Snowdon - The Quiet Way

A guided walk, avoiding the crowds, to the 1,085m summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via the Watkin Path

Snowdon is one of the busiest mountains in the U.K., but it is still quite possible to find some quiet solitude away from the tourists. The only place you can't avoid them is on the very summit itself!

Most people start from Llanberis or Pen y Pass, but your walk begins down in Gwynant valley at the bottom of the Watkin Path. The route meanders through fields and woodland before gaining the old mine road and passing below the foot of the long-abandoned workings at Clogwyn Brith. The cold waters of Afon Cwm Llan fall and tumble in the gorge to your right, and the hill rises up to your left. As you round the corner into Cwm Llan itself you can begin to see the slopes of Snowdon ahead of you. A pleasant walk through this lonely valley preludes a steep, zig-zagging climb up to Bwlch y Saethau, where you can see down to the twin lakes of Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw on the other side. 45 minutes of scrambly-climb walking follows, and the crowded summit arrives all too soon.
You descend via a different route - the South Ridge -  to Bwlch Cwm Llan. An indistinct path picks up the old carriageways used by the mines and returns you to the Watkin Path and the cool woodlands below. But not before you have had chance to sit by the plunge pools and waterfalls that roar and splash nearby.

Walk Details

(all distances, heights and times are approximate)

Length: 7.8 miles (12.2km)
Ascent: 3,500ft (1060m)
Time: 5-6hours depending on pace
Difficulty Rating: 2-3/5
Price: From £50 per person
Dates: Available all year round, weather and conditions 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