Explore Yr Wyddfa: Guided Hikes on Snowdon

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yr Wyddfa, the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Find the best hiking routes and guided hikes to experience the most popular mountain in the UK. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!

3 min read

silhouette of mountain ranges
silhouette of mountain ranges

Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, stands as the tallest mountain in Wales, rising to an awe-inspiring 1,085 meters above sea level. A sentinel of time, it has witnessed the footsteps of ancient Celts, Roman legions, and modern adventurers alike. Its name, 'Yr Wyddfa,' meaning 'the tomb' in Welsh, is steeped in legend, believed to mark the resting place of Rhitta Gawr, a mythical giant defeated by King Arthur. Beyond myth, the mountain's history is interwoven with industry, war, and the enduring spirit of those who seek to conquer its heights.

The many routes to the summit provide both challenge and reward, each offering a unique perspective of the breathtaking landscape. The Llanberis Path, the most popular and least strenuous, follows an old miner's route and gently ascends from the village of Llanberis, tracing the Snowdon Mountain Railway for much of its course. The Pyg Track and Miners’ Track begin from Pen-y-Pass, winding their way past glacial lakes and rocky outcrops before merging near the summit. For seasoned climbers, the Crib Goch route presents a thrilling knife-edge ridge walk, demanding both skill and nerve. The Watkin Path, with its dramatic waterfalls and steep inclines, is one of the most challenging yet rewarding ascents, while the Ranger Path and Rhyd-Ddu Path offer quieter, more secluded routes up the mountain.

Wales Outdoors Mountain Leader led small group hikes to the summit of Snowdon, taking the Ranger Path, usually following it in its entirety to the summit, then, for those up for a challenge, we follow the cliff edge and travel over rough and broken ground on the descent, making this a circular route and one that is lesser walked, so midweek we'll have the mountain almost to ourselves.

We have two options: meet us at the start point, or, we'll pick up from Llandudno, Conwy and Caernarfon, returning you to your start point at the end of the day. Wales Outdoors also offers a private guide option, which enables us to deliver any route, adjust start times to suit and to truly tailor your mountain day for you.

Wales Outdoors hires out to our clients a small range of essentials that may be missing from their touring luggage. See these items below... You might also want to check out our 'Kit List' which is a comprehensive guide to essential items when hiking and backpacking in the UK and includes suggestions about where to purchase those must have items.

Snowdon’s nature is as diverse as its trails, a haven of ecological wonders and rare wildlife. Its slopes are home to an array of flora and fauna, including Arctic-alpine plants that have survived since the last Ice Age. The rugged cliffs and grassy plateaus provide refuge for birds such as peregrine falcons and choughs, while the lower slopes burst into a riot of colour with bluebells and heather in the warmer months. The Snowdonia National Park works tirelessly to preserve this fragile ecosystem, balancing conservation efforts with the mountain's popularity as a hiking destination.

If you're looking for accommodation, please do look at our accommodation page, where Wales Outdoors lists our 'Direct Booking' partners as well as offering handy links to accommodation portals such as Booking.com.

And while you're in the area, do have a look at our 'Things To Do' page, which lists our direct booking partners as well as a curated list of other activities that will make your stay in Eryri a most memorable experience.

More than just a peak to be climbed, Snowdon is a symbol of Welsh heritage and natural beauty, an enduring presence in poetry, folklore, and national identity. Whether shrouded in mist or bathed in golden light, it remains a place of wonder, drawing thousands each year to stand upon its summit and gaze across the vast and timeless landscape of Eryri.

person standing on steeped mountain
person standing on steeped mountain
a lake in the middle of a mountain range
a lake in the middle of a mountain range