What to Know Before Climbing Mount Snowden This Winter

Mount Snowden: The Facts

Mount Snowden – referred to as ‘Yr Wyddfa’ in Welsh – is the highest mountain in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. It is located in Snowdonia National Park and measures 1,085m in height. Snowden forms part of a close-knit family of jagged peaks; the summit can offer views of Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire, Anglesey and even Ireland on a clear day!

Planning Your Walk This Winter

Climbing mountains when there is a possibility of snow and ice requires specific equipment, knowledge and awareness. If you consider yourself to be a beginner, it might be a good idea to attend a winter skills course where you can learn directly from a professional instructor.

Plans to climb Snowden should be based on up-to-date weather forecasts. You should also be realistic about what conditions you can tackle based on your level experience. When climbing Snowden, never be afraid to turn around if conditions deteriorate – it can often be a lot more challenging to descend in snow and ice.

Snowdonia National Park Wardens also produce daily reports detailing the ground conditions and level of snow and ice, so it is highly recommended you visit their page before climbing this winter.

Snowden Paths

There are six different paths to choose from when climbing Mount Snowden: Pyg Track, Rhyd Ddu Path, Miners Path, Snowden Ranger, Watkin Path and Llanberis Path

Pyg Track

Stats

• Total Climb: 723m (2,371 ft)
• Distance: 7 miles (there and back)
• Estimated Time: 6 hours (there and back)
• Start Point: Pen y Pass Car Park
• Recommended Map: Explorer OL17 Ordnance Survey
• Parking Facilities: Pen y Pass Car Park 

Pyg Track is the shortest walking route up Snowden, and coincidently the route that involves the least amount of ascent. This by no means makes it the easiest path to climb, as it can be steep and rocky in places. The paths are generally in a good condition, however there are some accident blackspots when there are icy conditions (especially in winter!).

Rhyd Ddu Path

Stats

• Total Climb: 895m (2,936 ft)
• Distance: 7.5 miles (there and back)
• Estimated Time: 6 hours (there and back)
• Start Point: Rhyd Ddu Car Park
• Recommended Map: Explorer OL17 Ordnance Survey
• Parking Facilities: Rhyd Ddu Car Park

The Rhyd Ddu Path is one of the lesser known tracks up Snowden. Some walkers believe this route hasn’t got much going for it, but once you reach Bwlch Cwm Lla, you witness some truly incredible mountainous scenery. The final section is very steep and slightly eroded in places, the narrow Bwlch Main ridge can be quite dangerous in the winter months, so it is more suited to experienced walkers.

Miners Path

Stats

• Total Climb: 723m (2,371 ft)
• Distance: 8 miles (there and back)
• Estimated Time: 6 hours (there and back)
• Start Point: Pen y Pass Car Park
• Recommended Map: Explorer OL17 Ordnance Survey
• Parking Facilities: Pen y Pass Car Park

The Miners Path is one of the most popular and easiest routes up Snowden. The route stays low and follows a wide track round to Glaslyn, it then goes up some rocky steps where it joins Pya Track to the summit. Most novice walkers choose this route up Snowden, however there are some accident blackspots in icy conditions once you join Pyg Track.

Snowden Ranger

Stats

• Total Climb: 936m (3,070 ft)
• Distance: 8 miles (there and back)
• Estimated Time: 6 hours (there and back)
• Start Point: Snowdon Ranger YHA
• Recommended Map: Explorer OL17 Ordnance Survey
• Parking Facilities: Llyn Cwellyn Car Park

Named after the ‘Snowden Ranger’ youth hostel, the Ranger path is one of the quieter walking routes up Snowden. The ascent initially starts quite steep, before levelling out where you can catch some well-earned respite. This doesn’t last for long however, before the steep inclines start again. You will experience some fantastic views on the way up, making the steep sections all but worth it. The steepness of the path can make the route quite treacherous in poor conditions, so pay close attention to the weather.

Watkin Path

Stats

• Total Climb: 1,015m (3,329 ft)
• Distance: 8 miles (there and back)
• Estimated Time: 7 hours (there and back)
• Start Point: Bethania Bridge, Nant Gwynant
• Recommended Map: Explorer OL17 Ordnance Survey
• Parking Facilities: Pont Bethania, Nant Gwynant Car Park

The start of the Watkin Path is officially the closest to sea level, making it the longest ascent up Snowden. It is considered one of the most scenic routes, starting off through an ancient woodland before passing a stunning waterfall. The ascent up Bwlch Ciliau and Yr Wyddfa are very enjoyable, however the final section is quite eroded and detracts from the overall appeal. In poor weather conditions the final section can become a bit of an accident blackspot, so don’t be disappointed if it is not safe to reach the summit.

Llanberis Path

Stats

• Total Climb: 975m (3,198 ft)
• Distance: 9 miles (there and back)
• Estimated Time: 6 hours (there and back)
• Start Point: Postcode – LL55 4UW (approx. location only)
• Recommended Map: Explorer OL17 OS
• Parking Facilities: Multiple car parks in Llanberis.

Although the Watkin Path is ‘officially’ the highest ascent, the Llanberis Path only starts 50 meters higher and is slightly longer. Nevertheless, it is considered the easiest and most popular route. Poor weather conditions can still cause accidents on this path, so take care over the winter months! Most beginner and novice Snowden walkers choose this route, as it is the easiest to navigate.

**Please note that estimated climb times are based on good conditions

Accommodation in Porthmadog

In the autumn/winter months it is recommended that you get a good night’s sleep before tackling Mount Snowden. When it comes to  accommodation in Porthmadog , there are plenty of places to stay that are situated within a few miles of the iconic mountain, and the village of Tremadog is the ideal location to reside for those looking for a gateway to Snowdonia National Park.

About The Author

Follow

stash member Simon L

Simon is a very talented writer who writes on all most all the important current topics associated with different industries such as travel, fashion & lifestyle, and technology. He is an ardent traveler which helps in boosting his writing skills.