“The summit of Snowdon: you are here, nearer to Heaven”
The Welsh National Poet, Gwyn Thomas
Snowdon is one of the most visited mountains in the UK, and being the highest peak in Wales you can understand why. Many people will have climbed and descended via the same track, but Snowdon's location, transport links, and busy main car park provide the perfect opportunity for a magnificent traverse of the mountain.
After meeting in Llanberis we will get public transport up to the busy Pen-Y-Pass car park from where we choose from one of two routes to the summit of Snowdon. These include the easier Pyg track, or the highly exposed ridge of Crib Goch. From the summit we will again have the option to descend via the popular gentle Llanberis Path, or the harder but stunning rolling ridge over multiple tops down to Moel Eilio, and then into Llanberis.
On this day out on Snowdon you can break the mould and take an opportunity that so many thousands of people miss out on. With one of our professional guides you can tailor make this day for your own personalised adventure.
“Some mountaineers are proud of having done all their climbs without bivouac. How much they have missed ! And the same applies to those who enjoy only rock climbing, or only the ice climbs, only the ridges or faces. We should refuse none of the thousands and one joys that the mountains offer us at every turn. We should brush nothing aside, set no restrictions. We should experience hunger and thirst, be able to go fast, but also to go slowly and to contemplate”
Gaston Rébuffat
After meeting at Pen-Y-Pass. From the car park we will follow the start of the PYG track, but when we reach Bwlch y Moch we have the option to either continue on the Pyg track, a route that traverses up the hillside with a steep finish, or to take the very exposed scrambly arête known as Crib Goch. If we take Crib Goch we will summit Garnedd Ugain on our way to the summit of Snowdon .
When we get to the summit of Snowdon we will take some time to enjoy the extensive views it has to offer. Once again we have the option to choose a route to suit our abilities and energy levels. We can either follow the Llanberis Path gently down the hillside, or take the rolling ridge past four further summits. The latter route is more physically demanding, but there are options to cut off and head back to Llanberis throughout.
Both tracks lead back into Llanberis, and you will have completed a full traverse of Wales' highest mountain.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Pen-Y-Pass
Postcode: LL55 4NY
Grid Reference: SH 647 557
Directions
From the A55 coast road follow signs for Llanberis the A4086 to YHA Pen-Y-Pass. From the A5 turn onto A4086 at Capel Curig. Turn right at Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel. There is a Pay and Display car park on the left hand side of the road at the top of the pass.
Please note that there is limited parking at Pen Y Pass, at busy times it fills up early, there is a Park and Ride system from the lower car parks, but please leave plenty of time for this.
© 2017 The Lake District Walker Limited. All Rights Reserved.