Pathways of Snowdon

Snowdon is the highest and most popular peak in Wales with over 1 million people visiting the  mountain each year. Some arrive via the Snowdon Mountain Railway, but the majority of visitors make it to the top the hard way, by taking one of the five main footpaths that lead to the summit. This specially produced guide describes in detail the main walking routes together with the area’s industrial and geological history.

The Watkin Path is one of the toughest but more interesting ascents. It rises up past  several waterfalls and on to the ruined mine workings of Hafod y Llan. Here the remains of the old processing shop cling to the valley side above the cobalt blue waters of the river.

The path then continues past the Gladstone Rock, where Prime Minister William Gladstone addressed a large crowd during the opening of the path in 1892. We then arrive at the spoil tip and ruins of The South Snowdon Slate Quarry. Here you can stop and explore the ruined dressing sheds before starting the steep ascent to Bwlch Ciliau – The Pass of Retreat. The next stretch  offers spectacular views in all directions. Below and to the east lie lakes Glaslyn and Llydaw while up above Crib Goch and Snowdon dominate the skyline.

There now follows another steep ascent to the summit with even more spectacular views over the countryside.  

The Miners’ and Pyg Tracks form a very popular circular route with both paths starting from the car park at Pen y Pass.

The Pyg takes you high above Llanberis Pass and offers sweeping views of The Glyder’s to the north. It then cuts through Bwlch y Moch where it is possible to take another path up onto the ridge walk of Crib Goch. The path now runs high above Llyn Llydaw and on to the junction with the Miner’s Track that rises up from Llyn Glaslyn. From here there is a sharp ascent up to the famous Zig Zags – the steep steps that rise up to Bwlch Glas. There is then a fairly gentle walk parallel with the Mountain Railway to the summit.

The Miner’s Track is a less strenuous path as it rises gently towards Llyn Llydaw and away from Pen y Pass. The early stretches of the track afford the walker sweeping views towards Moel Siabod and the Gwynnant Valley.

Ruined miners’ barracks lie waiting to be explored on the shores of Llyn Teyrn, after which the causeway that crosses Llyn Llydaw comes into view.. Soon we arrive at the old crushing mill of the Britannia Copper Mine. The mill was worked by a water-wheel fed from Llyn Glaslyn high above. In its day this was one of the most modern mills in the country.

There now follows a steep ascent to the shores of Llyn Glaslyn (The Blue Lake). The blue-green colour of the water results from dissolved copper salts that have leached into the lake over the years.

Walkers are now faced with a 400 foot ascent over a scree slope that eventually joins up with The Pyg Track. Both tracks then share the same route to the summit.

The Llanberis Path is one of the longest but less strenuous routes to the summit. For much of its length the path runs parallel to the mountain railway.

The Ranger Path was probably one of the earliest routes to the summit and offers superb views over Rhyd Ddu and the Glyders.

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