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Snowdon & Garnedd Ugain from Llanberis

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Snowdon Crib Goch

County/Area - Gwynedd

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 9.3 miles / 15.1 km    Ascent - 3300 feet / 1000 metres

Time - 8 hours 0 minutes    Grade - moderate

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Ordnance Survey Explorer OL17Sheet Map1:25kBUY
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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Snowdon & Garnedd Ugain from Llanberis
Click image to see photo description.

All ascents of Snowdon require uphill walking and preferably fine weather. The route from the centre of Llanberis is no exception although it is the least steep of all the paths to the summit of the highest mountain in England and Wales. It must be remembered that although offering relatively easy gradients the route is also the longest path to the summit. In good weather and with reasonable fitness the walk can be completed with ease. However, with snow and ice, the route presents some major problems especially in the section above Clogwyn station.

The start is the pay and display car park opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway station in Llanberis (grid ref. SH582598). At busy times, this car park can fill early and alternatives area available elsewhere in the village. After parking cross the road to the station and turn left uphill along the A4086. At the first road junction turn right along Victoria Terrace (Rhes Fictoria). Follow this road for about a kilometre. The road becomes narrower and climbs steadily. Reaching a footpath sign (grid ref. SH581589), bear left off the lane and join the Llanberis Path.

The path is easy to follow and generally well maintained and progress for most walkers is straightforward. Good footwear is essential. The path climbs at a steady rate and initially offer little in the way of views. However, to keep your interest the Snowdon Mountain Railway trains (in season) offer added interest as they struggle up the mountain. The path climbs above Hebron station (down to your right) and continues steadily uphill to cross the railway just below Halfway station.

Continuing uphill the views improve and Clogwyn station is passed on your right. Shortly after you re-cross the railway and the path steepens as you climb across the northern flank of Garnedd Ugain, the second highest mountain in England and Wales. As the railway gets closer to the path turn left onto a clear path and continue to the summit of Garnedd Ugain. From the summit you get a great view down to the knife-edge ridge of Crib Goch and across to Snowdon's summit. Retrace your steps to join the main path and continue past Bwlch Glas where the Miner's path comes up from Pen-y-pass. A final ascent soon brings you to the summit area with the station, café and summit can be found.

The summit area can be very busy with walkers arriving on six different routes at the summit. Add to these the passengers arriving by train and it can soon get crowded. Do remember that this is the busiest mountain in England and Wales. Despite the number of people, the views in clear weather are magnificent with the mountains of the Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park providing a superb panorama. In clear weather, the view includes the Isle of Anglesey and into England.

The return route follows the outward route. Shortly after leaving the summit at Bwlch Glas do not descend to Pen-y-pass and stay on the path paralleling the railway down to Clogwyn and onto Llanberis.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1003 Snowdon by the Llanberis Pathmoderate9.0 miles
Walk 1681 Moel Eilio & Moel Cynghorion from Llanberis mod/hard10.0 miles
Walk 3057 Moel Eilio from Llanberismoderate7.0 miles
Walk 3059 Moel Cynghorion & Snowdon from near Llanberisvery hard13.5 miles
Walk 1453 Elidir Fawr, Mynydd Perfedd & Marchlyn Mawr reservoirmoderate6.0 miles
Walk 3613 Moel Cynghorion from Llyn Cwellynmoderate5.0 miles
Walk 1088 Glyder Ridge traversehard5.5 miles
Walk 1186 Y Garn from Ogwen Cottagemod/hard4.5 miles
Walk 3019 Y Garn & Carnedd y Filiast Ogwen Cottagehard8.5 miles
Walk 3062 Pen yr Ole Wenmoderate5.0 miles

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