Snowdon via Crib Goch and Miner’s Track
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Difficulty Rating:
Of all the many routes up Snowdon, this approach via Crib Goch may be the most demanding! The walk starts along the Pyg Track, veering off to climb Crib Goch. This is a proper scramble and should only be undertaken by experienced, confident hill walkers. A stroll along the ridge provides breathtaking vistas in all directions. Continue past Garnedd Ugain and meet up with the Llanberis Path for the final push to the summit of Snowdon. Your return follows the winding Miner’s Track along the alpine lakes.
Getting there
To get to Snowdon via Crib Goch and Miner’s Track, head for the Pen-y-Pass car park. This is the starting point for most walks up Snowdon, and offers a number of facilities. A bus stop, cafe, and YHA hostel provide services for the many visitors to the mountain.
About
When to do | April-October |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
Family friendly | No |
Route Signage | Poor |
Crowd Levels | High |
Route Type | Lollipop |
Snowdon via Crib Goch and Miner’s Track
Elevation Graph
Weather
Snowdon via Crib Goch and Miner’s Track Description
Set off westwards along the Pyg Track towards Snowdon. The start of the path is clearly marked from the west end of the large car park. Pass through a gate and continue along the path. It’s a fairly gradual ascent at first, which begins to steepen as you approach the eastern end of Llyn Llydaw. The Pyg Track curves to the left and reaches a junction of paths. While the Pyg Track itself continues southeast over a stile, you’ll want to bear right and pass through a gate onto the Crib Goch path. The grade becomes much steeper, and much of your remaining ascent up Crib Goch constitutes a scramble. Be prepared to use all four limbs for this one!
Once you’ve reached the top, the ridge is flat but very exposed. A head for heights is certainly required. Turn left along the ridge to reach the summit of Crib Goch. Take a breather at Bwlch Coch, then continue onto the Crib y Ddysgl ridge. This brings you all the way to the summit of Garnedd Ugain. It’s the second-highest point in Wales – only 66ft shorter than Snowdon itself – yet sees far fewer hill walkers on its slopes. The ridge line curves to the left, where a confluence of paths is found, as the Llanberis, Ranger, and Pyg tracks all meet up for a final approach up Snowdon. The Bwlch Glas standing stone marks the last section of the ascent. Enjoy the panoramic views from the highest point in Wales!
When you’re ready to make your way back, descend along the same Llanberis Path back to Bwlch Glas, then turn right onto the Pyg Track. Follow this eastwards, a rather steep descent along the initial stretch. The Miner’s Track splits off to the right. Turn and follow this down towards the shores of Glaslyn, contouring around the lake and continuing east. The path also follows the shores of Llyn Llydaw before finally reaching the car park you started from.
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