Snowdon Machynlleth Next week

[Teapot74]

Not really experienced hikers but I wanted to walk up a mountain. Have booked a few days this weekend near Machynlleth. DC's 12 and 13 relatively fit. Can we walk up Snowdon or will it be snowy dangerous? If not can anyone rec. any manageable mountains in that neck of the woods?
TIA. (have bought boots, do we need special trousers?)

[MegBusset]

Snowdon on the tourist path is pretty straightforward and if you're all reasonably fit you shouldn't find it too arduous. I've not done it in winter though so you will have to check locally if the paths are snowy/icy. The danger comes with bad weather - so check the forecast, and don't be afraid to turn back if the weather turns.

There is some really good advice here:
www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/safety-advice

As for trousers, wear something that won't rub and that will dry quickly if it rains - so not jeans! They don't have to be 'technical' walking trousers but you may find them more comfortable - I like the ones with zip-off bottoms I get very warm when hill-walking, but cold when I stop for a breather!

[MegBusset]

www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/Hard-Mountain-Walks/llanberis-path

Here is a guide to the tourist path - it warns of very icy high slopes in winter so I would definitely check conditions locally.

[MegBusset]

www.llansadwrn-wx.info/ice/snow.html

Sorry for multiple posts! Just found this website which has up-to-date daily snow reports. It sounds like there is still a fair bit of snow at higher levels so I would say it's a no especially as you are inexperienced hikers and have children in tow.

Why not plan to return in spring/summer and attempt it then. It's not going anywhere :)

[Teapot74]

Thanks Meg. Sounds possible then. Is Cader Idris just as good?

[Teapot74]

OK maybe not...

[Teapot74]

One problem is going to be lack of internet once we're there.

[Ferguson]

Cader Idris is a lot smaller than Snowdon, and both are quite a long way away from Machynlleth.

We used to go to Bala, on Bala Lake, when I was a child. Nearby mountains there are Aran (near Llanuwchllyn village), and to the north, Arenig, a few miles from the village of Parc. Also north in that area is Ffestiniog, with railway and quarries.

Aran is good, as it looks down the length of Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid).

Snowdon, of course, has the mountain railway to the top, but I don't know if it runs all year. Easy enough to find out on line.

And you can 'check out' places before you go on Google Street View!

Hope you enjoy, and it is all successful!