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9 miles
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3,250ft
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4hrs. 30mins
This is usually considered the easiest of the Snowdon paths although it is not the shortest, and has more climb than those that start from Pen-y-Pass car-park. For most of the time it runs parallel to the Snowdon Mountain Railway, and is a wide clear track for most of its length. When descending by the same route some care is needed in the upper section if it is in hillfog (which it often is!) to make sure you come down the right path!
There are numerous car parks in the village. The most expensive is opposite the Snowdon Railway station, but parking become cheaper, then free if you use the car-parks further along the bypass towards Caernarfon.
Starting from the Mountain Railway Station, walk a few yards uphill and turn right into Victoria Terrace, opposite the large Royal Victoria Hotel. Follow this to a cattle grid at its end and then continue out of the village steeply uphill. This road section is a steep as anything you will encounter! There is one gate across this road. About 300m. beyond it the Snowdon Path is signed leading off to the left. About a third of the way up you pass under the railway, and three-quarters of a mile further on reach Halfway House (which really is pretty much halfway), a traditional stopping place on the ascent. A mile further on the path bends left and climbs. A less well marked path continues ahead to the great cliffs of Clogwyn d'ur Arddu, famed for its climbing and its artic alpine flora. At the top of the climb (called Allt Moses after one of the 19th century Snowdon guides) you pass under the railway line for a second time, beside Clogwyn Station. Beyond this the path climbs very steeply, soon rising above the line. (Do not be tempted to follow the railway line itself, even out of season. In winter this is an accident black-spot as it can become a uniform ice or snow slope leading to the top of large cliffs). At the top of the climb it contours rightwards passing the remains of the old stables, situated at the highest spring on the mountain. A few more minutes brings you to the tall marker stone where the Pyg and Miners tracks come up from the left. Below, and a little way back another similar stone on the far side of the railway track indicates where the Snowdon Ranger Path crosses on its way down to your right.
You are now on the final section. The path runs beside the railway and (given good weather) you can soon see the summit station and cafe. If descending in bad weather look for the marker stone again and then keep on a path that rises a little before becoming roughly level for several hundred yards.
WARNING: In winter, when there is snow or ice about the Llanberis path is not an easy option. See the section of Winter Equipment Selection to read about necessary winter mountaineering equipment.
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