Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on August 16, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

Snowdon Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to Walk or Climb up Snowdon? 

How long is a piece of string?! Allow 3-4 hours to climb up Snowdon if in any doubt, and that’s just for the ascent. If you’re fitter, then you should be able to make it up and down in that time.

What should I wear to climb Snowdon?

Visit out equipment and clothing for Snowdon page for full information on what to wear when walking up Snowdon.

How high is Snowdon?

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and it stands at an elevation of 1,085 meters above sea level.

Where is Snowdon?

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is located in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, UK.

It’s called Mt or Mount Snowdon right? Why do you insist on using just Snowdon?

Because read this – Why it’s Never Mount Snowdon – then ask us again why we don’t call it “mount”. We dare you.

How can I get to Snowdon?

To get to Snowdon, or the starting points of one of the 6 main routes up Snowdon, check out our homepage that provides an info table with starting point and post codes for each.

Will the cafe be open?

Generally it’s only open when the train is travelling to the Summit Station. If in doubt, contact the Mountain Railway company. Never plan your walk relying on the cafe to be open!

Can I walk all the way to the top of Snowdon?

Yep – there’s no climbing involved on any of the walking routes. Some scrambling is needed for Crib Goch, Lliwedd and y Gribin.

Can I take my dog up Snowdon?

Yes, taking your dog on a mountain walk is great company for you and great exercise for them. Pease be a responsible dog mountain walker, and check out this article by our sister site Mud and Routes for more info on taking your dog mountain walking.

Which is the easiest Walk up Snowdon?

We use “Easy” very loosely, we are talking about walking up Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales of course! But the easiest Walk up Snowdon would be the Llanberis path route.

Which Walk up Snowdon has the best scenery?

The most scenic Walk up Snowdon in our opinion is the Watkin Path route.

Where can I park my car while on my Walk up Snowdon?

Check out our handy Parking and Public Transport guide.

Can I get a bus to the start of my Walk up Snowdon?

Why yes of course, there’s a specific service just for you called the Snowdon Sherpa bus service. Here’s our full Snowdon Sherpa guide.

Which walk up Snowdon is the best for the National Three Peaks Challenge?

Three peakers usually go for either the PYG or Miner’s Track. If you’re planning on taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge then why not visit our sister site cleverly named Walk up the Three Peaks, an online guidebook dedicated to all things three peaks.

Can I organise a walk up Snowdon myself?

If you’re thinking of planning a walk up Snowdon you’ll need need to ask yourself some question, take a look at our Organising a walk article for some pointers.

I’m not 100% confident self-guiding, can I get a guide?

If you’re looking for support/leadership on your Walk up Snowdon then we’ve started partnering up with local guiding providers to bring you a list of suitable professional guides.

(if you’re a guide and want to advertise with us then add your listing here for FREE!)

What equipment should I take on my Walk up Snowdon?

Taking on a walk up Snowdon requires suitable equipment no matter what time of year you attempt your ascent. For a full rundown take a look at our equipment article.

Can I mountain bike up Snowdon?

Yes, mountain biking up Snowdon is one of the UK’s true big mountain epic rides. Be aware there is a Snowdon voluntary cycling agreement between 10am and 5pm from May to the end of September. Check out our Mountain Biking up Snowdon article for all the info.

Where can I find a pub after my walk up Snowdon?

After walking up (and down) Snowdon you’ll have worked up a thirst, check our Best pubs around Snowdon article for some well researched local insights!

How much does it cost to stay at the hotel?

About three and six in old money the last time it was open… Seriously, there’s no accommodation on the top!

Is there accommodation near Snowdon?

Yes, places o stay are a plenty here in Snowdonia and vary to suit all tastes. Visit our accommodation in Snowdonia page on our directory for a selection.

(if you run accommodation and want to advertise with us then add your listing here for FREE!)

Do you arrange mortgages to pay for the parking in Pen y Pass?

No. I really wouldn’t want to be responsible for handling such money. I’d rather sort out Greece’s financial deficit.

Are you running out of questions and putting silly ones in now?

Er…. yep…

More Questions? Please ask them at our Mud and Routes- Walk up Snowdon forum. We’ve had so many requests via comments and email for advice, that we cannot respond to everybody and still get outside to produce all our lovely content! Asking on a forum means the advice is shared with everyone, as well as the opportunity for other experienced voices to chime in.

 

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15 thoughts on “Frequently Asked Questions”

  1. Morning, I am organising a charity walk up Snowdon for around 10 people, (Llamberis path) we aren’t able to do it until the end of September, I just wanted to ask if this is an ok time of year to climb, we have had a few years now of September being fine and dry. Would value your opinion. Many thanks

  2. Hi myself and a few friends are planning to walk up Snowdon via the Pyg track and
    down the Lianberis. We are all reasonably fit but can not use a compass in conjunction
    with a map. Is there a easy to read map with pictures or diagrams we can down load or buy
    please. Going up mid june. thanks

  3. Thinking of walking up snowdon on Friday. Have done no preparation apart from just discovering that the railway is not open yet and therefore the cafe. Does this mean the toilets at the top won’t be open either?

  4. Hi there,

    I’m planning a walk up to the summit in August to raise some money for charity. Myself and a few of the walkers are well experienced having walked Snowdon previously whilst other are not.

    We’re camping near Lyn Gwynant lake and I’m trying to plan a circular walk from there as the campsite is just off one of the tracks. I’d like to walk the Pyg track up having read you’re report on this track (I think I seems the best in comparison to Crib goch and the Miners path) whilst I was considering walking the Watkins path down but I have read that this can be treacherous. If it was just me walking there would be no problem but I need to make sure that my whole group is safe.

    Are there any routes down you could suggest that are safe for unexperienced/unconfident walkers that don’t take us the other side of the mountain, turning a potential seven hour walk into a nine hour walk? Any help/advice would be much appreciated!

    1. The PYG doesn’t have many exposed spots, while the two obvious descents to Nant Gwynant have some steep sections (Watkin and South Ridge) that might not be suitable for a mixed group as you mention.

      There’s a planning application in for diversion work on the Watkin path just below the summit – I’m really hoping they’re going to finish off this section, but it may still be bit daunting for an inexperienced group in descent, but maybe an ascent?

      Another option is to make use of the Sherpa buses and the Ranger path, but they’re a bit few and far between through Nant Gwynant.
      Descending via the Miner’s Track might feel like you’re going back the same way, but would be on a par with the PYG I reckon, and really does feel like you’re going down a different route!

  5. Hello, an embarassing question now :- what are the toilet accomodations on the Snowdon walks and area. Do we need to take doggy bags if getting caught short :). Serious answers please.

    1. Hi Ian, I’ve intended to add this to the site but not got around to it!

      Basically, you’ve got toilets at the starting points and at the summit. If you choose a busy day and a busy path, then it can be difficult to find any private spots along the way if you do get caught short. If you do get caught short, then you need to follow the instructions given in the following link:
      http://www.mcofs.org.uk/assets/access/where-to-go-leaflet.asp.pdf
      or
      http://www.mcofs.org.uk/mag_sm29_page12.asp

      Busiest and most’exposed’ paths – Llanberis, PYG, Miners and Crib Goch. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, as there’s usually some option, especially on the other paths – though possibly one that’s not palatable to all!

      Female party members might wish to google for a ‘sheewee’!

      I’ll try and summarise and add it to the page at some point!

      Best of luck and mind how you go… [groan]

      1. Knowing how the weather behaves in the uk this maybe difficult to answer, but when would you suggest a novice tries to tackle the summit, have teenage boys in tow,
        Appreciate your thoughts

        1. Hi Jed,
          Yes, this one’s a difficult one. You can find the mountain’s suitable at any time of the year, and likewise it can be unsuitable at any time!

          Just keep an eye out for the mountain forecast and choose a good weekend, which you probably didn’t have in November! If it snows, just wait till the spring.

  6. I understand there is a degree of controversy regarding a recent tarmac path partway up Snowdon, apparently to make access easier for wheelchair/prams etc. I understand the debate but would like to try and take advantage of any ‘easy’ access. My question; Can a decent purpose built outdoor Electic wheelchair with adequate charge make it to the summit? The chair in question is a capable 4WD and can clear 4 inch rocks easily but I have no wish to get halfway to find bigger rocks that need to be accessed. If the answer is yes a wheelchair could make it, what is the path’s name please? I’d much appreciate an honest and reliable response thanks.

    1. Hi – they’d considered tarmacking the lower section of the Miner’s Track which is pretty much a landrover track anyway (I believe it’s one of the locations mountain rescue can take landys in order to speed up rescues). The 4×4 went up the Llanberis path, but when we found it parked on the actual summit the second time, we couldn’t work out how he did it up a few sections, and reckon he used a winch on some of the final sections. The final section is now all steps as well.

      I don’t know enough about taking an all terrain motorised wheelchair up to say either way, but I’d imagine some sections would pose some serious problems such as the steps and a few eroded sections – see the images – http://www.walkupsnowdon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/llanberis_17_960.jpg and http://www.walkupsnowdon.co.uk/?p=6760. I’d be inclined to err on the side of caution, but maybe someone else can shed some light on this?

  7. Hi there. A question for you.
    I’ve been up snowdon about 4 times now, but the last time was about 7 years ago. I’ve only ever gone up in August but I have now planned a trip for early march. I have a small jack russel/springer cross who loves the outdoors (obviously) and probably has enough energy to climb snowdon 3 times over. However, even from my own experience of the mountain I cannot decide if this is going to be a wise choice to take her up. Can you offer me any advice? I’ve looked at purchasing a small harness in case there are areas that she needs a lift with – but I could do with picking your brains and opinions.
    Many thanks

    1. Hi,

      I’ve seen plenty taking dogs up Snowdon, but I’m really not sure whether you need to get her acquainted with some shorter hills first or not. You’d certainly need to make sure that she’s ok with sheep, and probably kept on a leash if you’re not sure (I think this is recommended during lambing anyway?).
      You certainly won’t need to be lifting her on something like the Llanberis or Ranger paths, and there’s only a couple of parts on the Miners/PYG that are a bit rocky and might need a helping hand.
      If it helps, there was someone yesterday on the summit with a dog on one of those extendible leads that was definitely less of a working dog than yours and he seemed to be loving every minute!
      Sorry I can’t be more help, maybe someone else might add to the comments below and I’ll add it onto the FAQ above – or let us know how you get along with the trip – it might help someone else?

      1. I would suggest keeping your dog on a lead when the mountain is busy – dogs can become excited and disorientated when there are a lot of legs to navigate …… especially also if she’s not used to strange sights and smells. The train can be quite frightening if she’s not expecting something like it – dogs have run off when confronted with sudden unforeseen noises like the whistle and the chugging. I know – I’ve searched for them, sometimes over several days – and yes – she should be kept on a lead at all times wherever there is livestock. You and she might possibly find a harness more comfortable while she’s exploring and an extending lead could work well for her. I used to use one for Jess which she didn’t find restricting but gave me control of her at all times. She also wore her collar and tag at all times and please remember to keep your microchip up to date if any of your details change. I’m sure she’d enjoy the walk up as much as you – the Pyg track was one of Jess’ favourite hikes.

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