the route
- Often combined with the Pyg Track (up one, down the other)
The path starts easily but transforms into a challenging ascent after Llyn Glaslyn, where hikers need to use their hands for some light scrambling. Total distance is around 8 miles round trip with 723m of ascent.
3. Snowdon Ranger Path (Moderate)
Named after an early mountain guide who used this route, the Snowdon Ranger Path offers a quieter alternative to the eastern approaches. This moderate snowdon hiking route begins near Llyn Cwellyn.
Key Features:
- Less crowded than eastern routes
- Steady, consistent ascent without major technical challenges
- Excellent views of Moel Hebog and the Nantlle Ridge
- Good path conditions throughout
The 8-mile round trip takes approximately 6-7 hours and includes 936m of ascent. While not technically difficult, the consistent climbing requires good fitness and determination.
4. Rhyd Ddu Path (Moderate)
Formerly known as the Beddgelert Path, this route from the west offers solitude and spectacular views. The Rhyd Ddu Path provides one of the most scenic walking routes up snowdon with panoramic vistas throughout.
Key Features:
- Quieter approach with fewer hikers
- Dramatic views of Moel Hebog and Nantlle Ridge
- Some narrow sections with exposure near Bwlch Main
- Good path conditions for most of the route
This 8.5-mile round trip includes 895m of ascent and typically takes 5-7 hours. While mostly straightforward, the narrow ridge of Bwlch Main near the summit requires steady nerves, especially in windy conditions.
5. Pyg Track (Moderate-Hard)
The Pyg Track offers perhaps the best effort-to-view ratio of all snowdon hike routes. Starting from Pen-y-Pass car park, this route provides dramatic mountain scenery from the outset.
Key Features:
- Stunning views of Snowdon’s horseshoe and Crib Goch
- More direct route to the summit than Miners’ Track
- Some rocky, uneven terrain requiring careful footing
- Historic route with interesting origins (possibly named after the nearby Pen-y-Gwryd hotel)
At 7 miles round trip with 723m of ascent, the Pyg Track is shorter than other routes but compensates with steeper, more challenging terrain. Expect to spend 5-6 hours on this popular path.
6. Watkin Path (Hardest)
The Watkin Path boasts the greatest ascent of all snowdon climbing routes, starting at a lower elevation than other trails. Beginning near Nant Gwynant, this challenging route was officially opened by Prime Minister William Gladstone in 1892.
Key Features:
- Greatest total ascent (1,015m)
- Beautiful wooded lower sections and waterfalls
- Challenging, loose scree slope near the summit
- Stunning views of South Snowdonia
The 8-mile round trip typically takes 6-8 hours. While the lower sections are delightful, the final ascent involves difficult, loose terrain that can be treacherous, especially in wet conditions. This route demands good fitness, experience, and careful footing.
The snowdon routes map difficulty shows that regardless of which path you choose, all routes represent serious mountain undertakings requiring proper preparation, equipment, and respect for the changing mountain conditions.
Snowdon Routes Map: Understanding the Terrain
When planning your Snowdon ascent, a detailed snowdon map routes is an invaluable resource for understanding the mountain’s complex terrain. The mountain’s geography creates distinctly different landscapes on each approach, from the glacial cwms (valleys) of the east face to the precipitous cliffs of the north and the gentler slopes to the south and west.
Eastern Approaches (Pen-y-Pass)
The eastern side of Snowdon, accessed from Pen-y-Pass car park (at 359m elevation), features dramatic glacial scenery. Here, the snowdon routes map shows how the Pyg Track and Miners’ Track wind through a landscape dominated by three lakes: Llyn Teyrn, Llyn Llydaw, and Llyn Glaslyn. These paths offer views of Snowdon’s most impressive feature—the horseshoe ridge comprising Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain, and Y Lliwedd.
The terrain on these eastern routes up snowdon transitions from relatively flat paths around the lakes to increasingly steep and rocky ground as you approach the summit ridge. The final section joins the Llanberis Path at Bwlch Glas, about 20 minutes from the summit.
Northern Approach (Llanberis)
The Llanberis Path approaches from the north, starting at the lowest elevation (107m) of all snowdon walking routes. The routes up snowdon map shows this path following a relatively straightforward line alongside the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The terrain consists mostly of wide, rocky paths with a consistent but manageable gradient.
This route offers views down to Llanberis and across to the Menai Strait and Anglesey on clear days. While lacking the dramatic rocky features of other routes, it compensates with panoramic vistas and accessibility.
Western Approaches (Rhyd Ddu and Snowdon Ranger)
The western snowdon hiking routes (Rhyd Ddu and Snowdon Ranger) traverse more open, exposed terrain with fewer crowds. Both paths start at moderate elevations (around 200-220m) and follow well-defined ridgelines for much of their course.
The Rhyd Ddu Path features the narrow ridge of Bwlch Main, which offers exceptional views but requires careful navigation in poor visibility or strong winds. The Snowdon Ranger Path provides a more straightforward ascent but still includes some rocky sections near the summit junction.
Southern Approach (Watkin Path)
The Watkin Path approaches from the south, beginning in a wooded valley near Nant Gwynant. The snowdon walking routes map shows this route starting at just 60m above sea level, explaining its status as the path with the greatest total ascent.
The terrain transforms dramatically along this route—from serene woodland streams and waterfalls in the lower sections to open mountainside in the middle section, culminating in the infamous scree slope before the summit. This loose, steep section presents the most technically challenging terrain on any of the standard snowdon routes.
Summit Area
All mount snowdon routes converge in the final approach to the summit, creating a busy hub, especially during summer months. The summit itself features the Hafod Eryri visitor center (when open), trigonometry point, and spectacular 360-degree views extending to Ireland, England, Scotland, and the Isle of Man on exceptionally clear days.
Understanding how the routes interconnect using a detailed snowdon map routes allows hikers to plan creative circuits, such as ascending via the Pyg Track and descending via the Miners’ Track, or combining the Snowdon Ranger Path with the Rhyd Ddu Path for a traverse of the mountain.
Preparing for Your Snowdon Hike
Proper preparation is essential for safely enjoying any of the snowdon routes. Even the easiest paths represent serious mountain excursions that demand respect and adequate planning.
Essential Equipment
For all snowdon walking routes, bring:
- Footwear: Proper hiking boots with ankle support and good grip
- Clothing: Waterproof jacket and trousers (regardless of forecast)
- Layers: Multiple thin layers including thermal base layer, fleece, and insulating layer
- Navigation: Map (OS Explorer OL17) and compass, plus knowledge of how to use them
- Food and Water: More than you think you’ll need (minimum 2 liters of water)
- Emergency Equipment: First aid kit, whistle, headtorch, and emergency shelter
- Communication: Fully charged mobile phone (though reception is limited)
- Backpack: 25-30 liter rucksack with waterproof liner or cover
For more challenging snowdon climbing routes like the Watkin Path or winter conditions, additional equipment may be necessary, including:
- Ice axe and crampons (for winter conditions)
- Walking poles (especially helpful for descents)
- GPS device as backup navigation
- Extra warm layers and emergency supplies
Weather Considerations
The weather on Snowdon can change dramatically and rapidly. Always check the dedicated mountain forecast before setting out:
- Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS)
- Met Office mountain forecast
- Snowdonia National Park weather alerts
Remember that summit temperatures are typically 10°C colder than valley temperatures, with wind chill potentially reducing this further. Cloud can descend quickly, reducing visibility to mere meters. If conditions deteriorate significantly, don’t hesitate to turn back—the mountain will still be there another day.
Timing and Seasonal Factors
The most popular time to tackle routes up snowdon is between May and September when days are longer and weather generally more favorable. Consider these seasonal factors:
- Spring (March-May): Quieter trails but possibility of snow remaining on higher sections
- Summer (June-August): Busiest period with generally better weather but more crowds
- Autumn (September-November): Beautiful colors but shortening daylight hours
- Winter (December-February): Serious mountaineering conditions requiring specialized equipment and experience
For the best experience on snowdon hiking routes, start early (before 8am) to secure parking and avoid the busiest periods. A summit ascent typically requires 3-4 hours up and 2-3 hours down, so allow a full day for your adventure.
Parking and Transportation
Parking near popular mount snowdon routes can be extremely challenging, especially at Pen-y-Pass:
- Pen-y-Pass: Very limited spaces, advance booking required (£18 all day), fills by early morning
- Llanberis: Multiple car parks available (£10 all day)
- Rhyd Ddu: Small National Park car park (£6 all day)
- Nant Gwynant: Limited roadside parking for Watkin Path
- Snowdon Ranger: Small car park near the youth hostel (£6 all day)
Consider using the Snowdon Sherpa bus service which connects all major snowdon walking routes starting points. This efficient service allows for one-way hikes without needing to return to your starting point.
With thorough preparation, appropriate equipment, and respect for the mountain environment, your Snowdon ascent will be a memorable and rewarding experience, regardless of which route you choose.
Alternative Snowdon Experiences
Beyond the standard daytime ascents, Mount Snowdon offers several unique experiences for adventurous visitors seeking something different from the traditional snowdon routes.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Moonlight Walk
For a truly magical mountain experience, consider a guided moonlight ascent of Snowdon. These special events typically follow the Llanberis Path, the most straightforward of all snowdon walking routes after dark. Under the silvery glow of a full moon, the mountain landscape transforms into an ethereal environment unlike anything experienced during daylight hours.
Organized moonlight walks usually include:
- Professional mountain guides ensuring safety
- Small group sizes for better experience
- Departure times calculated around optimal moonlight
- Hot drinks and snacks at strategic points
These events require advance booking and are weather-dependent. The unique perspective of seeing distant towns and villages illuminated against the darkness while you ascend in moonlight makes this a memorable alternative to daytime routes up snowdon.
Snowdon Horseshoe
For experienced mountaineers looking for a more challenging adventure than the standard snowdon hiking routes, the Snowdon Horseshoe represents one of Britain’s finest mountain circuits. This demanding route incorporates:
- The knife-edge ridge of Crib Goch (Grade 1 scramble)
- Summit of Garnedd Ugain (1,065m)
- Snowdon summit (1,085m)
- Y Lliwedd (898m)
This horseshoe route is not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. It requires scrambling skills, a head for heights, and favorable weather conditions. The complete circuit covers approximately 7 miles but involves significant exposure and technical terrain throughout. While not one of the standard mount snowdon routes, it offers unparalleled adventure for those with appropriate skills.
Snowdon by Train
For those unable or unwilling to tackle the snowdon climbing routes on foot, the Snowdon Mountain Railway offers an alternative way to experience the summit. Operating since 1896, this historic railway runs from Llanberis to within a short walk of the summit:
- Season typically runs from March to October (weather permitting)
- Both steam and diesel services available
- Journey time approximately 2.5 hours return
- Advance booking highly recommended
The railway provides access to the mountain for those with limited mobility while offering spectacular views comparable to those enjoyed by hikers on the various snowdon routes.
Multi-Peak Challenges
Experienced hikers looking to extend their Snowdon adventure might consider incorporating the mountain into one of several multi-peak challenges:
- Welsh 3000s Challenge: Climbing all 15 Welsh mountains over 3,000 feet (usually within 24 hours)
- Snowdonia Way: A 97-mile long-distance trail through the national park
- Three Peaks Challenge: Climbing the highest mountains in Wales, England, and Scotland within 24 hours
These challenges use standard snowdon walking routes as components of much larger adventures, providing context for Snowdon within the broader mountain landscape of Wales and Britain.
Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of a moonlight ascent, the thrill of a technical ridge scramble, or the comfort of a train journey, these alternative experiences showcase the diversity of ways to enjoy Wales’ highest peak beyond the traditional hiking routes.
Accommodation and Transport Near Snowdon Routes
Planning where to stay before or after tackling snowdon routes is an important aspect of your trip to Snowdonia. The area surrounding the mountain offers various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Villages and Towns Near Snowdon
Several charming settlements provide excellent bases for exploring the different routes up snowdon:
Llanberis
- Ideal for the Llanberis Path and Snowdon Mountain Railway
- Largest selection of accommodation options
- Multiple outdoor shops for last-minute gear purchases
- Good choice of cafes, pubs, and restaurants
- Home to the National Slate Museum and other attractions
Beddgelert
- Picturesque village convenient for the Rhyd Ddu Path
- More peaceful alternative to Llanberis
- Good selection of accommodation and dining options
- Beautiful riverside setting with interesting local legend
Capel Curig
- Strategic location for accessing multiple snowdon walking routes
- Popular with serious mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts
- Home to several outdoor equipment stores
- Limited but high-quality accommodation options
Betws-y-Coed
- Larger town slightly further from the mountain (12 miles)
- Excellent transport connections
- Widest selection of accommodation in the area
- Numerous restaurants, shops, and facilities
- Popular tourist center with pretty riverside setting
Accommodation Types
The area surrounding the mount snowdon routes offers diverse accommodation options:
Hotels and B&Bs
- Range from budget to luxury
- Often include breakfast to fuel your mountain adventure
- Local knowledge from hosts can be invaluable
- Advance booking essential during peak season
Self-Catering Cottages
- Flexibility for larger groups or families
- Kitchen facilities for preparing hiking supplies
- Often more economical for longer stays
- Many located in stunning settings with mountain views
Camping and Glamping
- Multiple campsites around the base of the mountain
- Budget-friendly option for accessing snowdon hiking routes
- Connect with nature before and after your climb
- Glamping options available for more comfort
Mountain Hostels and Bunkhouses
- Budget accommodation popular with hikers
- Social atmosphere for meeting fellow adventurers
- Often well-located for early starts on popular routes
- Basic but comfortable facilities
Transport Options
Getting to and around the various snowdon routes without a car is entirely feasible:
Snowdon Sherpa Bus Network
- Connects all major trailheads and nearby villages
- Allows for one-way hikes across different snowdon climbing routes
- Environmentally friendly alternative to driving
- Frequency increases during summer months
- Day tickets allow unlimited travel
Trains
- Stations at Bangor, Llandudno Junction, and Betws-y-Coed
- Conwy Valley line provides scenic access to the area
- Connect with Sherpa buses to reach trailheads
- Advance booking recommended, especially in summer
Taxis
- Available in larger towns and villages
- Useful for early starts before bus services begin
- Can be pre-booked for specific pickup times
- More expensive but convenient option
For those driving to access the various snowdon walking routes map locations, be aware that parking is extremely limited at popular trailheads like Pen-y-Pass. Consider parking in Llanberis or Nant Peris and using the efficient Sherpa bus service to reach your chosen starting point.
By carefully planning your accommodation and transport, you can enhance your Snowdon experience and ensure you’re well-rested and positioned for an early start on your chosen route up Wales’ highest peak.
Conclusion
Conquering Snowdon is a magnificent achievement that rewards hikers with unparalleled views and a profound sense of accomplishment. The diversity of snowdon routes ensures that everyone from beginners to experienced mountaineers can find a path suited to their abilities and preferences. Whether you choose the gentler gradient of the Llanberis Path, the historical interest of the Miners’ Track, or the challenging terrain of the Watkin Path, each route offers its own unique perspective on Wales’ highest peak.
When planning your ascent, carefully consider your fitness level, experience, and the prevailing weather conditions. The snowdon routes ranked information provided in this guide helps match your abilities to the appropriate path, while the snowdon routes map difficulty details ensure you’re fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Remember that even the “easiest” route represents a significant mountain day requiring proper equipment and preparation.
For the optimal experience, consider visiting outside peak summer weekends when the most popular snowdon walking routes can become extremely crowded. An early start not only helps avoid the busiest periods but also increases your chances of clear summit views before afternoon clouds often descend.
The mountain’s accessibility is both its strength and weakness—while the various routes up snowdon make it achievable for many, this popularity creates pressure on the environment and facilities. Practice responsible mountain ethics by taking all litter home, staying on marked paths to prevent erosion, and respecting the natural environment.
Whether you’re embarking on your first mountain adventure or adding another peak to your extensive collection, Snowdon offers an experience that captures the essence of the British mountains. The sense of achievement upon reaching the summit cairn after hours of effort on any of the mount snowdon routes creates memories that last a lifetime.
Plan carefully, prepare thoroughly, respect the mountain, and enjoy one of Britain’s most rewarding outdoor adventures. Whichever of the snowdon hiking routes you choose, the journey to the roof of Wales promises to be an unforgettable experience that will likely inspire many more mountain adventures to come.
