Snowdonia Walk
Snowdon by the Llanberis Path
Maps | |||
Ordnance Survey Explorer OL17 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer OL17 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 115 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 115 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. |
Walk Route Description
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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 this route, 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 Snowdonia 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 ascent 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 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.
To return to the start retrace your steps 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 1681 Moel Eilio & Moel Cynghorion from Llanberis - mod/hard - 10.0 miles/16.3 km
Walk 2626 Snowdon & Garnedd Ugain from Llanberis - moderate - 9.3 miles/15.1 km
Walk 3057 Moel Eilio from Llanberis - moderate - 7.0 miles/11.4 km
Walk 3059 Moel Cynghorion & Snowdon - very hard - 13.5 miles/21.9 km
Walk 3613 Moel Cynghorion from Llyn Cwellyn - moderate - 5.0 miles/8.1 km
Walk 1453 Elidir Fawr, Mynydd Perfedd & Marchlyn Mawr reservoir - moderate - 6.0 miles/9.8 km
Walk 2590 Nantlle Ridge Walk from Rhyd Ddu (Route A) - moderate - 6.0 miles/9.8 km
Walk 2797 Yr Aran and Snowdon from Rhyd-Ddu - mod/hard - 8.5 miles/13.8 km
Walk 3509 Nantlle Ridge from Rhyd Ddu (Route B) - mod/hard - 8.3 miles/13.4 km
Walk 3198 Snowdon via the South Ridge & Rhyd-ddu Path - mod/hard - 7.5 miles/12.2 km
Recommended Books & eBooks
Mountain Walking in Snowdonia
Guidebook to 40 of Snowdonia's best day walks, with routes up Snowdon and Tryfan, including the Snowdon Horseshoe, Cadair Idris, Y Garn and The Rhinogs. The routes range from Grade 1 scrambles like Crib Goch or Bristly Ridge, to riverside and forest walks. Includes details of a 2-day traverse of all 15 of Snowdonia's 3000ft peaks.
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