Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa

Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon

Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 ft). It lies in Eryri National Park. All six main walking routes to the summit are graded Hard/Strenuous by the National Park Authority. The most gradual route still needs good fitness, navigation skills and full mountain equipment.

Routes

The distances and times below describe return walks to the summit by the same path.

Llanberis Path

Return route from Victoria Terrace in Llanberis, approximately 14.5 km and 7 hours. This is the most gradual of the main summit routes, but it is still a strenuous mountain hike with steep sections. Good fitness, navigation skills and mountain equipment are essential. Stay on the walking path and never use the railway track.

Pyg Track

Return route from Pen y Pass, approximately 11 km and 6 hours. A rugged mountain path with steep rocky sections, joining the Miners' Track before climbing to Bwlch Glas and the summit ridge. Navigation skills are essential. Do not mistake the branch to Crib Goch for the Pyg Track; Crib Goch is a separate exposed scramble for experienced mountaineers.

Miners' Track

Return route from Pen y Pass, approximately 13 km and 6 hours. The lower track passes Llyn Teyrn and Llyn Llydaw before reaching Glaslyn. Above the lakes, the route climbs steeply over loose rock and scree to join the Pyg Track. Built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine, it is a strenuous summit route despite its relatively gentle opening.

Watkin Path

Return route from Pont Bethania in Nant Gwynant, approximately 13 km and 6 hours. This demanding southern approach has about 1,015 m of ascent, passing the Cwm Llan landscape before a steep upper section of loose scree. It joins the Rhyd Ddu Path near the summit. Good navigation and mountain experience are essential; parking at Pont Bethania is very limited.

Rhyd Ddu Path

Return route from Rhyd Ddu station car park, approximately 12 km and 6 hours. The route climbs an old quarry track and then steep rocky ground to Llechog and Bwlch Main. The final section follows a narrow ridge path with steep slopes below and needs particular care. It may be quieter than the eastern routes, but is a strenuous mountain hike, especially serious in wind, snow or ice.

Snowdon Ranger Path

A further main approach starts at Llyn Cwellyn car park, climbing the western slopes before joining the Llanberis Path. Eryri gives approximately 13 km and 6 hours return, graded Hard/Strenuous. It can be quieter than the busiest approaches, but remains a demanding mountain route.

Summit and facilities

The summit has a trig point/view indicator, with Hafod Eryri visitor centre nearby. Its cafe and toilets operate seasonally and only when weather and railway operations allow; walkers must carry their own provisions and be prepared to descend on foot.

Llanberis has cafes and toilets, and there is an independently run Halfway House cafe on the Llanberis Path. Summit cafe and toilet facilities are in Hafod Eryri and are seasonal and weather-dependent. Do not assume refreshments, toilets or shelter will be available on the mountain.

Terrain and geology

Yr Wyddfa is formed from Ordovician volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The Snowdon Volcanic Group includes volcanic ash deposits (tuffs), rhyolites, basalts and associated marine sediments. Later glaciation sculpted the mountain's cwms, valleys and sharp ridges.

Views

In clear weather the summit offers extensive views across Eryri, the Menai Strait and Anglesey. In exceptionally clear conditions, views can extend as far as Ireland. Cloud can obscure the panorama completely.

Access

Use designated car parks appropriate to your route: Llanberis for the Llanberis Path; Pen y Pass for the Pyg and Miners' Tracks; Pont Bethania for the Watkin Path; and Rhyd Ddu station car park for the Rhyd Ddu Path. Spaces can fill early. Pen y Pass operates a seasonal pre-booking system: check current requirements before travel. Sherpa'r Wyddfa buses offer an alternative to parking at the trailhead.

Sherpa'r Wyddfa buses serve the main trailheads, with connections from Bangor and Caernarfon to Llanberis. Check current timetables and your return service. Snowdon Mountain Railway runs seasonally from Llanberis, subject to weather and operating conditions. Downhill-only tickets cannot be booked in advance and depend on availability: walkers must be prepared to descend on foot.

Mountain safety

All main summit routes are strenuous mountain hikes, with steep rocky ground, exposed slopes, loose scree, poor visibility and rapidly changing weather.

Rhyd Ddu's Bwlch Main ridge needs particular care. Crib Goch is a separate highly exposed scramble for experienced mountaineers, not a route for novices.

Snow and ice require winter skills and suitable equipment. Stay off the railway tracks. Carry navigation, waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a torch; be prepared to turn back.

Name and heritage

Yr Wyddfa is the mountain's Welsh name, commonly translated as 'the tomb' or 'cairn'. Welsh legend associates the summit with Rhita Gawr, defeated by King Arthur. Eryri National Park Authority adopted exclusive use of the Welsh name in 2022.

Yr Wyddfa is the highest mountain in England and Wales and a major landmark in Welsh landscape and folklore. Its slopes also preserve evidence of quarrying and copper mining.

Sources

• Eryri National Park: choosing a route
• Llanberis Path
• Pyg Track
• Miners' Track
• Watkin Path
• Rhyd Ddu Path
• Snowdon Ranger Path
• Snowdon Mountain Railway: current operations and facilities
• British Geological Survey: geology of the Snowdon district
• British Mountaineering Council: Crib Goch
• Ordnance Survey: National Park heights

Information checked 15 October 2026. Always check current mountain conditions, transport and facility opening before travelling.