Routes up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
- Hamish Kuperus
- Apr 17, 2023
- 8 min read
Everyone knows the Pyg track and the Llanberis path, but there is so much more to Snowdon than just those. Here are the paths, routes, and variety that each path brings. There are a few variations to these, but predominantly these are the main paths up Yr Wyddfa. Each route has the gpx file that goes up to the summit, however, this does not reduce the need for a map (OL 17) or at least a subscription to OS maps online - this is a phenomenal service described at the bottom of this post.
Also for each starting point (Pen-Y-Pass, Llanberis, A4085 near Llyn Cwellyn, and Bethania), I will try to do it in an order of the easiest to hardest routes - from what I think.
Pen-Y-Pass start:
Parking at Pen-Y-Pass is expensive (£10-£30 minimum - depending on the season) so it's worth noting the extra parking. In Nant Peris, there is a large car park at half the price with a local bus (Sherpa/S1) just check the times here.
Pyg Track:
The most accessible of the routes from the Pen-Y-Pass car park, it begins from the right-hand side of the car park (not the gates directly in front) and has an initial steep accent before flattening off. After the steep ascent there is a fork, make sure you go left/SW here, or you will be going over Crib Goch. Once it flattens off it is a continuous gradient to the saddle, where you'll head left/S up the final section to the summit. This track is best for those not wanting to "scramble" as such and more of a gentle outing up Yr Wyddfa. This is likely the most popular path up Yr Wyddfa from the Pen-Y-Pass car park. This is also a great path as a backup if the weather is bad before committing to Crib Goch.
Miner's Track
The Miner's track starts from the top of the car park/gates directly in front as you drive into the car park. Follow this path over the causeway/NW at the pump station and continue around Llyn Llydaw. Continue to Glaslyn where you will ascend to the Pyg Track. It is easy to carry on too far around on the track with the path erosion from bad weather, it is the first obvious track on your right and is an obvious path upwards. Up to this point the path is very easygoing, but soon becomes slightly rocky and "scrambly" - more enjoyable as a family, but more caution is needed. Just if it is icy the rocks are very slippy, so it is worth keeping this in mind. Soon you will be on the Pyg track just below the saddle and again, follow the track to your left/S to the summit. Less popular than the Pyg track but still you'll see lots of people.
Lliwedd
The quietest route up Yr Wyddfa from Pen-Y-Pass by far! Quite the hidden gem but also much more physically demanding, includes large rocky steps and a super tough scree slope right at the top. Starting on the Miner's track as above, but at the pump station take the small meandering path to your left/SW (if you go over the causeway you have gone too far). Follow this up big rock steps to the peak of Lliwedd (which is beautiful). This is a great lunch stop, out of the crowds in some peace, and time to fuel up before the horrendous scree. You'll descend a little before whilst the scree comes into sight more easily, ready for the lung-busting ascent to the peak - you'll have earnt your lunch! You'll reach the top for your reward, just to the South of the peak and the trig point. Enjoy the sight as you've earnt it. I'd not recommend coming down this route as it is hard going on the knees and descend via the Pyg or Miner's track.
Crib Goch
The most technically difficult routes and should not be done in high winds or as an inexperienced group. This is a route that should not be underestimated, it is a Grade 1 scramble but has a huge amount of exposure and risk from walking along the arete. In high winds, or being inexperienced, one slip could be fatal. However, it is a great route, gaining a lot in popularity, so on a sunny day, expect lots of people or get here very early. Follow the Pyg track as above, but at the fork head right/W. This will take you up a difficult scree slope where you'll most likely be on all fours. Once you've reached the ridge line, follow this right the way to the end. If the weather suddenly turns there are lots of options on either side of the ridge to stay sheltered, but if the cloud comes in these can be so difficult to see. You'll come out opposite the Ranger's track, head left/S to the summit. A super rewarding route, but don't underestimate it!
Llanberis Start
There are plenty of places to park in Llanberis, far cheaper than Pen-Y-Pass and you have more cafes, and climbing shops worth visiting! From 2023 (this year) the train is meant to start running again if that is something that interests you, booking this can be found here. Again even if you are wanting to go up from Pen-Y-Pass you can still park in Llanberis and get the Sherpa bus.
Llanberis Path
This is the most accessible path up the Yr Wyddfa from any start, it is ideal for young families or those with mobility issues. The start is quite a way from parking so you have a bit of a walk-in via the road, however, there is a café just before the start of the path if you need some refuelling. Despite being the most accessible path it is one of the longest at a gentle gradient heading SE. You can't go wrong on this path really, follow the big path and keep going uphill. The trickiest bit is a very short but steep section as you go under the train line (this is about 3/4 of the way up). Be prepared for this route to be busy. The path follows the train line, and if you don't feel like the road walk-in, you can use the train up to Clogwyn which is around 2/3rds of the way up.
Additional info:
Despite the Llanberis path being the only direct path up Yr Wyddfa, you can come across, to the Rangers path (coming in the next section).
A4085 start between Snowdon Ranger Halt - Ffridd-Isaf
The next two routes are probably the quietest of the lot, just due to parking and accessibility. Both starts have car parks (they are small) and it does mean going up and back the same way usually unless you drop into the other areas and get multiple buses back, however, this is not ideal. The S3 bus runs along this area if it is of interest, again check the timetable.
The Ranger's Path
A really peaceful meander up Yr Wyddfa starting opposite the YHA in the car park, with some zig zagging to begin up the path. Generally a consistent path with a few rock steps about 2/3rds up, but a wholly enjoyable route to the top. If you are going up between October and April in the early morning, this is one of the main descents used by mountain bikers so be cautious. Generally difficult to go wrong, make sure you continue straight/E over the two footpaths until you reach the Llanberis path and rail line. Here you'll follow this South to the summit. A really stunning route with very few people on the path most likely.
Rhydd Ddu path
Starting in Rhydd Ddu car park, you are going to undertake probably the quietest route up Yr Wyddfa, and can make it a circular route, the gpx and map show the main route (not the circular one). Follow the path, before coming to a junction where you'll head left/NE or if you are doing the circular head straight on/E onto the Cambrian way. If you are heading up the main route as shown on the map you will carry on to the beautiful ridge line of Llechog, looking over Cwm Clogwyn. This is a stunning ridge line and will be peaceful, so take in the views. This path could be done on the descent to make a circular walk. Once on the ridge line, you will head East onto the Cambrian way before heading to the summit. This is a beautiful route, and definitely a hidden gem, and easier to make a circular walk than the rangers path. Enjoy the views on Llechog ridge!
Bethania Start
Both of the following routes start at Nantgwynant car park opposite a lovely and cosy café that serves amazing food called Caffi Gwynant. This ideal post-Yr Wyddfa stop for a coffee and some food. These routes are fairly busy during the summer, but quieter than Pen-Y-Pass and Llanberis starts. Both routes go past some stunning waterfalls which seemed to become "Instagram famous" - whatever that means.
Cambrian Way
The most popular route from this start, but stunning scenery throughout, generally a continuous incline with a few steeper parts, but very accessible to all going across the Clogwyn Du arete looking over the valley and Lliwedd to the right/E. From the car park, you have a bit of road walking until you are on the main path going behind the National Trust campsite (lovely campsite). You'll be heading West/North West, so stay on the main footpath past the waterfalls (do take some photos). Once past the waterfalls stay left, when you get to the fork for the Watkin's path head left/W on the Cambrian Way. If you cross the river on a wide bridge with an old mining building on your right you have gone too far and you're now on the Watkin's path. Follow this into the Bwlch/saddle and turn right/N. Time now to continue North and enjoy the views to your right until you reach the summit.
The Watkin's Path
More challenging than the Cambrian Way as you join the Lliwedd path which has the super tough scree ascent to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. This is a physically demanding section which drains your energy. If you are doing this route, it is probably wise to descend the Cambrian Way. It has the same start as the Cambrian Way, starting on the road and meandering behind the National Trust campsite, but at the fork carry on North-West over the river with the old mining building on your right. From here there is one way up and you'll reach the Bwlch/saddle of Lliwedd. Turn left/NW and prepare for the hard scree ascent, follow this brutal ascent until you thankfully pop out onto the Cambrian way, where you'll turn right right/N to the summit. This is quieter than the Cambrian Way, but you pay for it in the hard ascent. You'll get some fantastic photos in the saddle of Lliwedd, so it is worth it, and you deserve the cracking shots.
OS maps app/online
As an outdoor instructor and enthusiast, I believe it is imperative to carry a map and know how to use it. I have walked and climbed Yr Wyddfa more times than I could count but a map is always in my bag in case the weather comes in. However, I know some people don't know how to, OS maps app is amazing!
As a subscriber (£28.99 per year) you can download and print as many sections of maps across the UK as you like. You can use it out on the hill or on a dog walk to see where you are and where you are going. If you have the area of the map downloaded there isn't even a need to have a phone signal to see where you are. Additionally, you can create or find routes for walking, running, and cycling across the UK that you can use. For £28.99 it is an invaluable piece of software, you can use the 3D mode to better understand the terrain you are going to face. I use it for everything I do in the mountains, from planning routes to checking out new areas.
So if you are not going to take a map, pay the £28.99 a year to get amazing mapping services that you can use on Yr Wyddfa and in your local area. For more info go to OS online today by clicking here.
I really hope this has been use to you, if it has please share it with your friends and family, and if you want a personalised mountain adventure in Snowdonia get in touch today at hkadventuring@outlook.com or visit the website :)
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