Get Lost Mountaineering

Snowdon via PYG and Miners' Tracks from Pen-y-Pass

Start/Finish

Car park at Pen-y-Pass about 8 km S of Llanberis on A 086. Expensive (£10 per day) for cars but should be free for bikes. It is possible to get a mini-bus, called a Sherpa, from Llanberis (and other places) for about £1 per journey. Timetables are freely available from the local Tourist Offices.

Distance/Time

11 km     About 4 – 5 hours

Peaks

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), 1085 m, SH 609 543. OL 17: Snowdonia: Snowdon Area

Introduction

This is the most straightforward ascent of Snowdon from Pen-y-Pass. In dry, clear weather with no lying snow, it is a relatively easy route. In winter conditions the top of the track may hold awkward snow and winter equipment and experience will be needed. The two tracks join before the Snowdon crest is reached which leads easily to the summit so this section has to be retraced.

Route

(1) From Pen-y-Pass car park, go to the NW (top right looking from entrance) corner of the upper car park where there is a “hole in the wall”. Follow the obvious path W which climbs gradually then passes into a col called Bwlch y Moch where there are two adjacent stiles. Continue on the PYG path, over the stiles, which leads upwards below Crib Goch. Higher up, the path merges with the Miners' track and the combined track continues to the Snowdon crest by two large stone markers. Turn left and follow the obvious path up which shadows the railway. Soon reach the summit area where there is a café, not always open, and a large cairn/view point/trig point on a plinth with steps. This is the summit of Snowdon, 1085 m.

(2) Retrace to the marker stones and start descending the obvious path which is a combination of the PYG and Miners' track. The path has been worked on but is still rough and can be hard on the knees. Lower down, the path splits (not very obvious) and one descends (not obviously) to the lower path on the right which is the Miners' Track then follow it around the lakes back to the car park or one can stay on the upper PYG track and follow that back to the car park.

Notes

(a) This walk took place in 2010 in poor weather and was then forgotten about until 2016 when decent photos were obtained.

(b) This route would be a very serious undertaking in winter conditions and ice axe and crampons would be essential. The exit from the top of the PYG and Miners' track on to the Snowdon ridge can hold late snow.