Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) with a baby

[ZEWatson]

Anyone walked snowdon with a baby in the carrier? More specifically have you walked the Watkin path? We're hoping to take our 15 month this week if weather allows. My husband has mountain leader qualifications and we're very used to hiking in the hills, we just haven't done snowdonia yet with her. Not thinking about temperature regulation or fitness so much, more about the terrain. If its mostly path/ step-like structures that's fine, but if it's too much scrambling or large rocks it's a bit harder with the carrier. We want to do something a bit more scenic than llanberis.

My son and his friends went up last August with a 7 month old in a sling. They had no problems.

I think there is lots of scrambling up all the paths other than Llanberis. I went up the Miners track and down the Pyg track in Oct 22 and was surprised how often I needed two hands free! However I am not an experienced mountain climber/walker (although I am fit and healthy) so maybe you and your husband will be able to do it with less scrambling!! I thought the Watkins path was one of the most difficult ones? I did the one from Beddgelert years ago and got totally freaked out by the very narrow path about 500 metres from the summit - that's why I didnt go that way in 2022

Honestly I think gentle hikes are fine but I personally think it's irresponsible to take a baby up Snowdon. The weather can change so quickly, it can be lovely and then quite unexpectedly thick freezing mist -- the forecast isn't always accurate. There are some lovely coastal walks around that area of Wales which are just as, or probably more, scenic but less challenging and less likely to be subject to sudden weather changes at altitude.

Thank you. From what I've read Watkin path is most difficult but I think from a elevation/ steep-ness point of view. You start at almost sea level so the ascent is over 1000m, whereas other routes start higher. I know watkin has very steep sections too. Keen to see the waterfalls. Maybe we can just do the waterfall bit and do the summit in the summer when it's warmer 😊

Thank you

Unfortunately mountain rescue have been out a couple of years ago to rescue a walker with a baby in a backpack. The weather can change so quickly and it can get so cold . Their strong advice was not to walk up with a baby.

That just means that they were most likely not prepared for the weather. We regularly hike with our baby in subzero temperatures, strong winds etc. We always have heat pads, wind shields, foil blankets, head torches and fuel/ liquid with us on 'extreme' hikes. The climb snowdon website does in fact state that doing snowdon with a baby in a secure backpack is very doable.
This is why I was asking about the hike itself, I'd like to know whether there is climbing and scrambling on Watkin path, if there is it's not suitable for someone with baby carrier, in which case we'll do llanberis 😊

I went up Miners (no baby!)) in June last year, it was wet, cold and windy and a lot of scrambling over rocks. At the top it was minus 5 and no visibility.

Came back down Llanberis, which is certainly the better option for with a baby, but given the weather I experienced even in June I wouldn’t go up until they’re a bit older.

Even if it looks nice down the bottom, don’t be fooled. I was well prepared for all weathers, but the amount of people going up in shorts and t shirts and trainers was ridiculous. Not to mention the lady in her juicy tracksuit and Ugg boots!

To answer your question, it is fine. I did it with kids aged 7 once and only recall the tedium. Llanberis is an absolute slog. I wouldn’t think the walk and crowds justify having a baby in a carrier for such a long time. It is do-able but does not sound pleasant. Watkins is nicer and you’ll be fine but again it’s a 3-5 hours at pace and boring long with a fussy baby. As a local I only climb Yr Wydffa generally and Llanberis specifically as part of fundraising or with an enthusiastic child aged about 7-12. It is beautiful but stupidly crowded and there are so many alternatives.

Yes 38 years ago.. my ex husband carried our daughter in back carrier.
That was before the big platform and cafe etc.
We got the train back.
We were age 26 then and it was around March/ April ( Easter) she was four months old.. l remember sitting down a few times to breast feed her.

Not done the Watkin (have done almost all the others) but I’m not sure this is the best route for someone with a baby carrier. The top section that traverses underneath the summit always looked a bit on the scary side when I’ve looked at it, looks pretty exposed. Googling Watkin path exposure seems to confirm this.

Id probably recommend Pyg track, fairly easy but interesting, not nearly as monotonous as the main drag up.

Google:

Update: we decided to go up to see the waterfalls on the watkin path on Saturday with baby in the sling- she loved it. This was only 2 mile round hike and only 146m elevation on a good path. THEN my in laws looked after baby this morning and Hubby and I did the full watkin path all the way to the summit and loved it! I agree the top bit is a bit sketchy for baby in tow and was very cold and windy

Glad you enjoyed walk and made great decision about baby . Weather can change so quickly this time of year .

@ZEWatson sounds great, always wanted to try that route. Try Crib Goch (it’s an eye opener) if you’re ever up that way again. Definitely not recommended with a baby carrier though

Ahha yes. Hubby pointed it out as he's done it before. Definitely one for next time!

@ZEWatson Tryfan is another good one in that area, the approach from the south side isn’t too bad and I really enjoyed it, lots quieter than snowdon which can get a bit rammed. The north side looked far too scarey for me- sod that!

We did a lot of hiking with kids in the carrier, including Ben Lomond and a couple of similar length walks when younger child was around 18 months.

Major limiting factor is their patience, younger one tolerated the carrier until he got too heavy only because he got to walk down the hills and jump off suitably sized rocks. Walks without opportunities for fun or in miserable weather just weren't fun for him and then weren't for us.

I'd probably say the full watkin would be too long for patience/sitting for either of my DC. We have done scrambly walks with the big carrier, but super long walks wouldn't go well.

Looks amazing! I’d love to visit this part of the UK.