Since arriving back in the U.K. from my big travelling trip in May, I have been keen to explore my own country a little more.
Having grown up in the scenic rolling countryside of Buckinghamshire, I’ve found that it’s very easy to overlook and take for granted the natural beauty, which is on your doorstep.
Therefore, this year I made it my mission to make the most of what the U.K. has to offer. First stop: climbing Mount Snowdon in North Wales.
Snowdon is the highest mountain in both Wales and England and stands at a whopping 1,085m. Situated in Snowdonia National Park, the 6 hour trek (approx) to and from Snowdon’s peak offers magnificent views across Snowdonia, Anglesey, Pembrokeshire and Ireland and boasts scenery you would never imagine to exist in the U.K.
Cascading waterfalls, inky-blue lakes and towering, rugged rock faces are just a few of the wonders you’ll pass along the way.
Now to get to the important bits about the trek…
Is climbing Mount Snowdon hard?
If I can do it, so can you!!
I’m far from fit and although there were points where I found the climb tough, it was never unbearable. Go at your own pace and you will definitely be able to make it to the top.
Which route?
There a 6 different routes you can take when trekking to Snowdon’s peak. We trekked up the Miner’s track and down the Pyg track. Both of these tracks start and finish at the Pen-y-Pass car park (LL55 4NY/ยฃ10 parking for the day) and are considered to include both ‘leisurely’ and ‘hard’ parts to trek.
The Miner’s track starts rather flat and weaves alongside spectacular lakes and corroding old miner’s houses whilst ascending gradually. Around an hour in, the path gets a lot less distinct and the gradient gets steeper. Nonetheless, it’s doable. We made it to the top in around 2 1/2 hours with a fair few breather and photo stops along the way.
The Pyg track is a lot more ‘bumpy’ than the Miner’s track. It’s less guided and involves a lot more concentration as you clamber over the jagged rocks. Even so, it opens up excellent views over the mountains and lakes on the other side of Snowdon and seemed a lot quieter than the Miner’s track – we only saw 3 other people in the 2 1/2 hour descent.
Where to stay?
We stayed in Snowdonia National Park for one night. We arrived in Wales on Monday afternoon, warmed up our calves at the underground trampoline park, Bounce Below and then stayed at YHA Bryn Gwynant.
This remote hostel was perfectly positioned overlooking mountains and lakes. It was cheap (ยฃ40 for a 5 bed dorm)ย and had absolutely zero signal or wifi – making it the ideal getaway spot.
Packing list…
Comfy hiking boots or shoes
Walking socks
A comfortable pair of trousers/leggings
Waterproof jacket and bottoms
Lots of layers! Your body temperature will fluctuate a lot as you go up and down so it is good to have lots of layersย which you can take on and off as you go up. The summit is freezing!
Hat and gloves
Water and snacks (although there is a cafe at the top where you can buy food and water)
A cameraย to capture the stunning views.
A backpack to carry jumpers, waterproof, water, camera etc. – you’ll need your hands free for parts of the walk.
Have you ever trekked Snowdon? What would you add to this guide?
