| Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa Mountain/Rock |
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| Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Snowdonia, Wales, Europe Lat/Lon: 53.07206°N / 4.08005°W County: Gwynedd Activities: Hiking, Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Bouldering, Ice Climbing, Mixed, Scrambling Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Elevation: 3560 ft / 1085 m | Page By: Nanuls Created/Edited: Apr 6, 2001 / Jun 17, 2009 Object ID: 150330 Hits: 23216 Loading... Page Score: 91.87% - 58 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview"There we stood on the Wyddfa, in a cold bracing atmosphere... enjoying a scene inexpressibly grand, comprehending a considerable part of the mainland of Wales, the whole of Anglesey, a faint glimpse of part of Cumberland; the Irish Channel, and what might be either a misty creation or the shadowy outline of the hills of Ireland. Peaks and pinnacles and huge moels stood up here and there, about us and below us, partly in glorious light, partly in deep shade. Manifold were the objects which we saw from the brow of Snowdon, but of all the objects which we saw, those which filled us with delight and admiration, were numerous lakes and lagoons, which, like sheets of ice or polished silver, lay reflecting the rays of the sun in the deep valleys at his feet." George Borrow Wild Wales (1862) If you are British then Snowdon is a mountain that it is hard to ignore; at 1085 metres it is the highest mountain in Wales (and England too) and dominates the rugged landscape of the Snowdonia National Park. On a clear day its summit can be seen from as faraway as Pembrokeshire, the Isle of Mann and even Ireland (it would have to be very clear day for this one). More of a range than a single mountain it is the host to several subsidiary peaks including Crib Goch, Lliwedd, Garnedd Ugain and Yr Aran. The summit is located in the centre of the range and radiates six fabulous Arêtes each separated by deep Cwms and beautifully clear glacially carved lakes.
The mountain is a theatre of geological, natural and human history with the remnants of each epoch played out on its rocky slopes. From its formation as a submerged volcano during the Ordovician, through its sculpting during the Pleistocene, through the first Mesolithic settlement of its slopes, and on to the exploitation of its mineral wealth during the Victorian era, it is truly timeless creation.
Its beauty and fame make it one of the busiest mountains in the UK, each year around 350,000 visitors reach the summit, arriving either on foot or via the Snowdon Mountain Railway. There are many routes to Snowdons summit and range in difficulty from easy plods, through to fun scrambles and challenging multi-pitch climbs. The most popular route is the Llanberis path and is usually teeming with tourists, however much quieter ascents can be found for the experienced mountaineer notably from Cwm Glas Mawr.
Snowdon (left) and Yr Aran (right) from Beddgelert Forest (Photo by Nanuls) |
The PeaksThis table lists the peaks of the Snowdon group, click on the mountains name to go to its SP page (if one exists) and click on the grid reference to go to a 1:25 000 Ordnance Survey map of the area.
GeologyThe main structural feature of Snowdonia is the broad belt of rugged mountains that runs diagonally across it through the mountain groups of the Carneddau, Glyderau and Snowdon, which corresponds with the complex downfold of Ordovician rocks known as the Snowdon syncline.
 Clogwyn y Person Arete(Photo by Nanuls)
 The bedrock geology of Snowdonia
At the end of the Cambrian Era, slight uplift exposed the erosional deposits, and a new period of submergence during the Ordovician, led to more deposition and more unconformity. The Ordovician period is characterised by periods of intensive volcanic activity. Vulcanism spread throughout the region and eventually culminated in eruptions of central Snowdonia giving birth to Snowdon, the Glyders and the Carneddau. This volcanic activity coincided with the continued deposition of marine sediments and was a prelude to the later closure of the Iapetus Ocean.
Though volcanic activity ceased at the end of the Ordovician, marine sedimentation continued into the Silurian. At the end of the Silurian, earth movements culminated in the Caledonian orogeny, a major period of uplift, folding and fracturing which partly destroyed the marine trough and resulting in the closure of the Iapatus Ocean and the resultant continent-continent collision. The Devonian period is followed unconformably by strongly transgressive Carboniferous rocks and a marine transgression that covered the whole of North Wales. During the Tertiary era, North Wales was situated at the edge of a landmass which was undergoing uplift in relation to the development of the North Atlantic Ocean.
During the late Pleistocene glacial phase, a large British Ice Sheet developed in response to global cooling. This ice sheet developed by coalescence of several ice centres, one of which was centred in North Wales. Welsh ice was centred on the Migneint plateau and the Arenig Mountains with outlet glaciers radiating from that centre. These outlet glaciers carved fairly extensive glacial trough valleys, some good examples are the valleys of Nant Ffrancon and Llanberis/Nant Peris.
The freshest glacial deposits and landforms plus those found in high mountain areas were last formed/modified during the last glacial even (Loch Lomond Stadial or Younger Dryas) approximately 11,000 - 10,000 yrs BP. Snowdon bears the scars of the Pleistocene ice, most obviously manifesting itself in the glacial cirques of Llyn Llydaw, Glaslyn, Llyn du’r Arddu and Llyn Glâs. Even at the ice ages maximum the summits of Snowdon, Garnedd Ugain, Crib Goch, and Y Lliwedd remained above the ice sheet as nunataks. Snowdonia is an area which once supported local glaciers during the Loch Lomond Stadial. Glaciers emerged from the cwms and were channelled down existing valleys (carved during the previous glacial phases), and in a few cases carved out new ones.
First AscentsLook back a thousand years, a thousand years more,
There were boys afoot by Llydau’s shore…
For centuries Snowdon and the mountains of Snowdonia where ignored and avoided by the outside world, with only local Shepard’s, bandits and fugitives venturing into their higher reaches. It was not until the Tudor period that outside interest began to bring the intellectuals, scientists and explorers into the area, and not until the Stewart period that the first recorded ascent of Snowdon was made. Thomas Johnson was botanist from London who visited Snowdonia in 1639 in pursuit of plant specimens. Not happy with simply observing the mountain from the surrounding valleys, he along with two companions, a local guide and an interpreter climbed the mountain from Caernarfon along the Beddgelert route. He wrote an account of their ascent in his book The Itinerary of a Botanist which was published later that year:
 Llanberis Pass circa 1830  Castell Dolbadarn circa 1830
“…we betook ourselves to our British Alps. The highest of all these is called Snowdon by the English, and Widhfa by the Britons… The whole mass of the mountain was veiled in cloud… leaving our horse and outer garments, we began to climb the mountain. The ascent at first is difficult, but after a bit a broad open space is found, but equally sloping, great precipices on the left, and a difficult climb on the right. Having climbed three miles, we at last gained the highest ridge of the mountain, which was shrouded in thick cloud. Here the way was very narrow, and climbers are horror stricken by the rough rocky precipices on either hand of the Stydian marshes, both on this side and that… We sat down [on the summit] in the midst of the clouds, and the first of all we arranged in order the plants we had, at our peril collected among the rocks and precipices, and then we ate the food we had bought with us”
The party also attempted to climb Carnedd Llywelyn but didn't make it to the summit as their guide refused to go near the cliffs, stating that he was afraid of eagles. Unfortunately for Johnson his first mountaineering trip to Snowdonia was also his last as 5 years later in 1644, he was killed fighting for the Royalist in the English Civil War. Johnson’s motives for climbing Snowdon were purely scientific in nature and it wasn’t until 1756 that the first ascent was made for purely modern reasons, pleasure and exercise. This honour goes to Lord George Lyttelton of Hagley, a prominent politician and accomplished poet who toured Snowdonia during that year, “so that I may, by this ramble, preserve a stock of health that may last winter, and carry me through my parliamentary campaign”.
The first recorded rock climb in Britain took place on Snowdon in 1798, impressively on ‘the most formidable rock face in Snowdonia’ – Clogwyn du’r Arddu, which lies a mile northwest of the summit. The Rev. William Bingley, accompanied by his friend Rev. Peter Williams, had made a number of mountain expeditions in Snowdonia in search for botanical specimens. On this occasion they were studying the flora at the base of Cloggy and decided to search the cliff for more specimens; Bingley’s description of their climb indicates that they ascended the Cloggys East Terrace:
“I wondered to Clogwyn du’r Arddu, to search that rock for some plants which Lewyd and Ray have described as growing there. The Reverend Mr. Williams accompanied me, and he started the wild idea of attempting to climb up the precipice. I was too eager in my pursuit to object to the adventure, and we began our laborious task without once reflecting on the dangers that might attend it. For a little while we got on without much difficulty, but we were soon obliged to have recourse both to our hands and to our knees, in clambering from one crag to another. Every step now required the utmost caution, and it was necessary to try that every stone was firm in its place before the weight of the body was trusted upon it. I had once laid hold of a piece of the rock, and was in the act of raising myself upon it, when it loosened from its bed, and I should have been precipitated headlong, had I not in a moment snatched hold of a tuft of rushes, and saved myself. When we had ascended somewhat more than halfway, there seemed no chance of our being able to proceed much farther, on account of the masses of rock above us. We rested a moment from our labour to consider what was to be done. The danger of again descending was much too great, for us to think of attempting it, unless we found it absolutely impossible to proceed. On looking down the precipice, for at least three hundred feet, seemed almost perpendicular. We were eager in our botanical pursuit, and extremely desirous to be at the top, but I believe it was the prospect downwards that determined us to brave every difficulty. It happened fortunately that the steep immediately above us was the only one that presented any material danger. Mr Williams having on a pair of strong shoes with nails in them, which would hold their footing better than mine, requested to make the first attempt, and after some difficulty he succeeded. We had along with us a small basket to contain our provisions, and hold the roots of such plants we wished to transfer to his garden; this he carried behind him by means of a leathern belt fastened round his waist. When therefore, he had fixed himself securely to part of the rock he took off his belt, and holding firmly by one end, gave the other to me: I laid hold, and with a little aid from the stones, fairly pulled myself up by it. After this we got on pretty well, and in about an hour and a quarter from the commencement of our labour, found ourselves on the brow of this dreadful precipice, and in possession of all the plants we expected to find.”
Despite their impressive exploit, it had almsost no influence on the development of British climbing. They were not climbers in the modern sense of the word, and they did not climb for the sake of it, but for the pursuit of plants. They did not venture back onto the rock and they inspired no followers, it would be a long time before climbers returned to Snowdonia and even longer before anyone attempted to ascend Clogwyn du’r Arddu.
Snowdon Café  Snowdon Cafe (late 1930s)  The building site (May 2007)
 New Snowdon Cafe (for 2008)
Since the beginning of the 19th century it has been possible to buy refreshments on Snowdons summit. The first proper building to be constructed near the summit was erected in 1815 by the Beddgelert guide William Lloyd and was mostly used as a shelter for climbers, although some people did use it as an overnight stop. The first person to sell refreshments on the summit was a copper miner named Morris Williams who began selling tea, coffee, bread, butter and cheese from a small stall. The first proper hut wasn’t built until around 1837/38 and had stone outer walls with an inner lining of neatly planed boards.
By 1847 a conglomeration of wooden huts had been constructed around the summit cairn and two hotels, ‘Roberts Hotel’ (named after the guide John Roberts, famed for summiting Snowdon over 2000 times) and the ‘Cold Club’ (run by another famous guide William Roberts, no relation) competed for the custom. The hotels were owned respectively by the Victoria Hotel and the Dolbadarn Hotel, of Llanberis, and little love was lost between the two Roberts who would do nothing to help each other out when necessity required. Conditions in the hotels were far from luxurious with as many guests as possible packed into one room, and little sleep was had by anyone.
In 1896 the Snowdon Mountain Railway, then run by the Snowdon Mountain Tramroad and Hotels Company, opened and the first trains arrived at the summit. The company eventually took control of the two hotels and in 1898 started to rebuild them. Many new additions were made to the summit complex and a small hut was built on the site of the present café, which was soon replaced by a small stone station for the railway workers. The old Victorian buildings suffered greatly from the harsh weather conditions and by the 1930s they were in dire need of replacement, and it was decided that a new multipurpose building housing the station, a shop and a café would built.
The last café, designed by the famous architect Clough Williams-Ellis, was completed in 1935 and has been described by Prince Charles as “the highest slum in Wales”. Its main architectural feature was several huge windows along the front and sides of the building that offered outstanding views of Snowdonia, unfortunately they were smashed in a storm 6 months after their installation and had to be replaced with smaller ones.
In 1997 it was decided that a refurbishment of the café was impractical and that a new building should replace it. In 2001 the design was unveiled to the public and following public consultation planning permission was granted in 2004. The new building will be built out of locally sourced sustainable materials and is designed to be more sympathetic with the landscape.
In December 2006 a competition was held to decide the name of the new building and Hafod Eryri was chosen. According to the University of Wales’ “A Dictionary of the Welsh Language”, the definition of Hafod is: “summer residence, upland farmstead formerly occupied in transhumanance during the summer months only; upland farm on which grazing is practiced to a greater extent than cultivation; farm which is managed by a resident bailiff on behalf of the tenant or owner”. During the autumn/winter of 2006 demolition started on the Williams-Ellis building ready for construction to begin in summer 2007 and when the Snowdon Mountain Railway re-opened in March it only ran to the Clogwyn Station at 770m. The building was due to be completed in the summer of 2008, however, hold-ups and a couple of particularly cold winters delayed construction and the building was not finished until spring 2009. The new café was finally opened on the 14th June 2009.Snowdon Mountain Railway  Snowdon Mountain Railway (1930s)  Snowdon Mountain Railway (August 2005)
The idea of a train running from Llanberis to the summit had been discussed for many years but it wasn’t until 1871 that a Bill was presented to Parliament to incorporate a company to do so. The bill was later withdrawn after the landowner of the time George William Duff Assheton Smith of the Faenol Estate objected to the bill and would not grant his support. He felt that the railway would be of little benefit to the village of Llanberis and that it would create an unnecessary scar on the landscape. The local townsfolk and small-holders living on Snowdons slopes where of a different opinion and were deeply conscious of the fact that Llanberis needed something to encourage the tourist trade in the area.
In 1894 the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway, which ran a service from Porthmadog through Beddgelert to Caernarfon, changed the name of the Rhud-Du station to the Snowdon station (despite it being more than 3 miles from the summit) and succeeded in attracting an increased number of travellers and tourists. The villagers of Llanberis felt the pressure of the increased competition this created, as the focal point of tourism began to move away from Llanberis towards Beddgelert. A petition was bought before Assheton Smith asking for his support to build a railway, this time he eventually succumbed and in November 1894 the Snowdon Mountain Tramroad and Hotel Company was established.
Building the new railway was to be a daunting task, the machinery and materials had to be dragged up the mountain by horse and sled. After two years of preparations and construction at three minutes to eleven on Thursday the 9th of January 1896 the first train to reach the summit left the Llanberis Station. Only the railways directors and staff where present on this first journey and it wasn’t until Easter Monday the 6th of April 1896 that it finally opened to the public after a total expenditure of £76,000.
Today the Snowdon Mountain Railway Company runs trains from March to October and transports hundreds and thousands of tourists from Llanberis to the summit each year. Between 2007 – 2008 the train will only run as far as the Clogwyn Station while work continues on the new Snowdon summit building. Wildlife and ConservationSnowdon is part of the Eryri/Snowdonia Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and is therefore strictly protected under the EC Habitats Directive. Snowdonia SAC covers an area of 19737.6 hectares (197 square km) and includes within its boundaries many of Snowdonias highest mountains including Snowdon, the Glyders, and the Carneddau.
The area is rich with important habitats, according to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), who are the statutory adviser to Government on UK and international nature conservation, Snowdonia has the best-developed and most extensive areas of Siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands in Wales and is the largest example of the habitat type south of Scotland. The principal sub-type present is U10 Carex bigelowii – Racomitrium lanuginosum moss-heath, but there are also fragments of U7 Nardus stricta – Carex bigelowii grass-heath. Snowdonia SAC is also the largest site in Wales representative of siliceous scree. The site has extensive screes of igneous rocks with large stands of U21 Cryptogramma crispa – Deschampsia flexuosa vegetation; associated species include fir clubmoss Huperzia selago. Bryophyte and lichen-dominated screes are also well-represented and include important populations of rare and local montane and oceanic species, such as Marsupella adusta, Marsupella stableri and Cornicularia narmoerica.
The area also contains the most extensive and diverse examples of hydrophilous tall herb fringe communities in Wales. Fragmentary stands of the habitat type occur on pumice tuff and other base-enriched igneous rocks at a range of altitudes throughout the site. The vegetation is floristically somewhat impoverished compared with Scottish examples but includes many of the species found further north, such as globe-flower Trollius europaeus, wild angelica Angelica sylvestris and holly-fern Polystichum lonchitis. It is important as a southern outlier for arctic-alpines such as alpine saw-wort Saussurea alpina and black alpine-sedge Carex atrata. There are also some southern species, which are absent further north, for example Welsh poppy Meconopsis cambrica.
Snowdonia is representative of Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation at one of its most southerly outposts in the UK, and contains the most extensive and diverse examples of these communities in Wales. Crevices in base-rich igneous rocks support a characteristic assemblage of plants, with a large number of arctic-alpine species. These include a number of nationally rare species, such as alpine saxifrage Saxifraga nivalis, tufted saxifrage S. cespitosa, alpine meadow-grass Poa alpina and alpine woodsia Woodsia alpina. A species of particular interest is the Snowdon lily Lloydia serotina, which in the UK occurs only in Snowdonia, in rock cracks and crevices on calcareous and more siliceous substrates, and is here at its northern limit in western Europe. The site also has extensive examples of Siliceous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation right at the southern edge of the habitat types range. Acidic crevice communities occur throughout the site on igneous outcrops and include populations of stiff sedge Carex bigelowii, fir clubmoss Huperzia selago and forked spleenwort Asplenium septentrionale. Atlantic species, including Wilson’s filmy-fern Hymenophyllum wilsonii and a wide range of bryophytes, are also well-represented.
Llyn Idwal, located just to the north of Glyder Fawr, represents a fine example of oligotrophic waters. It is a relatively small, shallow, upland corrie, in contrast to Llyn Cwellyn, also in Snowdonia, and complete ice cover has been recorded in winter. No overall change in the lake’s water chemistry has been found since the mid-19th century, and the water quality is considered to be high. The site has a good representation of typical plant species, including quillwort Isoetes lacustris, water lobelia Lobelia dortmanna, shoreweed Littorella uniflora, bulbous rush Juncus bulbosus, alternate water-milfoil Myriophyllum alterniflorum and intermediate water-starwort Callitriche hamulata. Bog pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius has been recorded from stream inlets, and pillwort Pilularia globulifera is reported from this site. Emergent and floating vegetation is mainly confined to the shallow sub-basin at the south end of the site, where floating bur-reed Sparganium angustifolium forms extensive mats, alongside stands of common reed Phragmites australis, water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile and bottle sedge Carex rostrata.
Wildlife in the area is in abundance with some 50 species of flower, around 50 species of fern, nearly 50 species of moss, 7 species of clubmoss, around 50species of lichen, over 70 species of fungus and fungoid, over 60 species of hornwort, quillwort, stonewort and liverwort, and nearly 30 species of conifer occupying the valleys and mountain sides of the area. Countless insects feed upon and live within this vegetation with some 40 species of butterfly, over 50 species of moth, around 50 species of beetle, around 50 species of spider, 6 species of grasshopper, 15 species of hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants), 16 species of dragonfly, as well as countless other species of insect. There area also around 50 species of molluscs, 5 species of crustacean.
Within the sites lakes, streams and marshes live a plethora of amphibians and fish including 3 species of Lamprey, and 14 species of bony fish including Brown and Rainbow Trout, Atlantic Salmon, and European Eel. Of the amphibians living in the area are the Common Frog, Common Toad and Palmate Newt.
Although rarely seen reptiles also live within the area including the Adder, Common Lizard, Grass Snake and Slow-worm.
Among the species of mammals that can be found there are Feral Goat, Brown and Mountain Hares, Grey and Red Squirrels, European Rabbit, European Mole, Eurasian Badger, Pine Marten, Polecat, stoat, Weasel, Red Fox, European Otter, West European Hedgehog, Brown Rat, three species of mice, three species of shrew, two species of Vole and no less that thirteen species of bat.
 Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw (Photo by Nanuls)
General site character
Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (2%)
Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (15%)
Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (19.7%)
Dry grassland. Steppes (34%)
Alpine and sub-alpine grassland (1%)
Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (0.3%)
Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Permanent snow and ice (27%)
Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) (1%)
Information provided by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee
RoutesThis section summarises some of the most popular routes on Snowdon. As Snowdon is so well explored only the routes that are directly associated with Snowdon itself have been listed here. For details of scrambling, climbing and winter climbing routes that are more closely associated with Snowdons subsidiary peaks then the details can be found on their own pages.
For a more detailed description of the various routes available I recommend the following guidebooks:
Ridges of Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Scrambles in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Climbers Club Guidebook to Wales: Clogwyn Du’r Arddu
Climbers Club guide to Wales: Llanberis
Climbers Club Guidebook to Wales: Lliwedd
Rock Climbing in Snowdonia
The Long Routes: Mountaineering Rock Climbs in Snowdonia and the Lake District
Welsh Winter Climbs (Cicerone Guide) by Malcolm Campbell and Andy Newton
Walking/Hiking
Llanberis Path (approx 7km)
Considered to be the 'Normal' route to Snowdons summit, it starts at the Llanberis Mountain Railway Station and follows a gradual path up the northwest ridge. Always busy with tourists, long and somewhat boring it is included here only for the sake of completeness.
Rhyd Ddu Path (approx 5km)
The route starts at the Rhyd Ddu car park on the A4085 road between Caernarfon and Beddgelert. A gradual route to begin with that gets increasingly steep as it traverses the back of Llechrog and on to Snowdons summit. Combined with the Ranger path it makes an enjoyable horseshoe.
PYG Track (approx 5km)
One of the most popular of Snowdons routes it starts at the Pen y Pass car park and shares the same first leg as the Snowdon Horseshoe. It separates from this route at the base of Crib Goch and traverses around the slopes of the mountain before ascending steeply up the side of Garnedd Ugain.
Miners Track (approx 5km)
Another very popular route it starts at the Pen y Pass car park and follows the edges of Llyn Teyrn, Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn. At Glaslyn it rises steeply and joins the Pyg track in ascending Garnedd Ugain.
Watkin Path (approx 6km)
This historic route was built by Sir Edward Watkin who owned a chalet at the foot of the path to allow his guests to climb Snowdon in safety. It was opend in 1892 by William Gladstone then aged 83 who walked as far as the spot now called Gladstone Rock. This route gains the most height in one go than any other on Snowdon, starting at Bethania and ascending the mountain via Bwlch y Saethau.
Snowdon Ranger Path (approx 5km)
The route starts at the Snowdon Ranger station car park on the A4085 road between Caernarfon and Beddgelert. A gradual route to begin with that gets increasingly steep as it traverses the back of Clogwyn Ddu'r Arddu and on to Snowdons summit. Combined with the Rhud Ddu route it makes an fun compact horseshoe.
Y Lliwedd Route (approx 6km)
Usually only used as the descent route of the Snowdon Horseshoe, Lliwedd also offers a pleasant line of ascent. The route begins at Pen-y-Pass and takes the southern path around Llyn Llydaw, climbs up the eastern ridge of Lliwedd, descends along its western ridge to Bwlch y Saethau before climbing the last leg to Snowdons summit up its southern face.
Cwm Glas Routes (approx 4km or 6km)
These two routes ascend the mountain via Cwm Glas Mawr and are probably the quietest two walking routes on Snowdon. The longer route starts at Pen-y-Pass and follows the same path as the Snowdon Horseshoe and the PYG Track until the base of Crib Goch where it skirts northerly around the North Ridge, around the Clogwyn Person Arête and up onto Garnedd Ugain.
The shorter of the two starts at Ynys Ettws (SH 624 567) and follows Cwm Glas Mawr southwest until the base of Garnedd Ugain, and then joins the first route following the western flank of the Clogwyn y Person Arête.
From Garnedd Ugain the Cwm Glas routes join the Snowdon Horseshoe route and carry on together to Snowdons summit.
Scrambling
The Snowdon has some of the best scrambles in the UK which start from easy starter scrambles to more technically difficult routes that require the placement and use of protection. In Britain scrambles are graded from 1 - 4 with some mountains such as Tryfan and Grib Goch giving routes around grade 1/2.
The Snowdon Horseshoe (Grade 1)
This route is a classic mountain traverse and one of the finest mountaineering routes in all of Britain, incorporating the almost vertical knife edge of Crib Goch with scrambles on Crib y Ddysgl and Y Lliwedd. The route starts at Pen-y-Pass and ascends Crib Goch via its East Ridge then following the main ridge on to Crib y Ddysgl, Garnedd Ugain and Snowdon. The Descent is made via Bwlch y Saethau and over Y Lliwedd finishing back where it started at Pen-y-Pass.
Llechrog Buttress (Grade 2/3)
A beautifully quiet route up a short ridge taking the climber straight from the bottom of the Llanberis Pass to the Snowdon Railway track just below the Clogwyn Station. The scrambling is intricate and difficult making up for the fact the route ends so far down the Llanberis Path.
Llechrog Ridge (Grade 1 or 2)
A handy escape route from the Llechrog Buttress if things get a little hairy, this is an easy scramble over good rock that can be hazardous when wet due to a generous covering of lichen.
Eastern Terrace of Clogwyn Du'r Arddu (Grade 1)
Even though Cloggy is a climbers paradise the same can't be said for the scrambler. This route follows a gradually widening terrace that slants accross the cliff face and is usually used as a line of descent by climbers.
Western Terrace of Clogwyn Du'r Arddu (Grade 2/3)
The Western Terrace is a more difficult and sustained route than its eastern neighbour; it rises diagonally rightwards beneath the overlapping slabs of the West Buttress. It’s an awkward and insecure scramble that is probably better off avoided.
Tregalan Couloir (Grade 2)
A serious scramble, this remote line is surprisingly varied and follows the edge of a scree filled gully. One of the beauties of the route is that it is rarely ascended, an exceptional quality on Snowdon.
Y Gribin and East Ridge (Grade 1)
This ridge scramble starts in the middle of the pass that separates Llyn Llydaw from Glaslyn and rises in a south-westerly direction onto Bwlch y Saethau. The scrambling is comparable to the East Ridge of Crib Goch taking the climber up a broad ridge to begin with followed by a broken ridge to Snowdons summit.
Traverse of Lliwedd (Grade 1)
This less dramatic wing of the Snowdon Horseshoe provides a worthwhile easy scramble in itself, taking the scrambler up and down two broadbacked ridges amongst some truly spectacular scenery.
West Peak of Lliwedd via Bilberry Terrace (Grade 3)
Possibly the best and most difficult scramble in Wales, this route takes a devious but logical line up Lliwedds West Peak. Long and serious with few options of escape it should only be undertaken under good conditions by competent and confident scramblers.
Climbing
Due to the sheer number of lines on Snowdons numerous crags it would be impractical to list or even summarise them all here. After all there are currently three Climbers Club Guides for specific parts of the mountain not to mention a plethora of other guidebooks that deal with Snowdon in more general terms. Therefore rather than attempt to create a full list of climbs, which would be better dealt with on route pages of their own, this section contains just brief details of the main rockfaces of the Snowdon Massif so that this page can claim to be a comprehensive guide to the mountain.
 Climber on Clogwun Du'r Arddu (Photo by sadeik)
 Clogwyn y Person (Photo by Nanuls)
Crib Goch (SH 625 553)
This expansive rockface rises steeply out if Upper Cwm Glas and joins the summit of the Crib Goch pinnacle ridge.
Clogwyn Du’r Arddu (SH 599 556)
Probably the best known of all Snowdons climbing areas it is often seen as a climbers paradise and is affectionately known as ‘Cloggy’. Located on one of Snowdons western ridges it rises ominously above Llyn Du’r Arddu and is divided into 8 main climbing areas the most impressive being the East Buttress.
Clogwyn y Person (SH 616 554)
This quiet ridge rises in a southerly direction out of Cwm Glas Mawr adjoining the main ridge just below the summit of Garnedd Ugain. At its base is the famous and striking Parsons Nose (V Diff).
Y Lliwedd (SH 623 534)
A classic rockface, this cliff is the birthplace of British rock-climbing. Over a 1000 feet high and half a mile wide, the cliff is divided into four main buttresses intersected by grassy ledges.
Dinas Mot (SH 627 563)
Dinas Mot is a large cliff located at the end of Crib Gochs North Ridge. Its main attraction is the Nose a triangular slab found at its centre. Its Western Wing is split by two gullies and its Eastern Wing is a towering buttress with lots of overhangs.
Craig y Rhaeadr (SH 622 662)
Located near Dinas Mot on the northern edge of Crib Gochs North Ridge, it has a waterfall that runs down its centre which in the right conditions turns into a quality ice climbing spot.
Llechog (SH 597 537)
A striking cliff that can be clearly viewed from Snowdons summit, it is best reached from the Rhyd Ddu Path. It consists of a maze of short slabs interspersed with grassy ledges.
Craig Aderyn (SH 639 543)
This small crag is situated just below Llyn Teyrn in Upper Cwm Dyli close to the pipeline that provides water for the Cwm Dyli hydro-electric power station.
Gyrn Las (SH 613 559)
This rockface is close to Craigy Rhaeadr (above) and dominates Cwm Glas Mawr from where it rises. It is divided into three buttresses it is one of Snowdons more popular crags and tends to be busy.
Winter Climbing
 Snowdon from the Carneddau (Photo by tphubbard)  Snowdon from Aran Fawddwy (Photo by Coggy)
Unfortunately the close proximity of Snowdon to the sea and the frequent arrival of Atlantic depressions pushing warm, moist air over the area, even in the middle of winter climbing conditions are infrequent and unreliable. However if you are lucky enough to be in the area when conditions are right then Snowdon offers winter routes for climbers of all abilities.
Snowdon Horseshoe (Grade I/II)
This superb route is around 12km long and has around 1000m of climb and is one of the best expeditions in the whole of Wales. The route is long and arduous and special care is needed when descending meaning that the party should be fit, well equipped and experienced.
Clogwyn y Garnedd (SH 610 546)
The magnificent north face of Snowdon is one of the most popular winter faces in Snowdonia.
Three Pitch Gully (Grade III 150m)
A climb of snow and difficult ice takes the climber to the foot of a steep narrow chimney. After the chimney the line moves to the right above onto a ledge to reach a snowy groove that is followed to reach the broad ridge well below the summit.
Great Gully (Grade II/III 230m)
A well-positioned route that runs up a large gully that runs up to join the left-hand ridge of the face, it starts by heading towards the Spider, but cuts leftwards below the lowest rock and drops slightly into the base of the gully.
Introductory Gully (Grade III 220m)
Starts midway between Great Gully and the approach to the Trinity area, it begins by climbing snow to reach a short easy groove. The route then becomes trickier and takes the climber to the short ridge to Snowdons Summit.
Mistaken Identity (Grade V/VI 180m)
A bit of a non-route as it misses most of the obvious features which it attempts to climb, however the main pitch is a supremely enjoyable line rising 45m up a steep ice-wall.
Snowdrop (Grade III/IV 185m)
One of the best routes on Snowdons North Face, it starts by traversing the Terrace past the ice falls of Little Gully to a point where further progress becomes more difficult below a steep V-groove, capped by an overhang.
Little Gully (Grade II/III 185m)
The route takes a distinct snowy ice-fall that tumbles down to meet the Terrace, and is best gained by traversing about 50m leftwards along this terrace to the left-hand Trinity Approach.
Left-hand Trinity (Grade I/II 220m)
The climbs in the Trinity area share common starts and radiate from a large central snowfield known as The Spider.
This particular route is done in 4 pitches and is a slightly more serious, and slightly less enjoyable line than its central neighbour (below).
Central Trinity (Grade I/II 220m)
A hugely enjoyable classic snow climb, marred only by its huge popularity. It is made up of 3 pitches that go up through the Spider and through a gully leaving its top left-hand corner. Start early to avoid the crowds!
Trinity Buttress (Grade III 150m)
A short but worthwhile route of 2 pitches that starts at the top right-hand arm of the Spider, below the gully.
Right-Hand Trinity (Grade II/III 150m)
A very enjoyable 3 pitch route with interesting climbing that gets difficult in the middle section.
Snakebite (Grade III 195m)
A 4 pitch route that is best attempted in favourable snow conditions, it is pleasantly open breaking up to the right of the Trinity area.
Fall Out (Grade IV/III 175m)
The route takes the same steep direct entry into the Trinity snow-field as the route above, to finish up that line. Good conditions are essential.
Laddies’ Gully (Grade III 165m)
A short route of 2 pitches that takes an obvious straight shallow gully which starts at the foot of Laddies’ Gully, bearing leftwards to gain the right-hand end of an obvious snow-field of Snakebite and Fall Out.
Equal Opportunities (Grade III 150m)
This route climbs a series of indefinite grooves on mixed ground and is based on the slim rib between Ladies’ and Laddies’ Gullies and offers continually interesting climbing.
Ladies’ Gully (Grade III 180m)
A fine line of 3 pitches which starts about 100m up the slope rightwards from the Trinity starts and below the obvious and well-defined gully.
Couloir (Grade IV 150m)
A bold 3 pitch route up the steep V-chimney to the right of ladies’ Gully.
Cave Buttress (Grade V 130m)
A 4 pitch route taking the steep buttress just left of cave gully.
Cave Gully (Grade III 125m)
A fine 4 pitch route which can be very difficult in poor snow conditions.
End Gully (Grade II/I 60m)
At the top of the broad snow ramp an obvious short but pleasant gully leads up to the ridge with few, if any, difficulties.
Cwm Llan: Clogwyn Du (SH 605 533)
This extensive crag is the most continuous area of rock to be found on the massive back wall of Cwm Treglan and it forms the east flank of Snowdons South Ridge.
Shadow Gully (Grade I/II 250m)
The old ruined wall points up at a prominent cave above and right of the steep beand of rock on the hillside below, which bars direct entry to the gully. It goes up to the cave, and then traverses left across easy ground and goes up to the start of the gully proper. It then continues in 3 pitches, first up easy snow and then swings left getting continually harder.
Penumbra (Grade I 150m)
The route begins in the same manner as Shadow Gully, but takes a left hand fork, which may be followed without difficulty to the top.
Tregalen Groove (Grade III 250m)
An excellent 3 pitch line, which in the right conditions holds a lot of ice.
Tregalen Gully (Grade III 280m)
A 5 pitch route up a massive gully giving straightforward climbing after the chockstone has been negotiated.
Cwm Dyli Falls (Grade III 150m)
The gorge of the Afon Glaslyn lies above the power station in the Nant Gwynant and is readily seen across the valley from the road above 2km south of the Pen y Gwryd Hotel. Its height and aspect don’t suggest it as a common ice climbing venue, but in rare spells of extreme cold, it freezes and has been climbed. It is good fun and gives extended bouldering throughout its length with some pitches up to IV. Mountain ConditionsThis section displays the weather forecast for Beddgelert, which is located just to the south and is one of the nearest major towns to the mountains summit area. Remember that Beddgelert is around 70m above sea level whereas the Pen y Pass carpark (where most walks start) is over 350m above sea level, and Snowdon itself reaches 1085m. This means that when looking at temperature the adiabatic lapse rate must be taken into account which in Wales is a drop in temperature of between 0.5 and 1°C per 100m in altitude. Exposure and wind speed can also significantly lower temperatures.
Getting ThereThere are numerous starting dotted around the base of the mountain, all in close proximity to good roads which are serviced by regular buses.
Probably the most common starting point for Snowdon is the Pen y Pass car park (SH 647 555), at the zenith of the Pass of Llanberis, which can be reached easily by road on the A4086 that runs between Llanberis (SH 582 598) and Capel Curig (SH 719 580). Owing to the popularity of the route the Pen y Pass car park often fills up quickly so if you want to park there a very early start is recommended. If the car park is full there is some parking around 1.5km to the east along the roadside near the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel (SH 660 558). Do not park in the hotels car park as this is for guests only.
The Llanberis Path starts in Llanberis (SH 582 598) which has plenty of parking. The town is on the A4086 and can be reached from the north via the A487 by turning off at Caernarfon (SH 482 627); or from the south via the A498 which runs from Tremadog (SH 562 400) through Beddgelert (SH 590 481) to Pen-y-Gwryd (SH 660 558) where it meets the A4086.
 Y Lliwedd from Snowdon (Photo by Nanuls)  Scrambling on Crib Gochs East Ridge (Photo by Nanuls)
The Watkin Path starts at the Nant Gwynant car park (SH 627 506) near Bethenia which is on the A498 between Beddgelert (SH 590 481) and Pen-y-Gwryd (SH 660 558).
The Snowdon Ranger Path starts at The Snowdon Ranger Station car park (SH 565 551) on the Welsh Highland Railway and is located on the A4085 between Beddgelert (SH 590 481) and Caernarfon (SH 482 625). This is an ideal starting point for those wanting to climb on Clogwyn Du'r Arddu (SH 602 554).
The Rhyd-Ddu starts at the car park in the village if Rhyd-Ddu (SH 571 525) which is also located on the A4085 between Beddgelert (SH 590 481) and Caernarfon (SH 482 625).
All car parks are serviced by the park and ride in Nant Perris (SH 607 582) which runs regularly all day, every day throughout the summer (including weekends and bank holidays). They are also serviced by the Snowdon Sherpa bus service which has various stops around the mountain and runs from Llanberis, Bettws y Coed, Caernarfon, Beddgelert, Bethesda, and Porthmadog. Be sure to check timetables first as you don't want to end up missing the last bus and find yourself stuck, of course in these situations hitching is always an option.
The Rhyd-Ddu Path and Snowdon Ranger Path can also be reached on the Welsh Highland Railway which runs a steam trains between Caernarfon and Rhyd-Ddu. Currently the railway is undergoing an expansion with a new line being laid from Rhyd-Ddu to Porthmadog via Beddgelert.Red TapeNo red tape! Although unlikely it is worth checking the countryside access map provided by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) regarding whether or not any restrictions on movement in the area are in place.
Countryside Access Map
When To Climb and Essential GearMost ascents are made in the spring and summer and during the high season many of the popular routes can feel more like a queue for the bus than an ascent of a mountain. However by avoiding weekends and public holidays and with a little careful route choice quiet routes can be found e.g. through Cwm Glas or over Lliwedd. The area is often cloudy and showers are frequent so full waterproofs are always essential no matter what the weather forecast. A good pare of boots, a map, a compass and a hat are also a necessity.
In winter the mountain is much quieter as the Snowdon Mountain Railway stops running at the beginning of October. In winter conditions an ice axe must be carried and if an attempt is to be made on the harder scrambles a helmet, crampons and a rope are also all essential. For true winter routes specialist winter and ice climbing equipment is necessary and owing to the unpredictable conditions of snow and ice on the mountain these lines should only be attempted by those with experience of winter mountaineering techniques. Despite Snowdons comparitivly low altitude it can get very cold with temperatures dropping to near Arctic levels, many inexperienced walkers and climbers have been caught out in these conditions most are rescued safely by mountain rescue teams however occasionally the consequences are more serious, and every year casualties occur.Camping and AccommodationDue to Snowdon's great popularity there are plenty of campsites to choose from. They range from large campsites with electrical hook-ups suitable for families and Caravans to the very basic ideal for climbers and hikers who want to do things cheaply.
Llwyn Celyn Bach, Snowdonia Park and
Camping in Llanberis campsites are all located close to Llanberis and all offer the convenience of being near a town with shops, cafes, pubs and a night club (apparently) while still being in walking distance of the Llanberis path. If your looking for something a bit wilder then there are a number of sites around Capel Curig including Garth Farm, Gwern Gof Uchaf, Gwern Gôf Isaf Farm and Dolgam which are an excellent base if you plan to walk/climb from Pen y Pass. The area around Beddgelert also offers an array of beautiful locations to camp including Beddgelert Forest, Cae Du and the
Cwellyn Arms.
There is an almost unprecedented number of hostels surrounding the mountain that are located wonderfully close to Snowdons main trailheads. YHA Pen y Pass is the best placed of these and is located right at the start of the PYG Track, Miners Path and Snowdon Horseshoe routes. YHA Capel Curig is a little further away but has the advantage of being close to a number of shops and pubs. YHA Snowdon Ranger is, funnily enough, very close to the start of the Snowdon Ranger path, and YHA Bryn Gwynant is very close to the start of the Watkin Path. The Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre in Capel Curig also has a bunk house, and has its own indoor climbing wall if you still feel energetic after your day on the mountain. My personal recommendation is the bunkhouse above Pete's Eats in Llanberis, a cafe that is a true icon of Snowdonias climbing scene and is probably the best cafe in all of Wales, if not the world. I also recommend the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel located just above the Pass of Llanberis between Beddgelert and Capel Curig. The hotel was established 1810 and was the base for much of Snowdonia's early climbing scene, and has been host to many of Britains pioneering climbers such as George Mallory, Andrew Irving, George and Ashley Abraham, Owen Glynne Jones, Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, Sir John Hunt, Charles Evans, George Band, Joe Brown, John Angelo Jackson, Wilfred Noyce, Tony Streather, Tom Mackinnon, Norman Hardie, Neil Mather, John Clegg and others including Noel Odell from Mallory's 1924 expedition and Chris Bonnington.
And if none of these grab you then the nearby towns of Capel Curig, Llanberis and Beddgelert all have an assortment of hotels, hostels, B&Bs and campsites.MapsGuidebooksSnowdonia (Official National Park Guide) by Merfyn Williams
The Mountains of England and Wales: Volume 1 Wales (Cicerone Guide) by John and Anne Nuttall
Hillwalking in Wales Vol 1 (Cicerone Guide) by Peter Hermon
Hillwalking in Wales Vol 2(Cicerone Guide) by Peter Hermon
Hillwalking in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Ridges of Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Scrambles in Snowdonia (Cicerone Guide) by Steve Ashton
Climbers Club Guidebook to Wales: Clogwyn Du’r Arddu
Climbers Club guide to Wales: Llanberis
Climbers Club Guidebook to Wales: Lliwedd
Rock Climbing in Snowdonia
The Long Routes: Mountaineering Rock Climbs in Snowdonia and the Lake District
Welsh Winter Climbs (Cicerone Guide) by Malcolm Campbell and Andy NewtonWebCamsFirst Hydro
www.DeformedWeb.co.uk
Snow Gliders
BBC WalesExternal Links
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