There are six main paths ascending Snowdon with  little difference between them in the amount of effort required to ascend Snowdon. Snowdon can be tackled all year round but extreme caution is required during the winter months and during bad weather. Always be properly equipped, know your limitations and seek advice if you are not sure.

 

Si Wilson, proprietor of Dol Peris and qualified hillwalking and climbing instructor with over 25 years of experience is always happy to give you advice on any walks and climbs in the area from short scenic strolls to tackling Snowdon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The easiest options to ascend Snowdon (3559ft) are to walk direct from the guest house on the Llanberis path or to take the sherpa bus to pen y pass and take the Miners or Pyg Track. (See Simon's Recommendation below)

 

The ascent takes around 3 hours depending on fitness and two hours to descend. In good weather, an Ascent of Snowdon is no problem for most people and is a great day out with breathtaking views and an amazing sense of achievement.

 

Whilst the paths are obvious and relatively straightforward, an ascent should not be underestimated with the weather having a significant effect on the safety of anyone on the mountain. It is all too easy to lose the paths in poor visibility and it has been known for people to get into difficulties in descent all too frequently. Most people have no problems going up Snowdon and some don't see what all the fuss is about regarding the danger, but what starts out as an ascent in good weather is very different if the weather takes a turn, visibilty can be reduced to a few metres, strong winds make walking difficult and the temperature drops significantly.

 

 

1. Check the weather forecast - we can advise you or you can get the latest mountain forecast from Joe Browns climbing shop 100mtrs away.

 

2. Go equipped - even in summer Snowdon can be an inhospitable place. make sure you have the following as a minimum:-

 

Good walking footwear

Appropriate clothes - jeans not recommended as they stay cold if wet

Waterproofs - also act as a windproof barrier

Hat and gloves

Spare layers

Food and drink

Map and compass - and know how to use them

 

3. know your limits -  If the weather closes in and your navigation skills are not as good as they should be, or you are feeling tired or it is taking longer to go up than first planned then think about altering your plans. Don't  hesitate to turn back if things aren't going well. Remember, Snowdon will always be there another day.

 

4. Seek local advice - Simon at the Dol Peris is a qualified mountaineer, climbing instructor, navigation coach and mountain bike instructor and is more than happy to give you advice on any aspect of hillwalking. the local climbing shops are also able to offer the same invaluable advice and can supply you with any equipment you need.

 

 

This route description is probably the best option for your first visit to Snowdon and is easily achieved by pretty much anyone.

 

Preparation.

1. Make sure you are feeling fit and are properly equipped. Try and avoid too much alcohol the night before as this can leave you feeling dehydrated the next day which can seriously affect your comfort and performance (and possibly safety) on an ascent. Save the celebrations for your triumphant return !

 

2. Check the forecast and seek advice if you are not sure how the weather will affect you. Joe Browns climbing shop displays the mountain forecast every day and they can give you expert advice. sometimes, particularly during the summer months, an early start is not necessary and a delay may sometimes be wise to let bad weather pass over in the morning. go to www.meto.gov.uk and go to the mountain area forecast for Snowdonia in an easy to understand format.

 

3. Check the bus timetable for the Snowdon Sherpa bus the evening before if possible, to pick a suitable start time, or check t out on the way to breakfast at petes Eats. The bus stop is just 100 metres away from Dol Peris, opposite Joe browns climbing shop and it displays the time table for the sherpa bus which is specifically for taking walkers to the start points of the main paths on Snowdon. in the morning, buses are usually every 20 minutes.

 

I recommend this option as it has several advantages and makes a good first ascent of Snowdon. It has a higher start point and shorter ascent distance, provides an interesting ascent, traverses the whole mountain, brings you straight back to Dol Peris and removes the hassle of finding parking. 

 

1. Catch the sherpa bus to Pen y Pass which is about 15 minutes by bus. This places you at the start of the Miners and PYG track. It is a higher start point and the paths are shorter to the summit than other paths. (car parking at Pen y Pass is currently £10 and usually full very early, whereas the bus is £1 and always has room)

 

2. When you get off the bus, there is a main car park in front of you. at the back of this is the start of the miners path. there is another car park off to the right, at the back of this is the start for the PYG track, in my opinion, a better path.

 

3. follow the pyg track which steadily ascends to Bwlch y Moch (Pig Pass) which changes the path to the other side of the ridge (different views) if you get here within 30-35 mins you are going at a good pace. If you get here any faster you are either nice and fit or you will burn out within the next hour so remember to take it steady.

 

4. it gets easy for the next section once you cross the double stiles. enjoy the respite as the mighty North Face of Snowdon comes into view.

 

5. the path starts to climb steeper again and the miners path soon joins you from down to the left, both eventually reaching the infamous zig zags  (an accident spot in poor weather) before putting you on the summit ridge at the 'Fingerstone' and the joining point with the Llanberis path. there is now just a short push up to the summit. The summit cafe is open during season. You should probably get to the summit in any time from 2 to 3 hours from the start of the path.

 

6. for the descent, follow the path you have just ascended back down to the fingerstone which runs parallel to the railway over on your left. at the fingerstone you continue straight on, staying parallel to the tracks and staying on the llanberis path all the way down. You cross under the railway about a quarter of the way down on what is now an obvious path. After an hour or so from the summit you will reach the halfway house where you can get refreshments during peak season. you now have about another hour of walking to get back to the village. the descent from the summit will take around 2 hours.