Llanberis Path

The Llanberis Path is the longest, most gradual, and easiest route to Snowdon's summit, consequently it's also the busiest. It pretty much follows the line of the Snowdon Mountain Railway 7km up the turfier rather than rocky northwest ridge, and in fact crosses the tack on several occasions. Because the route doesn't follow the crest of the ridge the views are somewhat restricted with only Clogwyn Ddu'r Arddu providing any real interest, this coupled with the fact that the path is often overflowing with tourists makes for a highly unsatisfactory excursion. It's difficult to recommend the Llanberis Path to anyone, however if you want to run (it is the same route as the Snowdon Race) or cycle to the summit then the gradual nature of the slope is much better suited to these sports. If you are intending to cycle then be sure to get up and down before 9am as there is a voluntary ban on bikes after this time.

The path is probably better suited as a descent route, the shallow gradient being easy on the knees, taking the walker straight into Llanberis.

Llanberis (SH 582 597) is a town 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 where it meets the A4086.

The Llanberis path from the summit

The route starts on the road opposite the Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis and follows the tarmac road around Coed Victoria and past a small cottage where it leaves the road and becomes a broad stony path. The path is well trodden and hard to miss even in low visibility and if your not sure your going the right way the long line of walkers should give the game away.

The path rises gradually becoming steeper as it gets closer to the railway track. The path then crosses under the railway just before Halfway Station (SH 597 574) and continues on the right side of the track, getting steeper towards Clogwyn Station (SH 607 560). Some of the best views of the mountain can had from here so be sure to take some photos of the famous Clogwyn Ddu'r Arddu.

Just after Clogwyn Station the path crosses back over and follows the left-hand side of the track with some 200m between them. After about 1km the path joins the PYG Track and the Snowdon Horseshoe route on Garnedd Ugain and the path closely follows the railway track the rest of the way to the summit.

Clogwyn Ddu'r Arddu (Photo by JoeHarris)

Just a good pair of good boots, waterproofs and some lunch. If walking in winter make sure you also carry ice axe and crampons.