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Snowdon by the Llanberis Path from Llanberis

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Snowdon Crib Goch

County/Area - Gwynedd

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 9.0 miles / 14.6 km    Ascent - 3300 feet / 1000 metres

Time - 7 hours 50 minutes    Grade - moderate

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Snowdon by the Llanberis Path
Click image to visit gallery of 6 images.

The summit of Snowdon is a magnet for visitors. Some arrive by train from Llanberis whilst others reach the summit the hard way having walked their way to the top. There are a number of routes that lead to the summit of Snowdon and the Llanberis Path, although not the shortest, might be described as one of the easiest as it involves good clear paths and a steady ascent. Despite its relative ease, you should still ensure you are well equipped with good footwear, adequate food and drinks plus clothing to cater for worsening weather conditions.

The start of this walk is the Snowdon Mountain Railway Station in Llanberis (Grid ref. SH 582 598). Walk south along the main road and take the first road on your right. This leads you past some cottages/houses and the start of the Llanberis Path which leads to the summit. The road turns south and shortly after you take the signed path on the left (Grid ref. SH 582 590).

Follow this broad Llanberis Path as it climbs steadily. At this stage the summit (still out of sight) seems a long way off but the gradient is not too taxing and you make steady progress. Passing through a short tunnel under the railway you reach Halfway Station. The ascent continues, steepening somewhat just before Clogwyn Station where you cross to the other side of the track via an underbridge. You are now three-quarters of the way to the top and the next section seems uninteresting as you climb more steeply than the railway to reach the top of the Pyg Track.

The top is now in sight and all that remains is the easy final section to the summit cairn. On most days you will not be alone and there is usually a bustling atmosphere as people enjoy the view and celebrating the achievement of reaching the summit.

To return to the start retrace your steps down the Llanebris Path making sure you keep the railway on your left as far as Clogwyn Station, on your right until Halfway Station and on your left again for the remainder of the route. Refreshments can be obtained at the Summit when trains are operating. In winter extra care is needed as two or three sections of the route are subject to icing turning a straightforward summer route into a more dangerous proposition.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2626 Snowdon & Garnedd Ugain from Llanberismoderate9.3 miles
Walk 3057 Moel Eilio from Llanberismoderate7.0 miles
Walk 3059 Moel Cynghorion & Snowdon from near Llanberisvery hard13.5 miles
Walk 3613 Moel Cynghorion from Llyn Cwellynmoderate5.0 miles
Walk 1453 Elidir Fawr, Mynydd Perfedd & Marchlyn Mawr reservoirmoderate6.0 miles
Walk 2590 Nantlle Ridge Walk from Rhyd Ddu (Route A)moderate6.0 miles
Walk 2797 Yr Aran and Snowdon from Rhyd-Ddumod/hard8.5 miles
Walk 3509 Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu (Route B)mod/hard8.3 miles
Walk 3198 Snowdon via the South Ridge & Rhyd-ddu Pathmod/hard7.5 miles
Walk 1951 Mynydd Mawr from Rhyd-Ddumoderate6.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and easy walks - South

Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and easy walks - SouthGuidebook describing 30 walks in Snowdonia, Wales. Routes are mostly low level and on clear paths and showcase the region's beautiful scenery and rich history and culture. Part of a 2-volume set, this southern volume includes Trawsfynydd, Bala, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, the Harlech Coast and the valleys of the Mawddach and Dyfi.
More information

Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and easy walks - North

Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and easy walks - NorthGuidebook describing 30 walks in Snowdonia, Wales. Routes are mostly low level and on clear paths and showcase the region's beautiful scenery and rich history and culture. Part of a 2-volume set, this northern volume includes the Snowdon area, the Ogwen and Conwy Valleys, Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, Ffestiniog and the coast.
More information

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