Snowdonia National Park
The idea of climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) always appealed to us, but would the reality live up to our expectations? Twelve months of talking about it, and now we were doing it!
Trail Overview
Distance: 7.58 miles (12.2 km)
Time to Allow: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 722 metres (2369 feet)
Climbing Yr Wyddfa Via the Pyg Track & Llanberis Path
Ever since we climbed Pen-Y-Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, over 12 months ago, Didem has been badgering me about climbing Yr Wyddfa.
Yr Wyddfa is the highest mountain in Wales and the British Isles outside Scotland. So, topping Yr Wyddfa was an adventure we looked forward to.
Where is Yr Wyddfa?
Yr Wyddfa is located in Snowdonia National Park, north Wales, in the county of Gwynedd. It sits approximately 4 miles southeast of the mountain town of Llanberis.
Where to Park to Climb Yr Wyddfa?
If you plan to climb Yr Wyddfa via the Pyg Track and descend on the Llanberis Path, the best option would be to park in Llanberis and catch a bus to Pen-y-Pass. There are several car parking options available.
How to Get to Yr Wyddfa?
Getting to Yr Wyddfa is undoubtedly not a problem for those who live in the large population centres of northern England such as Liverpool and Manchester. Yr Wyddfa is even within a 4.5-hour drive from London. Find out how to get to Snowdonia by a variety of transport methods.
We live in South Wales, and the process of getting to Snowdonia by driving up through the centre of Wales is far from a swift one!
That said, the drive is beautiful, which made our 6-hour, 288 km journey, a fairly pleasurable one. This is the route we took to get to our destination in Snowdonia National Park.
Pen-y-Pass Location Details
- Grid Reference: SH647556
- Latitude , Longitude (decimal): 53.080537 , -4.0205562
- Pen-y-Pass postcode (nearest): LL55 4NY
- variety of transport methods
- Google Map
- Additional Location Details (Click on the map pointer for more information)
Where Best to Stay When Climbing Yr Wyddfa
Once we had settled on our date to climb Yr Wyddfa we realised that we knew very little about the area and where best to stay during our visit.
We learned that Llanberis was the nearest town to Yr Wyddfa and therefore seemed like the perfect option for our mountain climbing base.
Choosing a weekend at the end of the UK school summer holiday, which also happened to be a bank holiday, meaning that finding available accommodation at the right price in Llanberis was far more complicated than we thought.
However, we managed to secure a room at the lovely Alpine Lodge Hotel on Llanberis high street. It cost us £160 for our 2-night stay, including breakfast.
Although this was not exactly a budget hotel, we were given a high-quality king-size bedroom with a view of the mountains, and breakfast was also of a very high standard.
Yr Wyddfa Paths – Which One to Choose?
We had already decided to take the Llanberis Path for both the ascent and descent as it is considered the easiest route for climbing Yr Wyddfa.
Our hotel owner promptly stated that we should use the Pyg Track for the ascent and the Llanberis Path for the descent.
He emphasised that this would be more challenging but offer far better views and a superior experience. He added that none of the residents he had suggested this route had ever returned disappointed.
We trusted his judgement, and as he seemed to be a genuine chap, we promptly agreed with his suggestion and looked forward to our walk the following day with great anticipation!
Starting Point for Climbing Yr Wyddfa: Pen-y-Pass
With a hearty breakfast inside us, we donned our rucksacks full of food, water and additional clothing for our adventure and headed down Llanberis high street to catch our bus from Llanberis to Pen-y-Pass.
We took the S2 service that delivered us to the starting point of the Pyg Track 25 minutes later at Pen-Y-Pass. This is the starting point for the Miners’ Track and the ascent via Crib Goch.
There are seven main Yr Wyddfa climbing routes that you can choose from. Here is a brief description of each to help you select the best route climbing Yr Wyddfa. These are:
- The Llanberis Path
- Yr Wyddfa Ranger Track
- Rhyd-Ddu Path
- The Pyg Track
- Miners’ Track
- The Yr Wyddfa Horseshoe
- The Watkin Path
Preparing for the Yr Wyddfa Climb
As we had never been to Yr Wyddfa before and as all of our research had taken place via a selection of websites, we felt it sensible to drop into the information centre to seek expert advice about the climb ahead.
It also allowed us to pick up a Yr Wyddfa routes map. This detailed our route up and down the mountain and indicated specific pointers to look for to ensure we were sticking to the correct route.
This was also our last opportunity to use the toilet before reaching the café at the summit of Yr Wyddfa.
Climbing Yr Wyddfa – A Stage-by-Stage Guide
PYG Track – Ascending Yr Wyddfa (aerial fly-through)
We have broken the ascent into 4 phases, as they were all reasonably distinctive.
Phase 1
The path commences at the far right corner of the Pen-y-Pass car park. It would be tough to pick the wrong path as a signpost indicates each path’s direction and a large stone pillar at the start of the Pyg Track.
If you still doubt that you are on the right track, the towering summit before you should clear that up. Many climbers start out believing that this is the summit of Yr Wyddfa, but in fact, it is the summit of Crib Goch that you can see.
The first 45 minutes of the climb are moderate, but there is a fair bit of rocky terrain to negotiate as we made our way to the first checkpoint along the track at Bwlch y Moch.
You will know you have reached this point as you will see a Pyg Track pillar followed closely by a double wooden style you must cross.
Climbing Yr Wyddfa – What you will see during the early stages
As you start this section of the climb, you will notice the beautiful views to the right of the Glyderau mountain range and of the Llanberis Pass. As you progress up the path, you will see Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn lakes at the valley’s far end.
Phase 2
The next phase of the Yr Wyddfa climb is relatively easy as the track climbs gradually to the point when the Pyg Track and the Miners’ Track join. You will know when you have reached this point as you will again see a Pyg Track pillar.
What you will see
As you commence this phase of the Yr Wyddfa climb, you will see Llyn Llydaw Lake to your left. As you continue along the route towards the intersection of the Pyg and Miners’ tracks, you will see the beautiful Llyn Glaslyn Lake with the majestic summit of Yr Wyddfa towering some 500 metres above it.
Phase 3
This is when things become a little more challenging as the track steepens, as you climb to the top of the crest ahead of you, known as Bwlch Glas.
***This section is an accident blackspot and is considered to be very dangerous, especially under snow and ice conditions***
What you will see
As you approach Bwlch Glas, the view of Llyn Llydaw and Llyn Glaslyn lakes becomes more impressive. As you reach the top of the crest at Bwlch Glas you are suddenly exposed to the magnificent views down the other side of the mountain.
Phase 4
At this point, the Pyg Track joins the Llanberis Path. Here you turn left and head for the summit. The hard work is complete, and you have little more than a 15-minute leisurely climb to Yr Wyddfa’s peak.
Finally, you have made it!
What you will see
You will see the Yr Wyddfa Mountain Railway track for the first time. Some will think, “Why didn’t we just take the train?”
Of course, you can take the train if you choose, but you will miss out on this fantastic climbing experience. The return train ride from Llanberis to the summit of Yr Wyddfa takes 2.5 hours, including just 30 minutes at the top!
Check the latest prices and terms & conditions.
If you are lucky enough to be blessed with beautiful weather like ours, you will enjoy amazing 360° views. You will see the Llŷn Peninsula to the southwest and Anglesey to the northwest. To the south, you will be looking across the full extent of Snowdonia National Park.
When the visibility is excellent, it is possible to see the coast of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Lake District.
It is hard not to be mesmerised by the beauty you will witness at the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Unsurprisingly, the view from the top of Yr Wyddfa was named the UK’s top sight in a 2017 poll.
Hafod Eryri – Yr Wyddfa Summit Visitor Centre
It is now your opportunity to soak in the views, grab some refreshments and use the toilet facilities before commencing the mountain descent.
You may also wish to pick up a souvenir of your visit to the highest mountain in Wales from the visitor centre.
Yr Wyddfa is a popular destination for climbers and visitors using the mountain railway. Therefore, the visitor centre can become very busy, especially during weekends and holidays, as we certainly experienced.
It took us 30 minutes to get 2 cups of tea, and the toilet queue seemed to take an eternity!
Descent Via the Llanberis Path
Llanberis Path – Descending Yr Wyddfa (aerial fly-through)
Using the Llanberis Path for the descent of Yr Wyddfa is relatively straightforward as it pretty much follows the mountain railway route.
This route is also deemed the easiest of the Yr Wyddfa walks and is, therefore, the most popular. It is hardly surprising that this route is known as the ‘Tourist Path’.
As you drop down from the summit of Yr Wyddfa you will first pass the turnoff to the Pyg Track on your right. Shortly after, you will see the Yr Wyddfa Ranger Path break off to your left.
Soon you will start a steep descent down the slopes of Garnedd Ugain.
***This section is an accident blackspot and is considered to be very dangerous, especially under snow and ice conditions***
What you will see
Along this initial section of the descent, you will see Llyn Padarn Lake some distance ahead. Llanberis is situated on the shores of this lake, so you get a sense of just how much walking lies ahead.
Off to your left-hand side, you will see Clogwyn Coch, which is simply the left side of the famous ‘Cloggy’ cliff. This cliff has been referred to as the ‘Killer Convex’, referring to the convex shape of the hillside, which has claimed the lives of many walkers over the years.
Soon, you will reach the walk section known as Allt Moses. At this point, you will pass through a tunnel under the railway track. The railway track will run above you and to the right for this descent stretch.
As you continue down Allt Moses, Llyn Du’r Arddu Lake will come into view on your left and sits at the foot of Clogwyn Coch.
Halfway House
Not long after reaching the bottom of Allt Moses, you will come to the Halfway House. This is your final chance to grab a toilet break and warm up those weary bones with a hot drink. Then it is time to commence the final 4 km stretch of the adventure!
The Finishing Line – End of the Yr Wyddfa Climb
Shortly you will pass under the railway track again and continue the relatively gentle descent until you reach the end of the mountain path. At this point, you will pass through a wooden gate. Join the road and head right down the hill.
The road steepens, and in approximately 1 km, you will cross a cattle grid with a Yr Wyddfa information board on your right-hand side.
You have completed your Yr Wyddfa adventure!
Climbing Yr Wyddfa – Our Thoughts
Overall, our experience climbing Yr Wyddfa was a hugely enjoyable one!
Using the Pyg Track for the ascent and Llanberis Path for the descent was a great idea. We can thank the owner of our hotel for that advice!
We enjoyed the climb as the landscape, and views varied so much. Reaching the summit was a real treat, as we were blessed with super weather and equally spectacular views!
Although the descent was pleasant, it wasn’t as interesting and exciting as the ascent.
As beautiful as the views are coming down, they are not quite as varied as those we experienced during the ascent.
The Llanberis Path is also the longest of all the Yr Wyddfa routes, and as we became more tired, the return leg just seemed to drag a little.
What also didn’t help was that half of the UK’s population appeared to have had the same idea as the two of us! It, therefore, didn’t surprise us to discover that 582,000 individuals climb Yr Wyddfa each year.
It sometimes felt like most of those were up there with us!
All that said, we wouldn’t have changed anything! Yes, we were tired, but we did feel a real sense of accomplishment. Moreover, we met several interesting people along the way and sharing our experiences was nice.
If you are considering a Yr Wyddfa adventure, we can endorse it wholeheartedly!
“Find out what else you can do while staying in Llanberis”
Climbing Yr Wyddfa Safety Tips
Climbing Yr Wyddfa may not be as challenging as the mountains in the Alps, Rockies or Himalayas. However, it still demands a certain level of respect.
Check the Latest Yr Wyddfa Weather Forecast
Always check the latest Met Office Yr Wyddfa summit weather forecast and be prepared to turn back if the weather conditions worsen during the climb.
Take Appropriate Kit With You
Planning is always best, so think and pack your rucksack accordingly. Prepare for both the best and worst scenarios. The weather and temperature conditions can vary significantly between the mountain base and the summit.
Recommended Items When Climbing Yr Wyddfa
- Walking boots
- Waterproof trousers and jacket
- Hat and gloves
- Map and compass
- Spare warm clothes
- Torch
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Plenty of food and water
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
Additional Recommended Items if Climbing Yr Wyddfa in Winter
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Ski goggles
Plan a Route Suitable for all Members of Your Group
Choose and plan your route. Knowing how long it should take and when it gets dark is essential. Always choose a route that suits everyone in the group, and remember to always leave details of your planned route and timings with a friend or family member.
If You Get In Trouble On The Mountain
Things can go wrong, and so often do. Contact the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team if you get lost or injured on Yr Wyddfa or anywhere else in Snowdonia National Park.
It is a voluntary service that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Yr Wyddfa Facts and Other Useful Tips
How high is Yr Wyddfa?
1,085 metres (3,560 feet)
How long does it take to climb Yr Wyddfa?
This is a difficult one to answer as it depends on which route you take, the weather conditions, how many times you stop and how fit you are. It took us 6 hours up and back with breaks totalling 90 minutes, and we are reasonably fit.
The official map we purchased before the walk suggests 6-7 hours, regardless of your chosen route.
How many people climb Yr Wyddfa each year?
582,000 people visit Yr Wyddfa annually, making it the busiest mountain in the United Kingdom.
Have people died climbing Yr Wyddfa?
Absolutely! If you just Google “Yr Wyddfa Deaths” you will be amazed at how many people have lost their lives in the past few years. Less than 30 days before our Yr Wyddfa climb, a man fell to his death on the same track we used to climb the mountain!
However, don’t let this put you off, as huge numbers climb the mountain successfully each year. We even saw several individuals in their 70s and 80s who had reached the top!
What is the nearest railway station to Snowdonia National Park?
The North Wales Coast Line from Crewe to Holyhead connects you to Bangor at the north-western edge of Snowdonia National Park. From there, you can take the Conwy Valley Line as far as Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury takes you along the southern sections of the park and up the coast to Porthmadog. You will experience fantastic vistas and many points from which to start exploring the park.
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Brilliant site! I’ve always wanted to climb Snowdon and this website has been so informative and helpful. It will probably be next year now before I’m likely to make the attempt and will most definitely be coming back here for all the information I’ll be needing. Thank you Gavin and Didem and I look forward to reading more about your adventures.
Hi Karin, we are pleased that you have found our site useful. It is great to have new readers/followers of our blog so early on in its development. There is so much more to come!
Gavin, Mount Snowdon is so beautiful…no wonder that it is also so popular. This mountain was a first for me and has got me hooked on hiking and climbing up to high places. You have done a great job here of describing the climb with lots of great, practical information. Safe travels and climbs 🙂
Hi Gilda, thanks for your kind words! I see that you have reached the top of Snowdon too. It is a great achievement, isn’t it? It was too busy for my liking but I am grateful to have experienced it. We are definitely on the lookout for equally challenging hikes but preferably ones that are not quite as accessible to large numbers of people! Always great to hear from like-minded travel lovers – happy travelling!