MARK Walk up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Yr Wyddfa — Snowdon — stands at 1,085 metres, the highest point in England and Wales and one of the great landmarks of British mountain days. On a clear summit you get a full sweep of Eryri: the ridges, the cwms, the Llŷn Peninsula stretching west, Anglesey sitting offshore, and the Irish Sea running out to the horizon.
There’s no single “Snowdon path.” Six main routes climb the mountain, each with its own character — from long valley approaches to steep, exposed ridgelines. Distance, gradient, crowds, and commitment all shift depending on the line you choose. The right route depends on your experience, your fitness, and the weather on the day.
This guide breaks down the classics with the stats and the honest, practical details you actually need — so you can pick the line that fits the day, not the one that just looks good on a map. Tap any route below for the full breakdown.
Which Path Up Snowdon?
Pyg Track
The classic from Pen-y-Pass. 7.2 km, 720 m ascent, 4–6 hours round trip. A proper mountain line with a short exposed section.
Explore →Steady OptionMiners' Track
Also from Pen-y-Pass. 13 km round trip, 723 m ascent. Gentler start past Llyn Llydaw, steeper above the lake.
Explore →EasiestLlanberis Path
The easiest, from Llanberis village. 14.5 km round trip, 980 m ascent. Long, graded, and the most crowded — but straightforward.
Explore →Most ScenicWatkin Path
The hardest, from Nant Gwynant. 12.5 km round trip, 1,010 m ascent. Steep, rugged, and the most scenic — a real mountain day.
Explore →QuietestRhyd Ddu Path
The quietest, from Rhyd Ddu. 11 km round trip, 875 m ascent. Big views of the northern ridge from the start.
Explore →ScrambleCrib Goch — Scramble Route
Not a path, but the most dramatic way up Yr Wyddfa — a serious Grade 1 knife-edge scramble for confident scramblers.
Explore →Practical Notes
- Parking: Pen-y-Pass is small and fills by mid-morning in summer — book a space in advance or use the Sherpa bus network from Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed or Nant Gwynant.
- Facilities: Toilets and a café at Pen-y-Pass; Hafod Eryri visitor centre and café at the summit (seasonal). Carry food and water regardless — conditions and opening times change.
- The railway: The Snowdon Mountain Railway runs to the summit. Mind the crossing points on the Llanberis Path and give the trains space.
- Weather: Summit conditions can be radically different from the valley. Check the MWIS forecast and turn around if it’s not safe — the mountain will still be there.
- Kit: Proper boots, waterproofs, warm layers, headtorch, and a map and compass you can actually use. See the day hike packing list.
Walk up Snowdon — FAQs
How long does it take to walk up Snowdon?
Most people take 4–7 hours round trip depending on the path and fitness. The Pyg Track is typically 4–6 hours, the Llanberis Path 5–7 hours, and the Watkin Path 6–8 hours.
Which is the easiest path up Snowdon?
The Llanberis Path. It’s the longest but has the gentlest gradients and no scrambling or exposure — the usual recommendation for first-timers.
How hard is the Pyg Track?
It’s a proper mountain walk, not a hike on flat ground — 720m of ascent with one short exposed section. Anyone with reasonable fitness and steady footwear can do it in good weather, but it deserves respect.
Do I need to book to walk up Snowdon?
No booking is needed for the paths themselves, but Pen-y-Pass parking fills fast and is pre-bookable. The summit café is seasonal. Check current arrangements before you go.
Can a beginner walk up Snowdon?
Yes, via the Llanberis Path on a settled day. It’s a long, steady climb — bring proper footwear, waterproofs, food and water, check the forecast, and be ready to turn back if conditions change.