Snowdon Routes Up – 7 routes to the summit of Snowdon

Snowdon Routes Up

This is the tallest peak in Wales, standing at 1085 meters, and there are many levels of difficulty for the Snowdon routes up. It is one of the most popular attractions here, at the same time it is also the busiest mountain in the United Kingdom. It is part of The National Three Peaks Challenge. During this challenge, participants have 24 hours to climb the highest peak in England, Wales and Scotland. Snowdon offers breath-taking views of Snowdonia National Park, Anglesey island and Ireland. There are a few different routes to the summit, which I have described below.

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Snowdon Routes Up – 7 routes to the summit of Snowdon

1. Llanberis Path 

Undoubtedly, this is the most popular path to the summit of Snowdon. It is approximately 9 miles long and takes 6 hours to get there and come back. A good starting point is Mountain Railway Station which can be also another option to get to the summit. Trains depart from Llanberis station depending on the demand of people. However, tickets can be sold out at busy periods, so it is good to book them →online

• Grade of difficulty: Easy
• Lenght: 9 miles (there and back)
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours (there and back)
• Parking postcode: LL55 4TD

2. Miners Track

This route is a bit more difficult than Llanberis Path, but it is worth the effort. On the way to the summit, you will pass Llyn Teyrn which is located a 20-minute walk from Pen-y-Pass Car Park. Only 15 minutes away from there is Llyn Llydaw – one of the most visited lakes in the United Kingdom. Closer to the summit you will spot lake Glaslyn, which from the right perspective resembles the heart.

• Grade of difficulty: Easy
• Length: 8 miles (there and back)
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours (there and back)
• Pen-y-Pass Car Park: Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4NU

3. Snowdon Ranger Path

Snowdon Ranger Path starts by the lake Llyn Cwellyn and it is one of the easiest. It is also one of the earliest of six routes to Snowdon. This path leads through a very important site due to geological features and wildlife. You can spot there for example arctic-alpine plants which grow on the rocks.

• Grade of difficulty: Easy
• Length: 8 miles (there and back)
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours (there and back)
• National Park Authority Car Park: Caernarfon, LL54 7YS

Snowdon summit in the background, Wales

4. Pyg Track

Similarly to Miners Track, this path starts from Pen-y-Pass Car Park. Amazing mountain views make this place looks like a fairy tale. If you are looking for unspoilt countryside it is worth a visit, because the nature there is breathtaking. My suggestion would be to choose two different routes to ascend and descent Snowdon. Such a possibility is given for example by Miners Track and Pyg Track.

• Grade of difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 7 miles (there and back)
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours (there and back)
• Pen-y-Pass Car Park: Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4NU

Pyg Track, Wales

5. Rhyd-Ddu

Meanwhile, the least touristy path to the summit of Snowdon is Rhyd-Ddu. It starts from the Rhyd-Ddu railway station and continues over Cwm Caregog. Especially, the views of the lakes Llyn Nadroedd, Llyn Coch and Llyn Glas add charm to this route.

• Grade of difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 8 miles (there and back)
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours (there and back)
• Parking: Maes Parcio Rhyd Ddu, LL54 6TN

Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre, Wales

6. Watkin Path

It is one of the toughest routes to the summit of Snowdon, but it is also the most scenic. It is a less travelled path because in some of the places is very easy to lose track. This challenging path passes slate quarry, a stunning waterfall, Bwlch Ciliau and Yr Wyddfa.

• Grade of difficulty: Hard
• Length: 8 miles (there and back)
• Duration: Approximately 6 hours (there and back)
• Parking For Watkin Path: Beddgelert, Caernarfon LL55 4NR

Watkin Path Sign, Wales

7. Crib Goch – one of the most difficult Snowdon Routes Up

Except for those six main routes to the top of the Snowdon, there is also one more – Crib Goch. It is an extremely exposed ridge route that can be dangerous in bad weather conditions. This is not recommended for an inexperienced person.

• Grade of difficulty: Very hard
• Length: 8 miles (there and back)
• Duration: Approximately 8 hours (there and back)
• Pen-y-Pass Car Park: Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4NU

Welsh mountain sheep, Snowdonia National Park

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