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Climb Mount Snowdon [rock-climbing]

  • Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 29 March, 2024

At 3,560ft (1,085m) above sea-level, Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in England and Wales, rising out of idyllic Welsh countryside. A good full day’s hiking will climb you a mountain; better still, you reap views from the summit, earn a glowing sense of achievement, and can still be home in time for tea.

If you want the splendid views without the effort, the narrow-gauge Snowdon Mountain Railway offers a one-hour scenic ascent direct to the summit.

Whether you walk or take the train, you can refuel and enjoy the view at the Hafod Eryri cafe and visitor centre at the summit, named the UK’s ‘highest watering hole’.

While you're there

If you’ve ever fancied trying rock climbing, this is a great place to do it. These excellent full-day courses will pick you up from Llanberis and take you out to suitable locaitons to experience a variety of different challenges. All equipment and training is provided.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-7 hours

Getting there & doing it

It’s a 5-hour drive from London or go to Bangor station and get a bus into the national park to pick up the trailheads.

There are seven routes to choose from: Pig Track (3.5 miles, moderate+, 3-4 hours), Miners’ Track (4 miles, moderate+, 3-4 hours), Watkin Path (4 miles, moderate/hard, 4-4 hours), Rhydd Ddu Track (4 miles, moderate+, 3-4 hours), Llanberis Path (5 miles, moderate, 3-4 hours), Snowdon Horseshoe (8 miles, hard/severe, 5-7 hours) and Snowdon Ranger Path (4 miles, moderate+, 3-4 hours):

  • The Llanberis Path – also known as the Tourist Path – is the easiest path, a 9-mile circuit, with the most gradual climb that follows the train track.
  • The Watkin Path, the most beautiful and least-travelled path, was the first designated footpath in Britain opened by Prime Minister William Gladstone in 1892. It starts from Pont Bethania car park.
  • The Miners’ Track is the most popular path. It has good flat sections to start and great views of the horseshoe. Starting from Pen-y-Pass car park, you’ll follow the route to the summit that was once used to transport copper.

The Snowdon Sherpa bus shuttles around the start of all the routes, meaning you can ascend by one and descend by another. See all the routes on the website.

If you prefer to go with someone, Snowdon Mountain Guide offer guided walks for groups of 1-6.

When to do it

The mountain is open for hiking all year round — weather permitting. The Snowdon Mountain Railway trains operate daily April to October, at regular intervals from 9am-5pm. Schedules on the website.

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