Best Routes Up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park – Which Path Should You Take?

Region: Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), Wales

Places To Stay: Stay in Caernarfon for buses, shops, pubs & restaurants. If you prefer something quieter Llanberis, Conwy and Barmouth work well too. Looking for more trails in Wales? Head to my ‘Wales Hiking Guides‘ page to see all regions and routes.

Below are a few ideas for day tours and trips around Eryri (Snowdonia), with GetYourGuide offering great discounts and easy booking + a huge amount of options in the Noth Wales area, see more here.

For a wider choice of accommodation in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.

Let’s be honest — there’s no shortage of ways up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Some are busy, some are quiet, some feel like a steady plod, and some make you feel like you’re actually on a mountain. If you’re planning your walk and thinking “which route should I take?”, this guide breaks it all down properly. I’ve either walked these routes myself or built them into Welsh Man Walking guides, so this isn’t theory, it’s what you can actually expect to see and feel on your walk.

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Whether you want:

• the easiest route
• the quietest path
• the best views
• or something a bit more challenging

…I’ll point you in the right direction.

🧭 Quick Comparison Table

1. Pyg Track (Classic Snowdon Route)

👉 Link to my Pyg Track post (same as Miners Track just in reverse)

Short, punchy, and packed with views from the start. This is probably the most popular route for a reason, after a short steep climb, you are straight into the views across the whole region. Then you have the dramatic Crib Coch above you on your right. But expect big crowds and also some of the best scenery on the mountain. With both the Miners’ and Pyg tracks you can either stay on the same path there and back, or take either up and either back, creating a circular.

2. Miners’ Track (Lakes + Gradual Start)

👉 Link to my Miners’ Track post (same as Pyg Track just in reverse)

Starts gently from the car park as you make your way past the lakes before eventually starting your big climb up to the summit. If you like easing into a hike before the climb kicks in, this is a great option. Slightly longer, but very scenic. With both the Miners’ and Pyg tracks you can either stay on the same path there and back, or take either up and either back, creating a circular.

3. Watkin Path (Hardest Route Up Snowdon)

👉 Link to my Watkin Track post

This is the one that catches people out. Long, steep, and a proper test near the top — but if you want a more rugged, quieter feel, this delivers. The first part however is an easy gradual climb through the tree’s and then as you enter the clear, you will see the peak and also the Rhaeadrau Waterfalls which you will pass, and maybe as we did, have a little swim in!

4. Rhyd Ddu Path (Quietest Route)

👉 Link to my Rhyd Ddu Track post

If you want to avoid the crowds, this is your route. A bit of everything — steady climb, big views, and a narrow ridge near the top that adds a bit of spice. The route builds gradually, opens out into wide views across Snowdonia, and finishes with a narrow ridge that adds just a touch of edge without being overly technical. It’s a brilliant route if you want the summit, but with a bit more space to actually enjoy it.

5. Llanberis Path (Easiest Route Up Snowdon)

👉 Link to my Llanberis Track post

The longest but easiest route. It follows the railway most of the way, so navigation is simple and the gradient is steady. It’s not the most exciting route, but if your goal is simply to reach the summit, this is the safest bet.

6. Snowdon Ranger Path (Underrated Classic)

👉 Link to my Ranger Track post

A really nice middle ground. Quieter than Pyg/Miners, easier than Watkin, and still gives you a proper mountain feel. Starts near Llyn Cwellyn, which is one of the nicest settings of all the routes.

Places to Stay

If you want to stay close to the start, Rhyd Ddu is quiet and well placed, but accommodation is limited. For more options, nearby Beddgelert is a brilliant base with pubs, cafés, and access to multiple routes. Caernarfon is another good option if you want more choice, shops, and easy access across Snowdonia.

For accommodation, use the usual Booking.com affiliate link and search for Beddgelert, Caernarfon or Snowdonia.

Recommended Stays

Ty Afon – River House

Offering stunning panoramic views across some of the finest scenery in Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), Tŷ Afon is a tranquil country house providing secluded accommodation just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of the award-winning village of Beddgelert.

Check Availability

Snowdonia Holiday Lodges

Snowdonia Holiday Lodges in Beddgelert offers a holiday home with a garden and terrace. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Guests can enjoy garden, mountain, and river views from the patio and dining area.

Check Availability

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Practicalities

• Start early: Snowdon is always busy — early starts mean a better experience.
• Weather: Conditions change fast — summit can be cold, windy, and misty even in summer
• Footwear: Proper boots recommended — can be loose, rocky, and slippery when wet
• Navigation: Straightforward in clear weather, but don’t rely on that — bring GPX/map
• Food & water: No facilities on route — carry everything you need
• Toilets: Available at some car parks and the summit.
• Crowds: Some routes are quieter than others, but summit will still be busy
• Best season: Spring to autumn (winter requires full mountain skills)

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