Which Snowdon Route is Right For Me?

If you’re considering climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and aren’t familiar with the six main routes up the mountain, choosing between them can be tricky. Each offers a unique experience and presents a distinct challenge.
In this article, we take a look at all six routes, giving you an insight into how difficult they are, who they are best suited to and who may not enjoy them as much. Before we start, there’s a quick disclaimer – if you are an absolute mountain walking beginner, we don’t recommend climbing Yr Wyddfa without a guide. Even on the “easiest” paths, there are notable risks, ranging from the changeable weather to navigational difficulties. A qualified guide’s experience and expertise will keep you safe while ensuring you get maximum enjoyment from the experience.
Llanberis Path
Distance | 9 miles / 14.5 km |
Ascent | 975 metres |
Time | 5.5 – 7 hours |
Start Point | Llanberis |
Grid Ref | SH 582 598 |
Departing from Llanberis village, the aptly named Llanberis Path begins with a steep tarmac road, then mellows out and winds its way up the mountain gradually. The path is usually in good condition and is well-marked all the way to the top. It features two potential stops. The Pen y Ceunant Isaf (known locally as the Snowdon Cafe) is located at the end of the tarmac road. The Halfway House is mid-way up the mountain. It is worth checking out the opening times for these establishments, as they vary according to the weather and season.
How difficult is it?
Despite being the longest of the six main trails, Llanberis Path is typically considered the easiest route up the mountain. The extra distance ensures that the gradient is less consistently steep than on other routes and the terrain is certainly less challenging. That doesn’t mean you should take the Llanberis Path for granted though. It’s still a difficult climb if you are not used to walking in the mountains.
Who would enjoy this route?
Almost everyone enjoys Llanberis Path, as it is a good introduction to the mountain and offers the easiest access to the summit. This makes it popular among those who have never climbed Yr Wyddfa or aren’t looking for a tough and technical challenge. It is a great option for families who want to reach their summit with the kids. That said, walking up and down will take six to eight hours, so it’s worth considering whether your children are capable of that amount of walking.
Who wouldn’t enjoy this route?
As Llanberis Path is the easiest way up the mountain, it does attract more people and the trail is busier than other paths. If you are looking for a more solitary and quiet mountain experience, you may want to check out another route. Likewise, if you want more of a physical or technical challenge, the harder routes will suit you better.
Llanberis Path is best for:
- • First-time Yr Wyddfa walkers who want the most simple route to the summit.
- • Relatively inexperienced walkers looking for an achievable but rewarding mountain route.
- • Families or groups that include children or younger people.
Learn more and find detailed route instructions »
Snowdon Ranger Path
Distance | 8 miles / 13 km |
Ascent | 936 metres |
Time | 6 hours |
Start Point | Llyn Cwellyn |
Grid Ref | SH 564 511 |
The Snowdon Ranger Path begins at Llyn Cwellyn, near the YHA Snowdon Ranger Hostel. As a result, it’s a great option if you’re looking to stay in affordable accommodation before or after your walk. Possibly the oldest Yr Wyddfa route, it is named after John Morton – a Victorian guide who called himself “the Snowdon Ranger” and helped the earliest adventure tourists to the summit.
How difficult is it?
The Snowdon Ranger Path is usually thought of as a step up in difficulty from the Llanberis path but not quite as challenging as the Pyg Track. While there is a steeper section in the middle, most of the route is well-marked and the path is usually in good condition and easy to follow in good weather.
Who would enjoy this route?
We think the Snowdon Ranger Path is just about perfect for those visitors who aren’t so keen on the business of Llanberis Path and are seeking a bit of a quieter and more peaceful mountain experience. Though the Snowdon Ranger Path is regarded as a more tranquil route, this can change during peak season. So don’t presume you’ll have the path all to yourself. It is also an excellent stepping stone for those looking to transition from Llanberis Path to more challenging routes.
Who wouldn’t enjoy this route?
While it is tougher than the Llanberis Path, the Snowdon Ranger Path won’t pose too much of a problem for more experienced hikers. If you have a few mountain ascents under your belt and are comfortable in more challenging terrain, maybe consider one of the four remaining routes. It is also worth noting that, though the path is quieter, it doesn’t give you as much of a sense of wild isolation as the Rhyd Ddu Path or Watkin Path.
Snowdon Ranger Path is best for:
- • Walkers who have completed the Llanberis Path and want to see if slightly harder routes are for them.
- • Visitors who still want a relatively simple route but would prefer less foot traffic than you experience on Llanberis Path.
- • Hikers who are more comfortable on well-marked and maintained paths.
Learn more and find detailed route instructions »
Miners’ Track
Distance | 8 miles / 13 km |
Ascent | 723 metres |
Time | 6 hours |
Start Point | Pen y Pass car park |
Grid Ref | SH 647 577 |
Starting from the Pen y Pass car park, the Miners’ Track runs along the edge of Llyn Teyrn, Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn before shooting upwards with a steep, rocky ascent towards the summit. It joins the Pyg Track on the approach to the ridge, then the Llanberis Path for the last section up to the summit, so the last section is relatively simple. Originally opened to service the Britannia Copper Mine, the path takes you past remnants of the mountain’s industrial past and offers striking views over the surrounding area.
How difficult is it?
More challenging than the two previous routes, the Miners’ Track is moderately difficult and requires good physical fitness and confidence in steep terrain. If this is your first time visiting Yr Wyddfa and you have little experience in the mountains, we recommend tackling the Llanberis and Snowdon Ranger paths first.
Who would enjoy this route?
The Miners’ Path is an excellent choice for experienced hikers who want a more strenuous day out in the mountains. While the first half of the route is pretty simple, this means everything is back-loaded, and the final ascent is more technical and challenging.
Who wouldn’t enjoy this route?
We would avoid this route if you struggle with rocky terrain or aren’t sure how you will respond when the footpath gets steep and loose underfoot. You may also need basic navigation skills at points, as the path isn’t always the easiest to follow. Finally, if you’re looking for a quiet day of walking on empty trails, you may want to avoid the Miners’ Track during peak periods.
Miners’ Track is best for:
- • Walkers who don’t necessarily want to go all the way to the summit but want a circular route – you can come down via Llanberis Path or the Pyg Track.
- • Those using public transport to reach the trailhead – the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service runs to Pen y Pass.
- • Visitors who want an insight into Yr Wyddfa’s industrial past.
Learn more and find detailed route instructions »
Pyg Track
Distance | 7 miles / 11 km |
Ascent | 723 metres |
Time | 6 hours |
Start Point | Pen y Pass car park |
Grid Ref | SH 647 577 |
Only surpassed by the busier Llanberis Path, the Pyg Track is one of the most popular routes up Yr Wyddfa. And for good reason. It’s a challenging walk over uneven and loose terrain, but it boasts spectacular views and is steeped in history. It runs parallel with the Miners’ Track for much of the ascent but is slightly higher, giving you an entirely different perspective. You can also climb via the Pyg Track and descend on the Miners’ Track for a great circular route.
How difficult is it?
The Pyg Track is probably smack bang in the middle of the six Yr Wyddfa routes. Harder than either Llanberis Path or the Snowdon Ranger Path, it’s not quite as challenging as the Rhyd Ddu Path or the Watkin Path. As the shortest route, it contains some pretty steep sections, and the final zig-zag section up to the summit features loose rocks underfoot.
Who would enjoy this route?
We reckon the Pyg Track is perfect for hill walkers who are building experience and looking to progress from the Llanberis or Snowdon Ranger paths to something a little more challenging. The path is well-maintained and easy to follow in good weather, and it benefits from fantastic views of Crib Goch, Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn.
Who wouldn’t enjoy this route?
There are only two reasons people wouldn’t enjoy this route. The first is that it’s too difficult for your current fitness level or comfort. If you don’t know whether you’re ready for the Pyg Track, measure yourself against the two “easier” routes and take it on next time. The second is that it is one of the busier Yr Wyddfa routes. If you want quiet and peaceful trails, you will need to visit outside of peak season or consider an alternative route.
Pyg Track is best for:
- • Walkers who want to enjoy a classic Yr Wyddfa walking route.
- • Those who are confident in the mountains and want to push themselves to try something a little more challenging than the “easier” Yr Wyddfa routes.
- • Visitors looking for a great circular walk – up the Pyg Track and down the Miners’ Track is a great day out.
Learn more and find detailed route instructions »
Rhyd Ddu Path
Distance | 8.5 miles / 14 km |
Ascent | 895 metres |
Time | 6 hours |
Start Point | Rhyd Ddu car park |
Grid Ref | SH 571 526 |
If you want to see a different side of Yr Wyddfa, Rhyd Ddu is hard to beat. Departing from the Rhyd Ddu car park, which is also serviced by the the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus, it approaches the summit from the west and passes through old quarries, revealing majestic views as you go, and up onto the fairly narrow Bwlch Main ridgeline trail, another sharp ascent and then the summit. Overall, it is one of the most enjoyable routes up the mountain.
How difficult is it?
The Rhyd Ddu Path is one of the more challenging of the six routes and involves some ridgeline walking and scrambling sections. It probably falls in between the Pyg Track and Watkin Path in terms of difficulty. That said, it is achievable for reasonably fit walkers who are happy with short and simple technical sections.
Who would enjoy this route?
Rhyd Ddu is generally regarded as the quietest route up the mountain and is great if you want to avoid the crowds and really embrace that feeling of being out in a wild mountain landscape. If you ask someone who has climbed all six Yr Wyddfa routes what their favourite was, there is a good chance they will say Rhyd Ddu.
Who wouldn’t enjoy this route?
Compared to most of the routes, Rhyd Ddu is challenging. The ridgeline sections require a good head for heights, so it is probably not for you if you struggle with narrow paths and some exposure. It’s not the infamous Crib Gock knife-edge ridge. Instead, it is a marginally wider, butter-knife ridge. If you are unsure whether you have the experience required to take on Rhyd Ddu, we recommend giving the Pyg Track a go first and seeing how you feel.
Rhyd Ddu Path is best for:
- • Visitors who want the quietest route to the summit and want to avoid trail traffic as much as possible.
- • Walkers who want the experience of ridgeline walking with limited exposure.
- • Hikers looking for unrivalled views over Moel Hebog, Nantlle Ridge, Mynydd Mawr and the west corner of Anglesey and Caernarfon.
Learn more and find detailed route instructions »
Watkin Path
Distance | 8 miles / 13 km |
Ascent | 1015 metres |
Time | 7 hours |
Start Point | Pont Bethania |
Grid Ref | SH 627 507 |
Our final route is the iconic Watkin Path. The most challenging path up Yr Wyddfa, it is also one of our favourites. Named after a Victorian politician and railwayman, Sir Edward Watkin, it was the first officially designated footpath in the UK and was opened by Prime Minister William Gladstone in 1892. On the route, you will actually pass the rock on which he gave his speech to a 2,000-strong crowd for the opening ceremony. Featuring waterfalls, crystal clear pools, ancient woodland and the remnants of the region’s slate mining past, this route combines history and natural beauty to excellent effect.
How difficult is it?
The Watkin Path is the toughest of the six main Yr Wyddfa routes. It requires good physical fitness, scrambling skills, confidence in mountain environments and an ability to cope with exposure and steep drop-offs.
Who would enjoy this route?
There is so much to love about the Watkin Path that it is difficult to think of reasons people wouldn’t enjoy it. From the beautiful pools and waterfalls in the lower section and abandoned buildings of the old slate quarry to the challenging scree ascent to the summit, it’s all brilliant. Quiet, challenging and rewarding, it is a great way to experience Yr Wyddfa.
Who wouldn’t enjoy this route?
This is not a route for anyone who struggles with exposure or does not have a head for heights. The upper slopes of the path require some scrambling skills and will test less experienced walkers. We wouldn’t recommend the Watkin Path for families or dog walkers due to the final ascent.
Watkin Path is best for:
- • Experienced walkers who have a head for heights and want to experience the toughest of the six main Yr Wyddfa routes.
- • Visitors who want to travel through diverse environments on their way to the summit – the Watkin Path has a bit of everything.
- • Photographers and walkers looking for breathtaking vistas and phenomenal views of the local landscape.
Learn more and find detailed route instructions »
Visit Yr Wyddfa with Climb Snowdon
If you want to climb Yr Wyddfa but want to do so in a group and with the support of a qualified Mountain Leader, check out our Climb Snowdon Guided Walks. Running regularly throughout the year, they give you an opportunity to experience the majesty of Yr Wyddfa while building confidence on the mountain and enjoying the company of like-minded outdoor adventurers!