Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Walk – Up the Pyg Track, Down the Miners’ Track: A 7.5 Mile Circular Walk from Pen-y-Pass, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, North Wales.

Region: Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Pen-y-Pass, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Gwynedd, North Wales

Places To Stay: There are loads of places to stay near Snowdon and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. It’s one of the most visited spots in the UK so book early, especially in summer!

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Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales, standing proud at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet). This classic circular walk from Pen-y-Pass takes you up the rugged and scenic Pyg Track before descending via the gentler Miners’ Track. It’s a fantastic way to tackle the mountain, combining dramatic landscapes, epic views, and a real sense of adventure, all within a manageable 7.5-mile loop. A great option for fit walkers wanting a big mountain day without tackling technical ridges.

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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Pen-y-Pass car park is located on the A4086 between Llanberis and Capel Curig. Postcode: LL55 4NU.
• Important: The main car park fills up *very* early — pre-booking is essential via the Snowdonia National Park website. Or use the Park & Ride from Nant Peris.
• Google Maps link to Pen-y-Pass
• Download the GPX file here to use on your devices.
• You can also view and follow this route on my Outdooractive profile.

Hike Profile

• Distance: 7.5m / 12km
• Duration: 4.5 – 6 hours
• Highest point: 3,560ft / 1,085m
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard – steep rocky paths, with some scrambling near the top of the Pyg Track. Weather can change quickly.
• Route conditions: Stone paths, rocky ascents, exposed in places. Proper hiking boots essential. Take layers, map, food, and water.

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Hike Description

The walk starts from Pen-y-Pass, where the Pyg and Miners’ Tracks both begin. From the car park, follow signs for the Pyg Track. It immediately climbs in zigzags above the Miners’ Track below, revealing cracking views down the Llanberis Pass. The stone path is well maintained but rocky underfoot, and it climbs steadily for the first couple of miles.

As you gain height, you’ll pass under the rugged peak of Crib Goch (not part of this route) before reaching the steep final push to the summit. This last section involves some light scrambling, especially near the junction where the Pyg and Miners’ Tracks merge. It can get congested here, so take your time — the summit is just a short climb beyond.

At the top, you’ll reach the iconic trig point on Yr Wyddfa — the roof of Wales. On a clear day, the views are outrageous: across to Anglesey, over to Cadair Idris, and deep into the heart of Snowdonia. Even on cloudier days, it’s a proper achievement and one to remember.

From the summit, retrace your steps to the junction and take the Miners’ Track downhill. This path is a gentler alternative to the Pyg, with wide, sweeping views across the Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw lakes. The descent is scenic and steady, passing old mine buildings and dramatic glacial valleys as you make your way back towards Pen-y-Pass.

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.

I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – Pyg Track Up, Miners’ Down – 3D Walkthrough

The final mile back is on well-maintained stone path, slightly uphill towards the end, so save a bit of energy. You’ll arrive back at Pen-y-Pass ready for a cuppa or cold drink — or even a celebratory ice cream from the café if it’s open!

Yr Wyddfa (Snowden) FAQs

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