Posted on 04/10/2016 by David
Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, at a huge 1,085 metres above sea level and is a great place to escape to for a good walk!
Whether you’re an avid walker, or just fancy doing something a little different, the hike up Snowdon offers routes of all difficulties. Here are 6 different routes to suit all walkers…
1. Llanberis Path
Llanberis Path, also known as ‘Pony Path’, is a popular route for walkers to take, as it is one of the easiest routes up Snowdon, with walkers encountering less steep inclines.
It still takes approximately 5-6 hours, so ensure you have plenty of drinks and snacks with you and wear sensible shoes!
The Llanberis Path begins at the end of Victoria terrace, opposite the Royal Victoria Hotel and as it is a popular path, there is less risk of you getting lost but ensure you take a map just in case!
2. Miners’ Track
The Miner’s Track was initially built for the miners at the Britannia Copper Mine and offers views of the old copper mine on the way up. It is a more challenging walk; with steep inclines, so if you’re new to walking, another route may suite you better.
Begin at Pen-y-Pass car park (pay and display) just off the A4086, head up the path zig zagging up to Blwch and then up to the summit with amazing views along the way!
3. Rhyd Ddu Path
The Rhyd Ddu is often the quietest of the 6 main routes up Snowdon, but offers unrivalled scenery over to Moel Hebog and the Nantlle hills!
It is a difficult walk once you hit the rocky path at Llechog ridge so be careful and shoes with a good grip are advisable. Park at Rhyd Ddu car park and begin the 2,936 foot ascent – a real thigh burner!
4. Snowdon Ranger Path
Named after John Morton who was known as the ‘Snowdon Ranger’ - the Ranger Path follows a rocky path up the Eastern slopes of Snowdon and begins at Llyn Cwellyn (LL54 7YS).
The path then joins the Llanberis Path for the final ascent to the summit, and offers amazing views over the vast valleys, the surrounding mountains and lakes. There are steep parts on this route – it’s not one for the faint hearted!
5. Watkin Path 
Named after Sir Edward Watkin, the Watkin Path begins at Bethania Bridge, Nant Gwynant, and heads up the south side of the Mountain, through an ancient woodland and past a spectacular waterfall – it was even a location used to film a Carry On film!
This path isn’t as difficult as some others, boasting a medium difficulty and is very popular with walkers due to the postcard-worthy scenery.
6. Pyg Track
This is one of the most difficult paths up Snowdon and is therefore better suited to keen walkers – it is a great challenge which is worth every ache and pain the next day!
There is some confusion as to its name; some believe it is due to the to the route passing through Bwlch y Moch (pigs’ pass) but others believe it is named so due to this track being used to carry ‘pyg’ (black tar) to the Snowdonian copper mines! Park at Pen-y-Pass and begin the long journey up.
Remember, if you want to enjoy the view but don’t feel you could manage the walk – why not hop aboard the old fashioned train and meet your friends at the top?
No matter which route you take, you can be assured you will need a lazy evening in doing nothing! Why not hire a beautiful cottage in Snowdonia for you to relax and recover?
If we've whet your appetite or you're looking for a brand new Snowdonia challenge, why not take a look at our blog that covers ALL known routes up Snowdon? Click here to read it.
Which is your favourite path up Snowdonia? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @NWHC…