Snowdon Mountain is the highest peak in Wales, reaching 1085 meters (3560 feet). It’s a great adventure if you are well prepared and one of the most magical landscapes I’ve seen. Wales is just like a fairytale, especially with Betws-y-Coed village. Of course, my primary aim was climbing Snowdon mountain in wintertime but I spent a wonderful time hanging around the village and and exploring the breathtaking scenery.
Climbing Snowdon Mountain.
Climbing Snowdon Mountain might seem easy, but do not underestimate it, irrespectively the time of the year all the routes leading to the top are considered hard, challenging ways.
The best times to climb Snowdon are during the late spring and summer months: from May to September, when the weather tends to be milder, and the paths are more accessible.
However, keep in mind that the weather in the highlands can change rapidly, so it is crucial to check the forecast before you head out.
If you’re considering a winter hike like me, make sure you are equipped for challenging conditions, as snow and ice can make the trails treacherous. The last hour of my winter Snowdon climbing was strictly on ice and for the last 25 meters, I had to go down on my knees to be able to reach the top due to extreme winds.
Getting to Snowdonia National Park.
There are a few ways to reach Snowdonia National Park – by car, bus, train and Sherpa Bus – which operates in Snowdonia National Park 😉 I flew from Dublin to Birmingham and rented a car to drive through Snowdonia National Park.
Can you imagine you are able to reach Snowdon’s summit by a heritage railway – that is a journey like no other! Tickets can be bought here on the official website.
Train – it’s possible to get to Snowdonia National Park by train, although it’s a long ride 🙂 There are busses too and the last you can take is Sherpa Bus – very convenient – it will take you to your mountain destination in Snowdonia National Park.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway has been in operation since 1896.
Snowdonia National Park.
Snowdonia National Park’s beauty is unreal! The park is home to numerous glacial lakes and picturesque villages like unforgettable Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert. The area is steeped in Welsh mythology and legends, adding a mystical element to its charm.
It takes about 3 hours to drive from Birmingham to Snowdonia National Park. The weather was horrible, the roads were flooded and it was raining heavily! So it took me 4 hours to get there (including stopping along the way in one mountaineering shop with season sale :).
Betws-y-Coed village in Snowdonia.
Betws-y-Coed village attracts people from all over the world all year around with it’s spectacular character, landscape and countryside. There’s one of the best coffee shop I’ve been in my life, where the train station is visible from the window. The food and atmospfere are delicious. You can also visit Swallow Falls, a magnificent waterfall system which is located few minutes from the main town. I wouldn’t reccomend sleeping in Betws-y-Coed, as it’s quite overpriced and withing 15 km there are great accomodation spots for half-price.
Climbing Snowdon in winter.
Snowdon is a popular destination in summer, however, winter ascent is something different. Hard conditions may occur anytime between October – May. That means there may be snow or ice on the way up, and extreme wind making a hike very challenging. Make sure to check in with updates if you’re going solo. Be mindful of the time and ensure you leave enough daylight to return safely.
Routes to the top of Snowdon.
1. Llanberis Path – this is the longest but is generally considered the easiest of the trails. It winds gradually up to the summit and is perfect for families or those looking for a leisurely hike.
2. Pyg Track – known for its stunning views, the Pyg Track is shorter but steeper than the Llanberis Path. It’s ideal for adventurous hikers looking for a challenge and offers a more rugged experience.
3. Miners’ Track- starting at the same point as the Pyg Track, this route is a bit more challenging and offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It connects to the Pyg Track near the summit, providing a beautiful introduction to the mountain.
4. Snowdon Ranger Path- this route is quieter than the other paths, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude amidst nature. It involves steep sections but rewards climbers with panoramic views.
Fatalities in Climbing Snowdon.
Don’t like to write about that but you should know this before you go, as many people ignore the fact that climbing any mountain can be deadly. The Llanberis path (from the north side of the summit) has a difficult section – Killer Convex, where a few people lost their lives. Another trail that is very well known and not recommended is through Grib Goch – a thrilling and the toughest way up to Snowdon, which should be undertaken only by experienced hikers. The rescue team is constantly busy during winter due to many people not being prepared for climbing Snowdon.
What to bring for climbing Snowdon in winter?
There are no stupid questions before climbing any mountain in winter. I didn’t know what to expect either, as it was my only second mountain in the UK, just after the highest peak Ben Nevis. I have to say Snowdon was very different, so no wonder when people ask different questions before the ascent. Wise planning and the right gear are key!
- Take your phone with GPS/or a compass! Make sure to know your directions before you start climbing.
- Warm hiking boots ankle-supporting.
- Backpack with more warm layers, plenty of water and food: high protein snacks, nuts, sandwiches, etc.
- Always take with you when climbing any mountain: a rescue mirror, compass, whistle, and first aid kit.
- Crampons and ice axe – even if there’s no snow, remember it may occur at any time in mountains.
- Googles – if there’s heavy snow and wind they will help you a lot.
Choose your route for climbing Snowdon.
- Check the weather forecast with your hostel reception and online.
- Visit the Met Office Website.
- Always tell somebody about your plans – I was climbing alone, so I did tell my friends in case they needed to call a rescue team! It might sound funny but trust me weather conditions on any mountain are unpredictable. No matter what the weather forecast says and how many portals you have checked it might surprise you with unbelievably severe conditions and plenty of accidents might happen when going up.
- Choose your route carefully, according to your experience. Always keep to your planned route, don’t follow others.
Where to stay in Snowdonia National Park?
As mendioned above I would not recommend staying in Betws-y-Coed, as it’s overpriced. Best spot in my opinion is Pany-Pass Hostel, there the starting point for 2 trails to Snowdon are located – Miners track and Pyg Track. It’s a very convenient place if you’re there to climb Snowdon.
There’s a huge parking in front of the hostel and in the hostel there’s everything you need. Well maybe except Wifi, as it’s really poor and there’s no signal in this area.
The parking gets full very quickly, as there are hundreds of people who travel to take different routs in Snowdonia National Park. You get a free parking pass in the hostel.
Miners Track and Pyg Track.
Both starting in Pany-Pass, where a huge parking and hostel are located. This was my starting point and a place for 2 nights. If you stand in front of the hostel facing the mountain, the Miners track is on your left and the Pyg Track is on your right.
Miners track is a bit longer but much easier than Pyg Track. But what I would recommend is to take Pyg Track up and the Miners Track down, as you can see on the picture. Pyg Track is a red track and it’s the second hardest trail to Snowdon, just after Crib Goch.
Climbing Snowdon in February.
In February climbing Snowdon was mostly in heavy rain. The trail was steep and it was mostly rock climbing, especially the second part of the way up. The wind was incredibly strong and it was foggy. Sometimes I had to lie down on a rock for the strong gusts to pass.
I was very determined to reach the top. Going there alone probably wasn’t the best idea in these weather conditions but I could see other people climbing Snowdon, so I wasn’t completely alone.
February climbing in Snowdon.
Due to heavy rain at the beginning of February, all the snow was carried down and there was no need for crampons at the time I was there. The last 100 meters were extremely icy. Sometimes it was also difficult to navigate the terrain, I lost the track twice and had to look at my GPS (don’t forget to load offline maps!!). Keep in mind in winter there is also a high risk of avalanches.
It was freezing at the top, I was literally covered with a tiny ice-coat. When I met people on my way down they were highly surprised that I had ice all over my clothes.
Did you know that Edmund Hillary trained on Snowdon before Mount Everest? 🙂
There is a coffee place on the top of the mountain and a train station! Obviously, it’s all closed in winter and in February it was almost invisible.
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