Climbing Snowdon with kids

[Basobel]

We are thinking of climbing Snowdon with our 3 children aged 8,10 and 12 during half term. We are all fairly fit and just looking for any hints and tips on kit, route, somewhere nice to stay when we finish and how ‘doable’ it is. Thanks 😊

I did the Pyg Track, then back on the Miners Track with a 12 year old. It took 3 1/2 hours up, 2 1/2 down. We had hiking trousers, t-shirt, fleece, and lightweight waterproof jacket, with hiking boots. This was August, not October though. Took a backpack with a plastic bag inside to keep things dry, mobile in a ziplock. I think the visitor centre is closed until next year.

I think you have to be quite open-minded about not making it all the way up and perhaps have a plan B. The weather can be very changeable at the best of times. By late October, there's a real possibility of ice and / or heavy cloud at the summit. Also be aware that the cafe is closed this year, so there will be nowhere to shelter.
But equally, it could be lovely!
Check the forecast before you go and be prepared. Proper waterproofs (trousers and top) for everyone. Waterproof boots that fit well (test them extensively before your trip!). Warm layers, hats etc. A compass and map (and know how to use them) and a whistle etc.

We took our then 10 and 12 year old up in August 2018.

We were camping down the road so took a taxi up to Pen y Pass (car parking is very limited) and took the pyg track up and Watkin path down (we’d left the car there).

It took us about 3 hours up and slightly less down. Even in August we needed fleeces, waterproofs and hats at the top.

We used the cafe toilets but took our own drinks and food. The cafe and toilets are currently closed.

There is a Youth Hostel at pen y pass that might work well for you.

Snowdon's very doable. The main routes all involve a simple, well trodden path, with no particularly steep parts and no scrambly bits either. It's "easier" than lots of smaller mountains for that reason.

I'd advise going up the Miners Track and down the Pyg track (or vice versa), route- wise: both fairly easy but not quite as congested as the Llanberis path.

In terms of kit, remember it's going to be cold up on the top, so hats and gloves, even if it's a mild day. Not much else to worry about really - it's an easy walk for most averagely-fit people. Oh, and go to Pete's Eats in Llanberis for huuuuuge fry ups!

Last tip - don't go up Crib Goch

At 18 I went up Crib Goch by mistake (poor map reading). We made it, but it was a good thing we were both good with heights... And we didn’t come down that way.

Brilliant - thanks everyone for taking the time to share your experiences- really appreciate it. Looks like it’s pretty feasible as long as we check for bad weather. Looking forward to it 👍🏻

I would go up the miners down the pug. Pen y pas youth hostel is nice and definitely go to pete’s, I miss field trips!

Very doable but dull. Personally, I’d go for a less trodden summit that wasn’t a walking motorway. Ours did Snowden for a birthday party when they were about six or seven. It was fine in terms of difficulty but crowded and not as awe inspiring as some lesser peaks. Cader Idris with swimming stuff in your bag is far more magical.

Just make sure you have decent waterproofs and an extra jumper. And don't try it if the weather forecast is bad
Combination of Pyg track/Miners' track and the tourist route is good.

I've done Snowdon a number of times but only did it for the first time with kids a few weeks ago. I would suggest going up the Pyg track rather than Miners - while the going is more continuously uphill the issue with the Miners is a fairly steep scramble towards the end up to where it joins the Pyg, which can be quite full on. We did it with our 4 year old and 8 year old who both managed it under their own steam (the 4 year old was carried for about the last quarter of a mile). They both slept the whole way home though 😂 Take LOTS of snacks to keep them going

Personally, I’d go for a less trodden summit that wasn’t a walking motorway

This, with bells on. I think some people particularly to do Snowdon though, as it has that rare combination of being "big" yet very easy.

I took DS up the Llanberis path when he was 6 and got the train down. He managed Pyg track then Miners track down when he was 9. Since then we have climbed it many times - if your kids are fit I think the nicest way up is the South Ridge/Watkin path. Also has the benefit of being very quiet most of the time.