Snowdon Mountain Walking Routes

Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales at 1,085 metres, attracts thousands of tourists every single year. Nestled in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park,there are six different Snowdonia walking routes, each of which has its own unique character, challenges and rewards.

Whether you’re looking for the easiest Snowdon route, the best route up Snowdon with a dog or the most scenic option, there is sure to be a Snowdon walking route which is perfectly tailored for you.

We thought we’d answer a few of the most frequently asked questions we get in relation to Snowdon walking routes to help you decide what is the best option for you on your next visit to the North Wales region.

What is the Easiest Snowdon Walking Route?
The Llanberis Path is widely considered to be the easiest Snowdon route and therefore the best option for beginners or tourists who aren’t accustomed to too much exercise.

Starting from the village of Llanberis, this well-trodden trail follows a steady incline alongside the Snowdon Mountain Railway. It isn’t the shortest route, but the relatively low incline means that it is the least challenging from a physical perspective. While it is still a challenging mountain hike for the uninitiated, the wide option path provides you with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the dramatic landscape which makes Snowdon such a popular location with tourists.

What is the Quickest Route Up Snowdon?
If your goal is to reach the summit in the fastest possible time, the Pyg track is often the best choice. Setting off from Pen-y-Pass, it provides a more direct route than Llanberis, cutting across rugged terrain and offering some of the best views early in the ascent.

The Pyg track covers a shorter distance than other Snowdon walking routes, but it is stepper and rockier. These characteristics ensure that it is only really fit for experienced walkers.

What is the Shortest Route Up Snowdon?
The Miners’ Track is technically the shortest walking route up Snowdon. It begins in the same Pen-y-Pass car park as the aforementioned Pyg trail. At first, it offers a deceptively gentle stroll past some spectacular lakes, but the gradient soon increases dramatically.

Despite its shorter distance, the final stretch of the Miners’ Track is very steep and very demanding, making it only suitable for experienced ramblers who are in peak physical condition.

What is the Hardest Snowdon Route?
For seasoned ramblers seeking a challenge, the Crib Goch route is the toughest way to climb to the sumit of Wales’ tallest mountain. Known for its razor sharp ridge and sheer drops, this Snowdon walking route is not for the faint hearted. It demands scrambling skills, a head for heights, and favourable weather conditions.

Crib Goch is as much an adrenaline fuelled adventure as it is a walk, making it the hardest and the most dangerous walking route up Snowdon. You have been warned so do make sure you approach this route with care if you decide to take on the challenge.

What is the Best Route Up Snowdon with a Dog?
Pet lovers will be pleased to hear that Snowdon is dog friendly, so you are more than welcome to take on the challenge of walking up Snowdon with your furry companion by your side.

It is probably the Rhyd Ddu Path which is the best walking route up Snowdon with a dog due to its wide tracks and gentle gradient which makes it easier to manage dogs on a lead. It’s generally one of the quieter routes too, which is sure to appeal to owners with nervous pets.

There are plenty of good things about this route for humans too, with the sweeping views across the Nantle Ridge being well worth the effort. We would however advise you to make sure that your dogs are fit enough to take on the distance and the varied terrain that will be faced. If you are unsure, consult your vet before travelling.

What is the Most Scenic Route Up Snowdon?
While all walking routes up Snowdon offer ramblers the chance to admire breathtaking views, the Snowdon Ranger Path is a particularly popular option with nature enthusiasts and photographers due to its varied scenery.

The route begins near Llyn Cwellyn and offers an ever changing landscape made up of lakes, valleys and rugged ridgelines. It provides a quieter, more tranquil ascent than the busier Llanberis and Pen-y-Pass routes, allowing walkers to spend some time soaking up the beauty of Snowdonia away from the noise of the outside world.

How Many Miles is it up Snowdon?
Each of the six main Snowdon walking routes vary when it comes to length and difficulty. The most popular walking route, the Llanberis Path, covers a total distance of 9 miles for a round trip. This makes it the longest but it does have the lowest gradient, making it the easiest option.

The Pyg Track is roughly a 7 mile round walk, while the Miners’ track comes in at about 8 miles. Crib Goch comes in somewhere between these two distances but it is far more challenging and suitable for experienced ramblers only.

Of the remaining two routes up Snowdon, the Snowdon Ranger path covers a distance of 8 miles and is classed as being moderately difficult. The Rhyd Ddu Path meanwhile is 7.5 miles and provides a far quieter and less crowded experience, making it perfect for those who value their solitude.

Which Snowdon Walking Route is Right For You?
Whether you are a first time walker looking for the easiest route, or an experienced rambler looking for a physical challenge, make sure you take the time to carefully consider all six of the Snowdon walking paths to make sure you select the one that is right for you.

Snowdon Mountain Range is easily accessible from all four of our North Wales holiday parks, being just a short drive away. This makes Pario Holiday Parks the perfect option if you are looking for affordable accommodation in North Wales ahead of your next adventure.