Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon Guided Walks and Scrambles with Professional Mountain Leaders
Yr Wyddfa, or alternatively known as Snowdon is the tallest mountain in Wales (1,085m). The mountain has been described by Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team as 'probably the busiest in Britain', but don't let that put you off as you don't always have to follow the crowds. Snowdon has at least 8 main routes to the top, a mountain railway, plus a cafe on it's summit!
Even though we are a Lake District based company, on a yearly basis we lead hundreds of people up Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon, and our guides have tonnes of experience on this mountain. On this page you will find some information on the most popular routes up Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon.
Via the Pyg & Miners Track
Of the 8 routes up Snowdon, the Pyg Track and Miners track are two of the three most popular. They start from a point called Pen-Y-Pass. Pen-Y-Pass hosts a small car park, youth hostel and a cafe. In the summer the car park fills up exceptionally quickly so it is worth arriving early. There is however other parking a 15 minute walk away, and the Sherpa bus from Llanberis is also a great option.
Grade:Mod Terrain: Good Paths, Partially Rugged Underfoot
Duration: 5-6 Hours Route Stats: Miles: 7.5 Ascent: 760m
The route described below can be done in either direction, however we always prefer using the Pyg Track in ascent and the Miners Track in descent. The Pyg track starts easily from the car park, and much like the Corridor Route on Scafell Pike it gently makes it's way up Snowdon, with just a few steeper sections. As you near the end of the track it zig zags steeply, at the top of which the summit ridge and the fingerstone are met. A final pull up the ridge along the side of the mountain railway traintracks brings you to the iconic summit. The trig point is raised up on a platform, so after climbing the last dozen steps feeling like a hero, the trig point is reached, and amazing views over Snowdonia await. on a super clear day expect to see the Isle of Man, Ireland & The hills of the Lake District.
The Miners Track actually branches off the Pyg Track not far below the steep zig zags. To reach it we retrace our steps down the upper section of the Pyg Track to the fork. The opening sections of descent are steep but by the time the shores of Glaslyn are met the path eases. Another gentle descent brings you to the shores of the reservoir Llyn Llydaw. The path now becomes almost flat and a final mile is enjoyed to finish the day.
The route described above is the route traditionally used on the National 3 Peaks Challenge. This route is most suited to those with limited hill walking experience and limited hill fitness.
Check our Open Events diary to see what dates we have this walk scheduled on throughout the year. Also available on a bespoke basis for groups of all size.
The Snowdon Horseshoe
The Snowdon Horseshoe is a super classic route and one which all keen scramblers must tick off in their lives. The route starts with the epic grade 1 scramble over the airy Crib Goch Ridge (not for the faint hearted!) Route finding can be tricky in places so a guide is always a worthy decision if unsure. Snowdon stands at the apex of this route, but more fun is had as you scramble up the twin peaks of Y Lliwedd. A long and tough day out but well worth it. Best suited to those with good walking experience and hill fitness.
Grade: Hard Terrain: Rough Ground & Exposed Duration: 7-8 Hours
Route Stats: Miles: 7.5 Ascent: 1150m
The Llanberis Path
Although containing more miles and more ascent than the Pyg or Miners tracks, due to the great paths underfoot the Llanberis path is deemed to be the easiest. Starting from the village of Llanberis itself the route ascends the mountain from the north, following the mountain railway up. This route can be linked up well with many of the other routes on Snowdon to offer a full traverse of the mountain. This route is ideally suited for those with limited walking experience. It is also an excellent route for overnight challenge events such as Snowdon for Sunrise.
Grade: Easy/ Moderate Terrain: Good Paths Duration: 6 Hours
Route Stats: Miles: 9 Ascent: 950m
Rhyd Ddu & South Ridge
A brilliant, quieter route up the mountain and a firm favorite of many of our guides. This route combines good paths with rugged steep ascents and rocky crests. There are great views throughout and this route really does show off a different side to Snowdon. This route is best suited to those with some previous walking experience, but really suits those looking for some tranquility for the most part.
Grade: Moderate / Hard Terrain: Good Paths, some exposure Duration: 6 Hours
Route Stats: Miles: 7.5 Ascent: 900m
Why Us?
Although a very busy mountain, Snowdon is still no 'walk in the park'. On a yearly basis dozens of people find themselves struggling to get up and down the mountain without encountering an issue somewhere along the line. Hiring a guide means that you can be relieved of the stress of having to navigate the paths and manage the group. We strive to ensure all our days are not only fun, but educational, so expect to learn something about this amazing mountain and the area around it as you climb. We are available in both Summer and Winter for hire, as well as for night ascents for challenges such as the National 3 Peaks or Snowdon for Sunrise.We have an excellent safety record, and many glowing testimonials which can be viewed here.
