
So you’re staying in the UK this year and looking for something a little bit different, or maybe you’re looking to take up hiking? One of the most famous mountains in Wales is Mt. Snowdon. It offers some absolutely breathtaking scenery (weather permitting) and is very popular in the summer. So if you’re new to hiking or debating giving it a go then I’m sure you’re wondering… Is Snowdon hard to climb?
tell me more about mt. snowdon
where does the hike start?
There are 6 main routes that the public can take to the summit of Snowdon. Each of them varies in difficulty, distance, and climb time. All routes take around 6 hours for an average hiker. You can generally gather the direction by following or asking others but if you’d rather take a map you can use your phone or check out this Ordnance Survey map (OS17) which shows the most detailed mappings of footpaths, bridleways, and terrain of the Snowdon range.

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Llanberis Path
The longest and most gradual path starts in Llanberis. You can park anywhere in the surrounding area. This route is the best if you’re a beginner, it will probably take you around 6 hours to complete (3 hours each way), however it’s a lot easier on the legs than some of the other harsher routes. The route is around 9 miles in total and is great for first-timers.
Head for Llanberis (LL55 4TD)
Miners Path
This route is a little shorter than the Llanberis Path, around 8 miles, but you’ll find the incline a little steeper so it will take around the same amount of time to complete.
Head for Pen-y-Pass Car Park (LL55 4NY)
Pyg Track
Pig or pyg? There are various rumors about how this path got its name, but nobody is really sure. It was used to carry pyg (black tar) from the old copper works many years ago, I think this seems the most sensible. This path is around 7 miles so expect a steeper incline.
Head for Pen-y-Pass Car Park (LL55 4NY)
Watkin Path
This path is named after Sir Edward Watkin who owned a house at the start of the path. He was a member of Parliment many years ago and was responsible for creating the path. Again this track is around 8 miles in total.
Head for Pont Bethania Bridge Car Park (SH 627 507/ LL55 4NL)
Rhyd Ddu Path
About 8.5 miles. Originally known as the Beddgelert Path as villages used to start their hikes from here.
Head for Rhyd Ddu Car Park (SH 571 526 / LL54 6TN)
Snowdon Ranger
Starting near the Snowdon ranger hostel which was a tavern in victorian times. The tavern was the starting point for tours in the victorian times led by John Morton… the ‘Snowdon Ranger’. This path is again around 8 miles long.
what should i take with me?
Snowdon was my first ever mountain climb, and I learned a lot… like pack waterproof clothing, I chose to wear shorts and a hoodie which halfway up the mountain I found out was not a good idea. Since the climb, I’ve invested in some new hiking gear which has proved a lot more suitable for hikes I’ve taken since!
Always make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out on any hike or walk, the weather will help you decide on what gear you should be taking with you on a hike.
Don’t forget plenty of snacks and water to keep you going, you’ll get hungry up in the hills, trust me!
do i need to be a fitness freak?

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is it for me?
points to note
- Check to make sure the cafe at the summit is open if you intend to access it.
- Check the weather before you head to Snowdon, especially in the winter.
- If you intend to use the train at all, check before you visit to make sure it is running.
- You can pre-book your parking for some car parks.
- Bring some change for the pay and display car parks.
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