Will I be able to walk up Snowden.

[LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood]

Just that. Going on holiday next week to Wales.

I am 51. Not very fit. But no actual health problems. Was fittish ( though about a stone overweight) until a year ago. Then became very very sedentary owing to caring responsibilities for my seriously ill daughter. She is now much improved. I’m no fatter. But a lot less fit.

I can swim for an hour, walk for a couple of hours. Ride a bike for 5 miles. But I do struggle a bit with steep hills in that I get a bit “puffed out” and achy (I know I know Snowden qualifies as a steep hill!).

I have a weak ankle (fracture and torn ligaments a few times). The current plan is walk up and train down. Am I mad to even try.

I’ve walked up twice before. But the most recent was 25 years ago!

Advice please

To add. I’ve never smoked. Don’t have asthma. The “puffed out” is just general unfitness. Blood pressure ok. There is nothing actually wrong with me save I’m a bit fat and unfit!

I don’t think it’s that bad, id probably get the train up and walk down. Down is easier than yo!

Up*

You can’t het the train down unless you get it up and it gets booked well in advance.
I reckon you could manage it-just plan for lots of breaks and refuelling.
Look at the different routes. Pyg and miners meet at some point so if you got to that point and didn’t feel you could make the final climb then you could go down the other way. Some tracks are also more steep than others.
Good luck.

Check out if you can still train down, I think it's often not possible.

I did it with a group and we didn't struggle but ached a lot next day. All moderately active and kids age 10 up. I would be worried about your ankles.

I think you can if you can take your time. I find steep slopes are all about how fast you do them. Feeling puffed is ok, I can feel puffed when I go up a steep hill - I think the fitness test is more to do with how quickly you get over the puffed feeling. IYSWIM

Are you with friends who will understand if you have to turn back?

Yes, go up the myner down the pig tracks from pen y pas. I am
Quite unfit, overweight and it was match. I was fine.

Thanks all. It was concern about the ankle that made me choose train down really. I’ll have to look into what’s available. Maybe I can book it both ways and just use it to come down if I need to. DH, DD1, DD2 and DS will not have any difficulty with doing it and I’m torn between not wanting to be “left out” if they go without me, none of us going, or giving it a go and “coming a cropper” or making an absolute arse of myself. I’m not under any pressure to do it from the family and they are all lovely to me and won’t make me feel bad whatever I decide. But I’ve had quite an emotionally draining time of it recently and think I’ll get upset with myself if I try and fail.

You’ll be absolutely fine, just stop for a breather if you need to on the way up.

Which trail where you planning on doing? Theres quite a varience on how difficult they are.

Theres always a train if you get up there and cant face the walk down again.

There are several different routes, some significantly easier than others both in terms of terrain (avoid Crib Goch until you absolutely know what you are doing!) and height to ascend. I think the Pyg track is the easiest. I'd disagree with the suggestion of train up and walk down - it may be less hard work aerobically but I'd be worried about the stress on your ankle from going down. I'd say Snowdon is not the ideal place to start compared to the dozens of easier and less crowded walks nearby. That said, if you decide to go for it then make sure you take it steady, are well equipped (boots, waterproofs, water, food), check the weather forecast and be ready to turm back if necessary. Good luck whatever you decide, it's a glorious part of the world!

You should be fine
I done Watkins path when 6mth pregnant x

Do you use walking poles? I have issues with ankles and knees and find that poles make a big difference.

remember to pace yourself, it's not a race, and also don't forget that walking downhill can be just as tiring as going uphill as you use different muscles.
I find with things the like this it's best not to stop for too long as my muscles start seizing up.

I walked up as a little kid in pumps and an anorak and a collection of interesting stones collected on the way. In the 70s. As did my heavy smoker Mum who was in her late 40s. You'll be fine.

walking down can be a killer on the knees

It's a real trek up and it'll take you the best part of a day to walk up and down. Good luck!

Hadn’t thought of walking poles. Will they help much. Don’t want to look too professional!

Walking poles are great.

Which trail are you doing? Llanberis (sp?) easiest I think. You’ll be absolutely fine though, there are a couple of very steep bits at start and end but other than that it’s very pleasant. I really wouldn’t worry!

Don’t even know what trail! I’m open to all suggestions. Thank you.

Having had a look i think the Llanberis or Watkin path would be best. Any views on that.

I don’t think of poles as being professional kit. Lots of people use them now. I find they help with balance, and take the strain off knees and ankles. I always use them now on walks involving any ascent or descent.

Wear decent boots/hiking trainers and go slow. You'll be fine. Probably.

Watkins path is supposed to be the hardest. There are some lively waterfalls to swim in though about half an hour up the Watkins path!