How to Climb Snowdon: Six Different Paths to Take

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) is Wales and England's highest peak. It is one of our most well-known and recognized landmarks, and it is well worth a visit. Snowdon, which towers over the village of Llanberis, is part of a small family of jagged peaks that can provide views of Snowdonia, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire, and Ireland. Choose between the Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners' Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path, or Snowdon Ranger Path to conquer this 1,085-metre (3,560-foot) giant. Below you'll find information on the various routes, transportation, mountain guides, and where to stay if you're looking for a place to stay.

Please keep in mind:

• The summit cafe, Hafod Eryri, is closed until 2023.
• There are no public restrooms at the summit.
• Pen y Pass accepts pay and display. If the parking lot is full and you want to walk from Pen-y-Pass, you can use the Snowdon Sherpa Park and Ride Service, which operates from the Nant Peris and Llanberis car parks. Full timetables are available on the Gwynedd Council website.

SnowdonLive - View the most recent weather station readings from Snowdon's summit.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

Please read the following information before venturing out on the mountain. Eryri National Park has also created a short video with mountain safety tips.

7 Ways to Improve an Excellent Adventure

1. Before you leave, carefully plan your route by selecting a route that is appropriate for everyone in your group's fitness level, not just your own. If this is your first time climbing Snowdon, we recommend the Llanberis path. Reaching the summit is only half the battle; be cautious as you descend the mountain, as you will be tired and more likely to slip or trip.

2. Always stick to your planned route and don't follow others ahead of you - they may be taking a much more difficult and dangerous route than you. The most common cause of mountain rescue incidents on Snowdon is people becoming lost, so bring a good map with you. We recommend the Snowdon Map and Guide, which can be purchased at the Tourist Information Centres in Pen-y-Pass, Betws-y-Coed, and Beddgelert.

3. Put on comfortable, ankle-supporting walking boots and appropriate clothing. The terrain can be uneven, and the weather can be changeable. You'll need a waterproof and windproof jacket as well as overpants. In cold weather, bring extra clothing such as a thermal base layer, fleece jacket, gloves, and a hat. During the winter, the mountain is frequently only accessible by ice axe and crampons.

4. Bring a rucksack large enough to hold plenty of food and drink. Walking can be tiring, so it's critical to keep your energy levels up. Keep in mind that Hafod Eryri - the summit building - may be closed during certain seasons. Because there is little shade in the mountains during the summer, bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

5. Bring the necessary equipment. Pack an extra layer of clothing because temperatures can drop dramatically in the peaks. It's essential to bring a torch, compass, map, whistle, first aid kit, and mobile phone, but keep in mind that you won't always have a signal on the mountain, so don't rely on your phone if you get into trouble.

6. Check the weather forecast before you leave, and if the weather worsens, return. The mountain's conditions can quickly change, with fierce winds, low clouds, and freezing temperatures making visibility and walking impossible. Before you leave, check the Met Office website for a detailed weather forecast. In the winter, you should also check the snow and ground conditions. The latest weather station readings from Snowdon's summit can also be found on the SnowdonLive website.

7. Inform someone trustworthy about your plans, including the route you'll take and the time you expect to return, so they can raise the alarm if you don't arrive on time. Remember to notify them if your plans change in any way.

Wales Adventure Smart

Adventure Smart Wales was created in collaboration by many organizations that want people to enjoy the great Welsh outdoors safely. They've put together a few simple things to think about to help your day go smoothly and ensure that you return home safely, looking forward to your next adventure. #BeAdventureSmart

The Llanberis Path

The Llanberis Path is the shortest and most direct route to Snowdon's summit. Originally, tourists were carried up this path on ponies and mules, and it is still a pony path today.

Distance: 9 miles (one way).
Total ascent: 975m (3,199 ft)
Difficulty level: hard/strengthening
Time required: approximately 7 hours (there and back).
Start and finish: Llanberis, off the A4086, at the far end of Victoria Terrace.
OS Explorer OL17 map
Parking: There are several car parks in Llanberis (LL55 4TD).
Sherpa Bus Stop: Interchange at Llanberis

Miners' Trail

The Miners Path was built after the Llanberis Pass was opened in 1832 to transport copper from the Britannia Copper Works near Llyn Glaslyn to Pen-y-Pass, where it was then transported to Caernarfon. The mining ended in 1916, but remnants of the work can still be seen on the path to this day.

Distance: 8 miles (one way).
Total ascent: 723m (2,372 ft)
Difficulty level: hard/strengthening
Time: 6 hours (there and back)
Pen-y-Pass Car Park (LL55 4NY / what3words) is the starting and finishing point.
OS Explorer OL17 map
Pay and Display parking If the parking lot is full and you want to walk from Pen-y-Pass, you can use the Snowdon Sherpa Park and Ride Service, which operates from the Nant Peris and Llanberis car parks. Full timetables are available on the Gwynedd Council website.
Pen-y-Pass Car Park Sherpa Bus Stop

Pyg Track

There is some debate about the origin of the term Pyg. Climbers who stayed at Pen y Gwryd Hostel are said to have named the path after it. Another possibility is that the path was named after Bwlch y Moch (the Pass of Pigs) because it crosses it, which is sometimes spelled Pig in English. It could also have been named Pyg because it was a path used to transport pyg (black tar) from the Britannia Copper Works in Cwm Glaslyn. The speculation continues.

Distance: 7 miles (one way).
Total ascent: 723m (2,372 ft)
Difficulty level: hard/strengthening
Time: 6 hours (there and back)
Pen-y-Pass Car Park (LL55 4NY / what3words) is the starting and finishing point.
OS Explorer OL17 map
Pay and Display parking If the parking lot is full and you want to walk from Pen-y-Pass, you can use the Snowdon Sherpa Park and Ride Service, which operates from the Nant Peris and Llanberis car parks. Full timetables are available on the Gwynedd Council website.
Pen-y-Pass Car Park Sherpa Bus Stop

Watkin Way

Sir Edward Watkin, a Liberal Member of Parliament and railway entrepreneur, inspired the name of this path. Watkin lived near the path's beginning and was in charge of constructing the path from South Snowdon Slate Quarry to Snowdon's summit. Officially opened in 1892 by Prime Minister William Gladstone on a boulder near the path named after him, he addressed a crowd of over 2,000 people.

The Watkin Path is an especially difficult route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Walkers considering their first ascent of Yr Wyddfa may benefit from exploring alternative routes.

Distance: 8 miles (one way).
Total ascent: 1,015m (3,330 ft)
Difficulty level: hard/strengthening
Time: 6 hours (there and back)
Start and finish: Pont Bethania Bridge Car Park, off the A498 in Nant Gwynant (LL55 4NL / what3words).
OS Explorer OL17 map
Parking: Pont Bethania Bridge Car Park (LL55 4NL / what3words).
Nant Gwynant Car Park Sherpa Stop

The Rhyd Ddu Path

This path was previously known as the Beddgelert Path because walkers began their journey to the summit from this village.

Distance: 8 5 miles (round trip)
Total ascent: 895m (2,936 ft)
Difficulty level: hard/strengthening
Time: 6 hours (there and back)
Rhyd Ddu Car Park (LL54 6TN / what3words) is the starting and finishing point.
OS Explorer OL17 map
Parking is available at the Rhyd Ddu Car Park (LL54 6TN / what3words).
Sherpa Bus Stop is located at the end of the Rhyd Ddu Car Park.

The Snowdon Ranger

The path starts near the 'Snowdon Ranger' youth hostel, close to Llyn Cwellyn. The path was used by John Morton, the self-proclaimed "Snowdon Ranger," to guide Victorian tourists to the summit. He also opened the Snowdon Ranger Inn, which is now the location of the youth hostel.

Distance: 8 miles (one way).
Total ascent: 936m (3,071 ft)
Difficulty level: hard/strengthening
Time: 6 hours (there and back)
Llyn Cwellyn Car Park, off the A4085 (LL54 7YT / what3words) is the starting and finishing point.
OS Explorer OL17 map
Llyn Cwellyn Pay and Display Car Park (LL54 7YT / what3words)
Llyn Cwellyn Car Park is the location of the Sherpa Bus Stop.

APCE/SNPA Maps

Please visit the Snowdonia National Park website for more information on the six routes.

Paths on Mount Snowdon and Sherpa Bus Service

Planning your transportation and parking should be an important part of your Snowdon climbing strategy. With over 12 million visitors per year, car parks are frequently full by 7 a.m. in the warmer months. We recommend coming during the week rather than on the weekend, and avoiding school holidays if possible. Late September and early October are ideal months to visit.

If you intend to walk up the Pyg or Miners track, we strongly advise you to take the Snowdon Sherpa bus service. The Snowdon Sherpa Timetable can be viewed and downloaded from the Gwynedd Council website.

On the bus, you can purchase a one-way short journey ticket for £1. The service runs frequently during peak hours, with regular service at other times.  

Local taxi companies, such as CK Cabs, Snowdonia Taxi, and Taxi Arfon, also provide services along popular routes.

Mountain Tour Guides

If you're looking for guides to help you navigate the mountains and have an unforgettable experience, please visit our activity page. There are numerous options available, including Anelu Aim Higher, RAW Adventures, Gradient Adventure, and Bach Ventures.

Charity Walks and Organized and Competitive Events

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number and variety of charitable, recreational, and organized challenge event activities, and there are a large number of organizations and charities making full use of the great outdoors in Snowdonia - particularly on Snowdon itself. Visit the Snowdonia National Park website for more information and guidance.