Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon Guided Walks and Scrambles with Professional Mountain Leaders
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Yr Wyddfa, more commonly known as Snowdon, stands proudly as the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085m. Described by the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team as “probably the busiest mountain in Britain,” it attracts walkers from all over the world. But don’t let its popularity put you off — there are plenty of ways to enjoy the mountain away from the main crowds.
With at least eight main routes to the summit, plus the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway and even a café at the top, there’s something for everyone on Yr Wyddfa.
Although we’re a Lake District–based company, we guide hundreds of people every year to the summit of Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon. Our guides have extensive experience on the mountain in all seasons and conditions.
On this page, you’ll find information about some of the most popular routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon.
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Via the Pyg & Miners Track
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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.
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Grade:Mod Terrain: Good Paths, Partially Rugged Underfoot
Duration: 5-6 Hours Route Stats: Miles: 7.5 Ascent: 760m
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The route described below can be completed in either direction; however, we generally prefer to ascend via the Pyg Track and descend via the Miners Track.
The Pyg Track begins directly from the Pen-y-Pass car park and, much like the Corridor Route on Scafell Pike, it rises gradually at first, with only a few steeper sections. As you near the upper slopes, the trail steepens into a series of zigzags, leading to the summit ridge and the distinctive Finger Stone. From here, a final push along the ridge beside the mountain railway brings you to the iconic summit of Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon.
The summit trig point sits elevated on a stone platform — and after climbing the last few steps, you’ll feel every bit the hero as you take in spectacular panoramic views across Snowdonia. On an exceptionally clear day, you can even see as far as the Isle of Man, Ireland, and the hills of the Lake District.
The Miners Track branches off from the Pyg Track just below the steep zigzags. To join it, we retrace our steps slightly before taking the fork. The initial descent is steep, but the gradient soon eases as you reach the tranquil shores of Glaslyn. A gentle descent then continues to Llyn Llydaw, a beautiful mountain reservoir. From here, the path becomes almost flat — making for a relaxed final mile back to Pen-y-Pass, the perfect way to finish the day.
This route is the one traditionally used for the National Three Peaks Challenge and is particularly well-suited to those with limited hillwalking experience or developing hill fitness.
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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.
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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.
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Grade: Easy/ Moderate Terrain: Good Paths Duration: 6 Hours
Route Stats: Miles: 9 Ascent: 950m
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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.
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Grade: Moderate / Hard Terrain: Good Paths, some exposure Duration: 6 Hours
Route Stats: Miles: 7.5 Ascent: 900m
Why Us?
Although Snowdon is an extremely popular mountain, it is by no means “a walk in the park.” Each year, many walkers find themselves struggling to complete the ascent or descent without encountering difficulties.
Hiring a qualified mountain guide removes the stress of navigation, route-finding, and group management, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience. Our aim is to make every day on the mountain not only safe and enjoyable, but also educational — you’ll learn more about this remarkable peak and the stunning landscape that surrounds it as you climb.
We offer guided ascents year-round, including summer and winter climbs, as well as night ascents for challenges such as the National Three Peaks or Snowdon for Sunrise.
With an excellent safety record and numerous glowing testimonials, you can be confident that you’re in experienced and capable hands.
