Take a look at our infographic below – were you aware of all 7 classic routes, hikes & scrambles to the top of Snowdon?
Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions. A hike up Snowdon is a must for those who visit the area, with over 10 million people making a visit to the National Park each year, and 450,00 of those making the ascent to the top of the famous mountain. For those of us who prefer to sit back and take in the views, the Snowdon Mountain Railway runs every day from 17th March to the end of October, as long as the weather is not too treacherous…
For those energetic types who do make the 6 to 8 hour round trip to the top of the mountain on foot – there is a great sense of accomplishment along with some stunning views (recently voted the best in the UK) to be enjoyed if the weather permits! Rather surprisingly, many people repeatedly visit the mountain each year, yet stick to the same route or couple of routes to the top of the mountain each time that they visit, missing out on some beautiful scenery and adventure in the process.
snowdon’s routes & paths
The 6 main routes to the top are the Llanberis Pass – on the Northern side of the mountain, which starts at the Pen-Y-Pass car park, found with the postcode – LL55 4NU.
On the Western side is the Rhyd Ddu Path – use Rhyd Ddu Car Park, off the A4085. Postcode – LL54 6TN
and the Snowdon Ranger path – near the Llyn Cwellyn car park. Postcode – LL54 7YT
Whilst on the eastern slope is the Watkin Path; one of the most challenging routes, which starts at the Pont Bethania Car Park, postcode LL55 4NL.
Starting at the Pen-y-Pass car park (postcode LL55 4NU) are both the Miners Path and the Pyg Track. Crib Goch is another popular path, that is often described more as a scramble than a walking route due to its difficult ascent – Crib Goch also starts at the Pen-y-Pass car park.
There are toilets and parking at the start of each footpath, for over 4 hours parking, most car parks charge £5 currently, except for Pen-Y-Pass which is £10. There is another small car park across the road from the railway station which also gets full by 8.30am in the morning during the summer months.
If you can’t find anywhere to park nearby, use the Nant Peris car park and use the park and ride AKA the Sherpa Bus. Nant Peris car park’s postcode is LL55 4UF.
There are a number of cafes, pubs and hotels nearby to grab something to eat. If you are heading back home via the North Wales coastline or spending a few days in North Wales, there’s a Michelin recommended, double rosette winning restaurant that can be found at our Aberconwy Resort & Spa – Signatures Restaurant.
Finally please remember to pick up any litter and keep dogs on their leads at all times (energetic spaniels are great for helping to pull you up during the ascent).
snowdon facts & figures
Snowdon is full of history, myths & legends. Below is a small sample of Snowdon’s trivia
- Snowdon Height – 1085m / 3,560 feet
- Snowdonia attractions – Include Surf Snowdonia, Snowdon Mountain & Zip World
- Snowdonia Products – Include Snowdonia Cheese and Snowdonia Ale
- Snowdonia Mountain Railway Line was opened in 1896.
- Snowdon is home to the extremely rare Snowdon Lily which can be found on its slopes
- Snowdon’s peak offers stunning views in good weather. The view from the top of Snowdon was recently voted as the best in Britain.
- The Snowdon Race takes part annually in July. The 10 mile race involves running from Lake Padarn in Llanberis to the top of Snowdon and back down again.
- Wild Camping in Snowdon is technically illegal
- ‘Snowdon’ is old English for ‘Snow Hill’
- The Welsh translation of Snowdon is ‘Yr Wyddfa’
- I have been reliably informed never to refer to the mountain as ‘Mount Snowdon’ – just ‘Snowdon’ or ‘Snowdon Mountain’
Happy & Safe Climbing!