MOUNT SNOWDON

Llanberis, Caernarfon - March 2022

NEED TO KNOW:  

If you're choosing to hike/climb - pick your path/route carefully – we did The Llanberis Path (9 miles/14.5 km) this is a popular ‘first-time’ path as it’s the longest route providing a gradual climb to the summit. More info on routes and climbing Snowdown can be found here

This path was clearly visible and easy to follow due to its popularity - however the weather can take a nasty unexpected turn, making it hard to see/follow - so still take a map/download routes and be prepared for all elements!

A lot of campsites, hotels/bed and breakfasts and tourist areas are closed for the winter season which runs through until the end of March/ beginning of April so pre-planning and booking is advised.

Mount Snowdon's Llanberis Train station is also closed during this time, as were the toilets and cafe at the base and the summit. There were also not a lot of fellow walkers on route (in the whole day we saw less than 60 people) - so if visiting at this time go prepared and if travelling alone ensure someone knows your plans/location. 

HOW LONG IS NEEDED:

They say to give yourself 6-7 hours for all routes

For the Llanberis it took us 6 hours 20mins, this included plenty of stops for photos, lunch and sniffs.

HOW MUCH DID IT COST:

Free! Plus the cafe and train station was closed so no souvenir buying either! 

OTHER TOP TIPS:

Layer up! Thermal base layers, fleeces, and waterproofs. The temperature/weather at the bottom is SO different to the temperature/weather at the top!

If you have a four-legged friend with you - remember to pack some food and snacks for them too as they might get hungrier and sooner than normal due to also partaking in a more strenuous activity than they're generally used to.

SURROUNDING AREA

If you're in the area, don't miss

• a short walk to see Ceunant Mawr waterfall
• Llanberis Lake Railway 
• Dolbadarn Castle
• Llafn y Cewri - Blade of the Giants
• Llyn Padarn & Padarn country park
• National Slate Museum
• Dinorwig Quarry and Quarry mans hospital

OUR EXPERIENCE/TRIP:  

Dave's wanted to climb Snowdon for a while now, and it had been a fair few years since I'd first done it (2014) so we planned a 5-day holiday to Wales for Dave's birthday March 2022.

We're not the fittest of folk - Dave in his very early 30's, me mid 30's both love eating pizza, chocolate and chips, and neither of us attends a gym or exercises regularly at this current moment in our lives - just the usual dog walks and exploring when we're away in the camper! So we knew this might be a bit of a challenge for us.. But luckily we had the weather and time on our side.

We camped at "Camping In Llanberis Campsite" (you can read the campsite review here) as it looked quite close to the start of the path - and there was supposedly a 'shortcut' to start the walk from the back of the campsite. However we couldn't find it - well we could but some horses were guarding the gate and we were sceptical about getting over the style with wander so opted to walk the long way round - down into the town and back up.

We left the campsite at 10:50 am and we started the 'official clock' /climb at the gate at 11:38 am. Now I say this because if you're doing the Llanberis path it starts with a massive steep tarmac hill climb and this for me was the worst part of the whole day!

We reached the summit at 2:50 PM and were back down by the gate again at 4:45 PM.

Descending was a lot easier and quicker - and even more so than normal as we followed the train line for a quarter of it DO NOT DO THIS IF THE TRAIN I RUNNING!

About halfway down Wander through a strop on the mountain started scavenging like a demon and throwing herself into backwards rolls off a grassy bank whilst baying and a-rooing - so we had a break whilst we fed her dinner.

5:24 PM we were down the tarmac hill and having a nice hot cuppa tea at the 'Pub'.

This isn't really a pub, it looks like a pub/cafe from the outside, and you can buy 'I climbed Snowdon' teeshirts from there, but inside is very small as it's just a lovely couple's house where they've opened up the downstairs for passer-bys to rest their legs and get warm by the fire with a tea or lager. The owner is ever so friendly - and we witnessed him getting a lady a bowl of water to put her swore feet in whilst we were there fussing their cat and dog who made friends with Wander.

6:50 PM we were back at the campsite after waiting for chips at the local chip shop (closes at 7 pm).

We were in no rush for this climb - we took our time and had lots of stops for dog sniffs/wee's, lunch and catch-our-breath breaks. It wasn't easy - has mixed terrains and varying weather conditions but it is SO rewarding...

It took us from campsite to summit just under 4 hours and all in from start to finish 8 hours - post stretching and buying chips included!

Looking back on our day – I'd advise to not pick a campsite at top of hill - I think I'd even opt for one a short drive away rather than having to walk up that hill, cold hungry and tired! And if you want one of those 'insta-worthy shots' avoiding the crowds and going out of season is defo recommended!

But in all - I loved every minute of it and can't wait to do it again! I'm not sure about Dave though...