Image shared for Snowdon Pyg Track returning by Miner's Track
Upland / Hill Circular

Snowdon Pyg Track returning by Miner's Track

Gwynedd

Distance
7.6 mi
Est. time
5h 30m
Difficulty
Hard
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Climbing Snowdon via the Pyg Track and returning by the Miners Track is one of the best ways to experience the mountain without overthinking it. The Pyg starts immediately with a firm pull uphill on a rocky but well made path, giving you great views over Llyn Llydaw almost straight away. It never really lets up, and the higher you go the rougher the terrain becomes, but it is always obvious where to go and you feel like you are making real progress.

The final section before the summit is a bit of a grind. The slope steepens, the path narrows, and you merge with the steady flow of people coming up from Llanberis. It is simple enough, just slow and full of stop and start moments. When you reach the top you get the full Snowdon experience: crowds, queues for the trig, and the mountain stretching away in every direction. On a clear day you can see across to the Glyderau and even to the coast.

Heading down the Miners Track is a welcome change of pace. The upper zigzags are steep but short, and once you reach the lakes you settle into an easy walk on a wide, flat path. The views back up to the summit cliffs are brilliant and you get that satisfying feeling of looking at what you have just climbed.

The long stroll beside the lakes takes you all the way back to Pen y Pass. It is calm, simple walking with plenty of chances to stop and take in the scenery. By the time you reach the car park you have had a proper mountain day: a tough climb, a relaxed descent, and one of Snowdonia’s best round trips without any faff.

Walk details

County
Gwynedd
Main location
Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa
Hill
Snowdon - Yr Wyddfa
Walk type
Circular
Category
Upland / Hill
Distance
7.6 mi (12.3 km)
Est. time
5h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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Along the route

11 places
Caffi Pen-y-Pass
Cafe · 0.0 mi along
Drinking Water
Essentials · 0.0 mi along
Toilets
Essentials · 0.0 mi along
Viewpoint
Navigation · 2.8 mi along
Yr Wyddfa
Peak · 3.4 mi along
Brittania Copper Mine Mill
Ruins · 4.9 mi along
Ruins
Historic sites · 5.5 mi along
Ruins
Historic sites · 6.3 mi along
Viewpoint
Navigation · 6.5 mi along
Information
Navigation · 7.6 mi along
Pen y Pass
Parking · 7.6 mi along

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