At a glance
The highest mountain in England and Wales at 1,085 m — six waymarked walking routes (5–8 hours return) and the Snowdon Mountain Railway (summit without walking). The Hafod Eryri visitor centre and café sits at the summit.
About Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Snowdon — Yr Wyddfa in Welsh, meaning "the great tomb" — stands at 1,085 metres as the highest mountain in England and Wales and the third-highest peak in the British Isles. It rises from the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in a series of dramatic ridges and cwms, and on a clear day the summit offers views to Ireland, the Isle of Man and across the whole of North Wales.
The mountain is extraordinarily accessible — six waymarked routes of varying difficulty ascend from different starting points around the massif, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway (the only rack-and-pinion mountain railway in the UK) climbs to within a few steps of the summit from Llanberis. Hafod Eryri, the summit visitor centre and café, opened in 2009 and is open during railway operating season.
The mountain's ecology is special. The summit plateau above 900 m supports a range of arctic-alpine plants found nowhere else in Wales, including Snowdon lily (Gagea serotina) and alpine meadow-grass. The cwms — ice-carved corries — hold some of the most dramatic mountain landscape in Britain, and Llyn Llydaw, the largest lake in the Snowdon massif, occupies the floor of the Miners' Track cwm.
The six routes up Snowdon
- Llanberis Path
- 9 miles return · 5–6 hours · starts Llanberis (LL55 4TY). The most popular and generally easiest route — follows the railway line, well-maintained path, gradual gradient.
- Pyg Track
- 7 miles return · 4–5 hours · starts Pen-y-Pass (LL55 4NY). Dramatic route via Bwlch y Moch with spectacular views; steeper final ascent via Lliwedd col.
- Miners' Track
- 7.5 miles return · 5–6 hours · starts Pen-y-Pass. Gradual start past Llyn Teyrn and Llyn Llydaw; steepens sharply above Glaslyn. Best for first-timers using Pen-y-Pass.
- Snowdon Ranger Path
- 10 miles return · 6–7 hours · starts Rhyd Ddu (LL54 6TN). Quietest path, longest ascent, finest ridge walk on the final approach.
- Rhyd Ddu Path
- 8 miles return · 5–6 hours · starts Rhyd Ddu (LL54 6TN). Good views towards Nantlle Ridge; narrow ridge near top requires care in wind.
- Watkin Path
- 8 miles return · 5–7 hours · starts Nantgwynant (LL55 4NQ). The most challenging ascent — long approach and steep, loose scree on the final 500 m. For experienced walkers.
Practical information
Parking and transport
Pen-y-Pass car park (LL55 4NY) fills by 07:00 on summer weekends — book online via Eryri National Park or use the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus from Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed or Nant Peris. Llanberis (LL55 4TY) has larger pay & display car parks and is the starting point for the Llanberis Path and the Mountain Railway.
Best time to walk
June–September for the most reliable weather; May and October for fewer crowds and lower parking pressure. Aim to start by 07:30 in peak season. Check the mountain weather forecast at mwis.org.uk on the morning — conditions on the summit can be dramatically different from the valley.
Safety information
Welsh mountains demand respect. Conditions can change in minutes — even Snowdon in July sees casualties from inadequate kit and unexpected weather.
Carry: waterproofs, walking boots, warm layer, hat & gloves, OS Explorer OL17 (Snowdonia) or OL18 (Harlech & Bala), 1.5 L water, charged phone, head torch. Check the weather at mwis.org.uk on the morning. In an emergency call 999, ask for Police / Mountain Rescue, give your what3words location. Local team: Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) stands at 1,085 metres — the highest mountain in England and Wales. It is NOT the highest mountain in the UK — that is Ben Nevis in Scotland at 1,345 m.
The Llanberis Path is the most popular and generally considered the easiest route — 9 miles return, 5–6 hours, with a well-maintained path following the railway line from Llanberis village. The Pyg Track from Pen-y-Pass is shorter (7 miles return) but steeper. The Miners' Track from Pen-y-Pass is longer (7.5 miles) but gentler in its lower section.
Yes — dogs are permitted on all six walking routes up Snowdon. Dogs are not allowed on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Keep dogs on leads near livestock and at the summit café. The Llanberis Path is the most dog-friendly option.
Yes. Hafod Eryri — the summit visitor centre opened in 2009 — has a café, toilets and interpretation. It is open when the Mountain Railway is running (typically March to November). Outside the railway season or in bad weather, the building may be closed.
In July and August, aim to start by 07:00–07:30 to reach the summit before the Mountain Railway passengers arrive from 11:00 and to be well clear of any afternoon weather. Pen-y-Pass car park fills completely by 07:00 on summer weekends — either arrive before 06:30 or use the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus service from Llanberis or Nant Peris.
The six signed paths are: Llanberis Path (9 miles return, easiest), Pyg Track (7 miles return, popular), Miners' Track (7.5 miles return, gradual start), Snowdon Ranger Path (10 miles return, quietest), Rhyd Ddu Path (8 miles return, good views), and the Watkin Path (8 miles return, most challenging ascent). All are clearly waymarked.