Snowdon Classic

A guided walk to the 1,085m summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via the PYG and Miners Tracks

Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa to give the peak it's Welsh name, has been described as 'the most popular mountain in Britain' and it's easy to see why. It's craggy outcrops and deep, dark lakes have an air of mystery and the entire mountain 'feels' a lot bigger than it is, even though it is the highest of all the peaks in England and Wales.



Your walk starts at Pen y Pass, and takes the rocky, narrow path following the PYG Track. You cross over the high pass of Bwlch y Moch and follow the steep slope of the side of Crib Goch.
The lakes of Llydaw and Glaslyn glisten in the sunshine below to your left, and the triangular summit of Snowdon looms ahead. The way to the top isn't as vertical as it appears, and a sneaky path winds it's way up to th right and bringing you out at the 'Finger Stone', a large stone obelisk that marks the point where you gain the ridge. A final 20 minute walk along the ridge brings you to summit cafe, complete with railway station! The cairn that makes the true summit is another 20m higher, and can be a steep climb after all of that ascent!
After suitable refreshments, the descent begins. You will regain the PYG track at the Finger Stone, and work your way down the narrow tracks, zig-zagging along until you arrive at the junction of the Miners Track. This track, as the name suggests, leads to one of several mines on Snowdon, and descends steeply to the shore of Glaslyn, the blue-watered lake nestled under the cliffs of Clogwyn y Garnedd. Now a long, easy route down past deserted stone mine buildings and Llyn Llydaw eventually brings you back to the start at Pen y Pass.

Walk Details

(all distances, heights and times are approximate)

Length: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 3,500ft (1060m)
Time: 4-6hours depending on pace
Difficulty Rating: 3/5
Price: From £50 per person
Dates: Available all year round, weather permitting. Contact our offices for details of our set dates.

Why choose a guided walk with Original Outdoors?

• Experienced, qualified Mountain Leaders with a passion for the outdoors
• Knowledge of local area, the mountain environment and ecology
• A qualified First Aider on hand
• Route finding and safety - The paths are indistinct and you could easily find yourself in difficult terrain if you took the wrong route