Guide to Walking Snowdon on The Pyg Track Route

There are several great routes to the summit, but the Snowdon Pyg Track is one of the best options for first-timers. Here’s all you need to know for your first ascent of this magical Welsh mountain.

The Pyg Track clings to majestic lakes as it advances towards the summit of Snowdon, tracking the contour of the U-shaped valley. A sweeping arc of mountainous ridges spiral out in various directions with a patchwork of hiking trails disappearing over steep-sided pinnacles.

There are several Snowdon routes, each providing a unique experience of this dramatic, imposing landscape. The adventure-seekers can climb over narrow arêtes with vertiginous drops delivering heart-pumping thrills. The off-the-beaten-track crowd head to the quieter valleys and longer trails that meander up picturesque paths.

For first-timers, the sensible option is the Pyg Track.

The Snowdon Pyg Track route to the summit is both the shortest in distance and involves the least amount of ascent. There is nothing technically difficult, and it’s one of the easiest and quickest routes to the summit. But this is no compromise; the views over the boulder-strewn paths and lakes nestled into deep-cut valleys are simply stunning – it’s one of the most picturesque places to visit in the UK.

While the Pyg Track requires some puff, in no way is it a boring slog.

As a bonus, there is a choice of different routes back down. Our favourite passes two lovely lakes which are ideal for a refreshing wild swim among a beautiful rocky vista.  

Fancy taking on this icon in Snowdonia National Park? Here’s our complete guide to walking up Snowdon via the Pyg Track – our favourite Snowdon route.

Snowdon via Pyg Track Overview

• Summary: An excellent yet short route up the highest mountain in Wales
• Distance: 5.3 kilometres one way (3.3 miles)
• How long: 2 hours, 30 minutes one way
• Elevation: 725 metres (+/-)
• Difficulty: Medium to Hard – it’s a fair old climb, but nothing technically difficult
• When: Late May to mid-July

How to Get to the Start of the Pyg Track

The walk Snowdon Pyg Track begins at Pen-y-Pass Car Park. There are three good options for getting to Pen-y-Pass and understanding the Snowdon car park situation.

1. Park at Pen Y Pass Car Park

There are about 60 spaces at the Pen-y-Pass car park (Postcode LL55 4NU). It has always been very busy, resulting in people blocking the main road while they linger around waiting for a parking space.

For much of the year — typically from about Easter through early November — you must pre-book a parking slot before you arrive.

Spaces are strictly limited (around 60–70 vehicles) and will often sell out well in advance, especially on weekends and in good weather.

Check the Pen y Pass website to pre-book.

2. Park Near Hotel Gwyrd & Walk to Pen-Y-Pass

There is considerable roadside parking around the Pen y Gwyrd Hotel. It’s much cheaper (£2 for 4 hours or £4 for the day) and you don’t need to book in advance.

The downside is that it takes 20 minutes to walk to Pen-y-Pass to start the hike and it involves an additional 120 metres of ascent.

On peak days, you will still need to arrive early to find a slot. The machines take cash only.

3. Park at Llanberis and Take the Shuttle Bus

Finally, you can park in the town of Llanberis or Nant Peris for around £5 and take the Snowdon Sherpa bus service.

The S1 or S2 bus runs from Llanberis via Nant Peris to Pen-y-Pass. The journey takes 25 minutes from Llanberis (15 from Nant Peris) and runs every half hour from around 7am to 6pm from Easter to Autumn half term (less in winter).

Route Options: the Different Walks up Snowdon

There is a wide range of excellent yet incredibly varied routes for walking up Snowdon.

If you love a UK-based adventure, the route over Crib Goch crosses a narrow arête, whose vertical drops won’t fail to get the nerves jangling.

The Watkin Path is a long and physically demanding route (with a nasty section of scree), but it probably has the best views during the ascent.

The South Ridge route up Snowdon is less busy and is great for leaving the crowds behind, whereas the Llanberis Path may be the longest to the summit but is also the steadiest; firm and easy underfoot, it follows the train track that gradually rises to the summit.

Then there is the Pyg Track.

Pyg Track Details

What to Expect

The Pyg Track is the shortest and one of the easiest routes up Snowdon, making it perfect for those attempting the summit for the first time.

It starts at the 359-metre-high Pen-y-Pass car park, which sits at the top of the Llanberis Road (A4086).

Since the top of Snowdon is 1,085 metres in altitude, a third of the height has been gained before you even get out of the car.

The views are excellent almost all the way round.

The path winds through narrow boulder-strewn valleys and contours under towering massifs with views over glistening lakes.

Towards the top, the path follows a lovely ridge with views disappearing towards the sea. It’s simply some of the finest and most diverse scenery you’ll see in the UK.

There is nothing technically difficult on the walk. No narrow ridges or vertiginous drops; no exposed paths or tricky scrambles.

Towards the summit, there is one section which is steep, rising 300 metres in just 1 kilometre. At this point, some loose stones and boulders require careful foot placement, and you may need to use your hands briefly.

But, in general, it’s about putting one foot in front of the other and having the energy in reserve to climb the 725 metres of ascent.

The path is generally easy to follow; however, on particularly cloudy days, the trail on the steep section might be harder to follow.

Take time here finding the route, or check the GPS on your phone.

All in all, it’s an achievable day out for anyone with decent fitness.

Hike Instructions

From Pen-y-Pass follow the blue Pyg Track signposts pointing along a well-laid track.

It steadily ascends along a rock path that weaves its way through patches of boulders.

After about 1.5 kilometres (30 minutes), the path bends left, steepens and climbs (for 10 minutes) towards a gap in the hills where views of Snowdon slowly reveal themselves.

Clamber over a stile (marked with Pyg Track) and follow the gravel path that now traverses under the vertiginous flanks of Crib Goch on your right.

This lovely section of the walk (45 minutes) is not only easy but delivers rewarding views across the Y Lliwedd and Lake Llydaw.

Shortly after spying Lake Glas huddled under Snowdon’s summit, the hard work begins.

The next kilometre requires climbing 300 metres of ascent (45 minutes). The path is rocky and can be a little tricky to spot on cloudy days.

There’s a very short section of loose scree and a couple of places where you may need your hands, but nothing is technically difficult. It just requires some puff and careful foot placement, so take your time.

Upon reaching the ridge, turn left and walk alongside the train track (20 minutes) to the top, where on a nice day you may have to queue for a photo at the summit cairn.

Facilities on the Walk

There are public toilets at Pen-y-Pass and the Snowdon Pen-y-Pass Youth Hostel. Mallory’s Café (attached to the hostel) serves snacks, pub meals and drinks.

The Hafod Eryri visitor centre, on the summit of Snowdon, sells hot and cold drinks, snacks, and souvenirs with panoramic views.

There are no other facilities on the route.

Options for the Return Hike

From the top of Snowdon, you could walk back the way you came (allow about 2 hours 15 minutes), but it’s often more fun to try a different way back.

Here are two great options for completing the walk.

1. Via Llanberis Path

If you have parked in Llanberis and got the shuttle to Pen-y-Pass, you could walk down via the Llanberis Path.

It’s longer (7.25 kilometres / 2 hours 45 minutes) and requires more descent (950 metres), but it’s steady-going, and you’ll end back at your car instead of having to take the shuttle bus back down.

To reward yourself at the end, stop at Café Penceunant Isaf for coffee, or at the Victoria Arms if you need something stronger.

2. Via the Miner’s Track

Alternatively, head back on the Pyg Track, but about a quarter of the way down, branch off to the right and take the Miner’s Track to Pen-y-Pass.

It’s similar in difficulty to the Pyg Track, but it has the added bonus of passing two lakes, perfect for a post-walk swim.

Glas Llyn is high and wild and nestled under Snowdon’s summit, whereas Llyn Llydaw is lower and (blissfully) a tiny bit warmer.

A fun way to end the walk was to have a pint at the Gwryd Hotel bar.

Map: Snowdon via Pyg Track

The map below has all the routes mentioned in this guide, as well as the parking places and facilities.

If you decide to use our map to help navigate the Pyg Track, don’t forget to download it before you leave, as there is minimal phone service on Snowdon.

Where to Stay

All these places to stay are conveniently close to Pen-y-Pass, where the Pyg Track route up Snowdon begins.

• Yha Snowdon Pen-Y-Pass – Perfectly positioned at Pen-y-Pass and surrounded by stunning scenery in a truly rugged and rural setting. There’s a choice of private rooms or dorms along with a café, bar and shared kitchen. Wi-fi is available in public areas, but there’s little mobile service.
• Snowdon Snug – On the edge of Llanberis village, this two-bedroom holiday home is stylish and clean with mountain views and a car park.
• Saracen’s Head – In the lovely village of Beddgelert, sitting under the flanks of the highest mountain in Wales. Contemporary well-appointed rooms in a traditional pub, there’s also a great outdoor terrace.
• Tyn Y Fron – This elegant stone guest house is just a short walk from Betws-y-Coed. The garden terrace is a beautiful place to relax, and it is easily accessible to many of the best sights in Snowdonia.

Tips for Walking up Snowdon

1. The Pyg Track route is mostly easy to follow, but there are a couple of indistinct sections tricky to find on cloudy days. Bring a physical map (OL17) or one you have downloaded in advance (there is limited reception on route). Either download Google Maps offline (which has the route marked) or subscribe to the Ordnance Survey App.
2. If you are using a phone to navigate, make sure it is fully charged, and/or take a charger with you.
3. The trail is a mix of easy-walking gravel tracks, hard stony paths and loose rocky scree. We suggest using waterproof footwear with a good grip, ideally walking boots or shoes.
4. Weather conditions in Snowdonia change dramatically. Make sure you take waterproof clothes and some warm clothes. The walk is not in the shade, so if you’re blessed with a hot day, bring sunblock and a hat.
5. While there is a café at the summit, it remained closed throughout 2021, so take plenty of food and water. Walking for 5 to 7 hours is tiring and uses a lot of calories.
6. There’s an option to go for a very refreshing swim on the way down, so don’t forget to take a towel, your best swimwear and a good dose of courage.
7. Don’t forget your camera. The views are remarkable.

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