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6 Tips for Climbing Snowdon

We walked up Snowdon before, taking the Rhyd Ddu path up and the Llanberis route down. But there were a few things we learnt during our experience, as well as as a result of some research done before we went, that I thought I'd share with you all, especially if you're looking at climbing Snowdon any time soon. Here are six tips for climbing Snowdon that will help to make your trip all the more enjoyable and safe.

1. Make sure you do a bit of fitness training

I'm not saying to go to the gym and start lifting weights and running up and down stairs like Rocky. I think it's advantageous, when I say to do a bit of training, to go walking. Visit those National Trust parks and get your steps in. 

Make sure you're going on walking trails and public footpaths that are hilly, with steep gradients. I'd say to go walking regularly for at least six months before you hike up Snowdon, even if you're taking the easiest route up there. Trust me, it's going to make your Snowdon hike a lot more enjoyable and safe.

2. Choose the right time of year

Visiting Snowdom between May and October should provide safe and walkable conditions. You want to refrain from going while there's snow up there as it could pose a trip or slip hazard. We went in May, which was ideal really as it wasn't too hot or too cold. It will be just right if you've never been up there before.

3. Bring layers

t might be warm at the bottom of Snowdon, but by the time you get to the top, it's often far colder than it is at ground level. Make sure you pack layers and keep putting them on the further up the mountain you go. Also, it might be tempting to take layers off as you work up a sweat, but don't do this. Keep adding to your layers as you climb up Snowdon and only begin taking them off again on the descent to the ground.

4. Know the distance & difficulty of each route & ask yourself if you can hack it

There are multiple routes up and down Snowdon. When we climbed Snowdon, we went up one way and down another. The distance can be longer or shorter depending on which one you choose. But beware, some routes are complex and dangerous, even for the most experienced hikers. Below are some of the routes you can walk and how long they are, according to Climb Snowdon:

Llanberis 

Distance: 7.25km (4.5 miles) to the summit
Elevation: 975 metres

Ranger

Distance: 6.5km (4 miles) to the summit
Elevation: 936 metres

Miners

Distance: 6.5km (4 miles) to the summit
Elevation: 723 metres

Rhyd Ddu

Distance: 7km (4.25 miles) to the summit
Elevation: 895 metres

Pyg

Distance: 5.5km (3.5 miles) to the summit
Elevation: 723 metres

Watkin

Distance: 6.5km (4 miles) to the summit
Elevation: 1,015 metres

5. Be well-equipped

Not only do you need to bring layers, but also pack other items that are crucial for your safety and enjoyment. Below is a list of things you should be bringing with you before you begin your Snowdon hike:
  • Water
  • High protein snacks
  • First aid kit
  • Layers
  • Waterproofs (jackets and trousers)
  • Quality walking boots
  • Woolly hat
  • Gloves
  • Torch
  • Suncream
  • Map
  • Compass
  • Whistle
  • Mobile phone charger

6. There's always the train

While taking the train up or back down might seem like a cop out, it's actually a great service for those who aren't so fit as to go up and back down again, or vice-a-versa. You might not be able to get up there, but back down would be ideal. The only thing to bear in mind is that the train doesn't run all year round, so you'll need to do your research before relying on that as main method of ascending or descending Snowdon.

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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it useful? Let me know in the comments below what you found useful when you climbed Snowdon and I'll see you all again soon with some brand new content!

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