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Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Walking up Snowdon

16 replies

Jungfraujoch · 30/12/2014 20:00

Anyone here done it? Which path did you take? I'm a good walker but never a mountain!

Any advice welcomed. Thanks.

OP posts:
Doje · 30/12/2014 20:33

I've done it a couple of times. I think we've done the Llanberis path both times. If you're used to walking you'll be fine. The Llanberis path is about 9 miles (in total, up and down), and from what I remember it's fairly steady, with a bit at the top that's a bit steeper, and a bit scrambly. Not on all fours or anything like that, just takes a bit of care IYKWIM.

The way down is a bit tough on the knees, and you can always decide to get the train back down, but it's pretty expensive!

The views are spectacular and it's well worth doing!!

Original poster
Jungfraujoch · 30/12/2014 21:01

Thanks Doje! Can I ask what time of year you've done it?

OP posts:
BumWad · 30/12/2014 21:04

It is a great walk.

We went up the Miners path which starts easy but has a bit of a scramble (using hands and feet) at the end. We had a range of ages in our group - some kids as young as 7 and we all managed it. We descended via the Llanberis.

Doje · 30/12/2014 21:06

Once in June, and once late Autumn. I don't think you can ever guarantee the weather at the top, but June was nice and sunny, the autumn one was fine and bright (walked in a light jacket and a T-shirt) but very misty right at the summit.

Original poster
Jungfraujoch · 30/12/2014 21:06

Sounds interesting Bum!

OP posts:
FrontForward · 30/12/2014 21:08

July and August for me recently

Check weather forecast day before if not on the day. Do take waterproofs (trousers, gloves and jacket) and do have good shoes or boots.

The weather was forecast to be fine for my most recent walk up and it was very very wet and cold at the top. My waterproof jacket leaked and so did my haversack where I had DD's spare fleece....soaked through and she was cold and needed it.

I have done both Pyg and Miners. I like both.

chocolatereindeer · 30/12/2014 21:11

Please don't go up in this weather unless you're really experienced with snowy mountains. I used to live near there and all winter badly prepared tourists were being rescued off the mountain by helicopter.

On a warm summer's day the Llanberis path is easy enough to do in a decent pair of trainers with a picnic though, and it's amazing at the top :)

uptomyeyes · 30/12/2014 21:14

We go up and down the Pyg Track which is a lovely walk. It can get quite cold when you are directly under the summit because it is in the shade, so just make sure you have lots of layers on and gloves/hat etc, and there are a few parts where you have to scramble over boulders but nothing hair raising. The Miners Track does for my knees! We will be going up via the Watkins Path at Easter all being well, which is a bit trickier I think.

addictedtosugar · 30/12/2014 21:15

Been up twice - once as a small child, don't know which route, but not the one near the train track. Must have been Summer, as I remember me and my brother skinny dipping in a (secluded!) lake on the way down.

Second time we did the horseshoe. Not sure of time of year, but not high summer. Not recommended for your first trip. It was misty and damp, and we had a vertigo sufferer with us - who didn't announce the fact til we were committed to the route Hmm

WidowWadman · 30/12/2014 21:18

I've done the ranger path (together with my then 9 months old daughter in a macpac) and found it enjoyable -great views, but not too taxing or exposed. Didn't have any other walkers with me as I met my husband and his friend on the summit ( they went up crib goch which I'd be too much of a wuss to attempt)

HouseWhereNobodyLives · 30/12/2014 21:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Jungfraujoch · 30/12/2014 21:20

Chocolate - don't worry not planning to go anytime soon, plus I live a couple of hundred miles away!

OP posts:
meandjulio · 30/12/2014 21:22

We went up the Miners and down the Llanberis. Miners is wonderful though 'a bit of a scramble at the end' is putting it mildly... Llanberis is doable at almost any age but it's SO LONG and slightly dull [sh]. If I were doing it again, I would think about up the Pyg and down the Miners, not sure if that's a thing.

Yes don't muck about - it's a proper mountain, treat it like one.

Original poster
Jungfraujoch · 06/01/2015 20:01

Thanks everyone for all the route advice - got a group of 6 together now and planning for early September.

Next question is accommodation! We're all travelling some distance from and will stay over Fri and Saturday nights. So, any recommendations for a nice hotel not too far away? One with a pool to relax in would be ideal!

OP posts:
annabanana19 · 07/01/2015 16:28

Celtic Royal Hotel is a nice place in Caernarfon (15 mins drive from Llanberis). Has a pool/bar/restaurant. Otheriwse Caernarfon also has a Travelodge/Premier Inn.

If you want Llanberis the Royal Victoria Hotel is a large hotel but has no pool. Plus it has a few guest houses. Have a peep on Trip Advisor.

Beehatch · 07/01/2015 16:37

Whatever the time of year always go prepared. I've been up in July and it was horizontal rain at the top - thank God for the cafe! We usually do the Miners track.

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