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

I did the llanberis path a couple of times last year. I'm also 51 with previous ankle dislocation. Walking up was very straightforward and not difficult. Walking down however was too stressful on my ankle and dodgy knees, especially at the very steep part at the base. I walked backwards for the last bit!

It’s really not difficult.

Decent boots.
PYG up and Miners down.
Down is hard on the knees.
Plenty of rests and you’ll be fine.
Enjoy!

I did Ben Nevis and I was a bit like you, fitish, overweight was not fit fit, It took me a while and it was exhausting - but I am so glad I did it.

You can start a bit higher up can't you, maybe do that, not sure what path that is. But go on do it. It is harder coming down then up!
Take is steady.

I did it last year, 56 and heavier/less fit than I'd like. It was fine - just take your time, definitely use a pole or two. Loads of people use them nowadays. DH and I take one apiece on most of our country walks nowadays, makes such a difference anywhere rough/steep/slippery/crossing streams.

If you're going with younger/fitter people make them carry the stuff.

Pay attention to the weather forecast, it can be quite a challenge to get the timing right so that you're not in cloud at the top.

And you can get a tea and a pasty at the top!

I did it once and I hate walking. I set out looking to find a quiet spot for a picnic and as there were so many people about, kept walking. I suddenly came upon the half way shop and figured I would keep walking. It was a perfectly clear day and the views from the top were amazing.

A word of advice - on the way down, the temptation to leap and bound down the mountainside is strong. Don't do it. I did and it resulted in two sleepless nights pacing my hotel room in agony with vice like cramp.

Hope you make it.

I'd say you probably shouldn't do it, especially if you have a bad ankle as the pathways are really rough.
Have a look at this website.
It's about 6 - 8 hours walking, a lot of it very steep and difficult.
www.visitsnowdonia.info/snowdon_walks_-_6_routes-95.aspx

But there are so many amazing walks in that area that are more manageable. Lots of them start from Betws-y-Coed, which also has great tea shops etc. Or do some of the coastal path round Anglesey or the Lleyn - the paths are flatter and the views beyond beautiful.

This is view from a walk I did last week on the Lleyn:

I think you could find it really tough, I did it several years ago, I had lost quite a bit of weight and was reasonably fit but I found it really hard.... I couldn't face walking down (in many ways I think walking downhill is harder) so I just waited at the top & eventually got a seat on the train down .... but there are no guarantees). Think very carefully before you decide.

Sorry - LLyn not Lleyn

Did it 2 years ago on my significant birthday when snow was still on the ground. Wasn't that fit, up Llanberris (easiest but longest), down PYG. Took 8 hrs in total. Glad I did it :)
I found loose rocks/zig zag path down most challenging so poles should help.

Pace yourself, take wate, decent boots to hold ankles in properly and check if rain expected. Can be windy on top.

Don't do the Watkin, it's quite scrambly in places. You'll be fine on Pyg or Miners, though z

Poles would really help coming down as that’s when there will be lots of stress on knees and ankles especially on fatigued legs from climbing up. Gd luck hope you enjoy it.

We did it using Llanberis Path.
it starts with a tough climb up a tarmac lane.
Then there are two really tough sections there one as you head up to Clogwyn (but the views from above the clouds so worth it) and the second being the climb up to the Summit itself. Trekking poles good help coming down
the advantage of Llanberis Path is you could get to say Halfway Café take a breath and see if you want to carry on?
we got up and down in just under four hours (that included that we spent quite a bit of time at the summit and had lunch etc. Also had a rest stop at Halfway Café. Do not rely on the Summit Café being open or the Halfway Café! Take plenty of water and energy bars and hill kit.
I will say its not easy and we do a lot of hill walking. Bear it in mind before you set off and make sure you are well equipped.

I went up with a relative who is unfit, overweight and nearly 70. He managed - albeit with a few breaks. On that basis, I think you will be fine. As pp have said, down will be more strain on you. Though I doubt the train down will be an option - all tickets seemed to be up/down package, and were sold out over a week in advance. So be prepared.

My husband crocked his knee (at the top of Scafell Pike, on our honeymoon, and like a terrible wife I made him walk 2 miles to the pub afterwards because “a few extra miles can’t make much difference and you’ll feel much better for pie mash and Guinness” ) and now always uses walking poles for downhill, and says they help loads so guess they’d help your ankle too.

I think on a day with decent weather and with an early start so you can really take your time, it’s worth a go. Definitely in decent boots with comfy ankle support though.

Can you do a practice walk in advance say a couple of hours up a steepish hill and see how you feel?
Also investigate getting a train ticket in advance - I know everyone else is saying do it, but it is a fair old slog .

Llanberis Path is by far the easiest, it’s known as “The Tourist Track” for that reason.

If you’re unsure of your fitness, I do NOT recommend the Pyg Track. The last little bit, after it joins with the Miner’s Track but below Bwlch Glas (“the zig zags”), is really quite steep and taxing.

PYG up, Miner's down. Start early in the morning and take your time. Bathe your feet in the tarns on the way back. (Intensely painful, but soooo refreshing!)

You'll be fine.

we got up and down in just under four hours (that included that we spent quite a bit of time at the summit and had lunch etc - You must be seriously good hikers .

So many helpful and interesting responses. Every point of view is appreciated. I’m very grateful. I tend to be a bit driven and goal orientated. Sometimes helpful. Sometimes not.

I’ll think on all the advice here and decide what to do. I do know though that if I decide to do it I’ll need poles. And not do the Watkins route. No one seems to think that one is a good idea.

Thanks all.

You’ll be fine OP. Me and my SIL did it and she only has one leg

Do you like walking up hills? I can walk for miles on reasonable terrain but I absolutely hate walking up hills.
I did Snowdon as a kid (like a PP, in plimsoles and an anorak with a flask of squash and a Pek sandwich) and it was fine.
Nowadays? I'd have chucked a pissy fit ten minutes out the car park and gone home. It just seems so...... unnecessary 😁
When you are trudging uphill for three hours plus, it can all get rather tedious.

We went up on the cogwheel railway and it came off the rails!!!!