Hillwalking in Snowdonia

Guidebook covers nearly 70 hillwalking routes throughout Snowdonia in Wales, including the central areas of the Carneddau, Glyders and Snowdon, as well as outlying areas of the Moelwyns, Eifionydd, Rhinogs, Arenigs and Cader Idris. A very full coverage of the high mountain walking routes.

Hill Walking in Snowdonia

The routes have been selected from four areas: Carneddau, Glyders, Snowdon, and Outlying Areas (comprising Moelwyns, Eifionydd, Rhinogs, Cader Idris, Arans and Arenigs). Each has its own peculiar charm.

Most first-time visitors congregate around Snowdon. All major paths are well worn and in constant use during weekend and holiday periods. Nevertheless, the scenery around this complex mountain is magnificent. Walks begin by winding pleasantly up valleys or rough grazing land but typically finish on rock ridges poised above cliffs.

The Glyders are the second most popular walking area. Set among impressive rock scenery, their routes are characteristically short but scrambly. Most of the interest centres on the ridges and rock-walled cwms of their northern side.

The Carneddau occupy a large part of northern Snowdonia. Though lacking the intricacy of the Glyders, they provide magnificent walking over domed summits and barren connecting ridges. As yet only the main ascent routes to Carnedd Llewelyn are heavily used, so there is plenty of opportunity for escape.

Mountains outside the three main areas are lower and generally less rugged. Fences, quarries and pine forests detract from otherwise shapely hills. But there are compensations; apart from a few popular routes most paths are little wider than sheep tracks, while it would be unusual to meet more than a handful of people all day.

Approaches and Accommodation

Carneddau
The Carneddau lie within a triangle of main roads connecting Bangor, Conwy and Betws y Coed. Public transport, rail or bus can be used to travel between Conwy and Bangor, or Conwy and Betws y Coed. But there is no regular bus service along the A5 between Capel Curig and Bethesda (infrequent service in summer).

Although routes begin from each side of the triangle, the most convenient base for a longer stay will be on the A5 between Capel Curig and Bethesda. Both villages offer basic amenities and accommodation, including campsites, bunkhouses, youth hostels (Capel Curig and Idwal), bed & breakfast, and hotels. Main campsites are marked on OS maps, otherwise enquire locally.

Glyders
This is a relatively small area, confined by roads connecting Bethesda, Capel Curig and Llanberis. Most routes begin from Ogwen Cottage, on the A5 midway between Bethesda and Capel Curig. A regular bus service operates from Bangor as far as Bethesda, but only a limited summer service continues along the Ogwen Valley to Capel Curig. Similarly, the regular bus service from Caernarfon extends up the Llanberis Pass only as far as Nant Peris. In summer the Sherpa buses continue up the Llanberis Pass to Pen y Gwryd (connections to Capel Curig).

By far the best base will be in the Ogwen Valley. Basic amenities can be found in Capel Curig and Bethesda, at either end of the valley. Accom­modation at or near these villages includes campsites, bunkhouses, youth hostels (Capel Curig and Idwal), bed & breakfast, and hotels. Similar accommodation will be found in and around Llanberis at Nant Peris. There is also a youth hostel at Pen y Pass and a hotel at Pen y Gwryd.

Snowdon
Mountains of the Snowdon group lie within a triangle of roads linking Caernarfon, Pen y Gwryd and Beddgelert. Regular bus routes from Caernarfon extend only as far as Nant Peris and Beddgelert. However, in summer the Sherpa bus service com­pletes the circuit around the mountain by linking Beddgelert and Nant Peris via Pen y Gwryd. This service is extremely useful, even to car owners, because it facilitates unusual combinations of ascent and descent routes.

The Llanberis Pass and Nant Gwynant (the valley between Beddgelert and Pen y Gwryd) are the best bases. Both have campsites and bunkhouse accommodation. There is also an excellent forestry campsite about 1.5km from Beddgelert on the Caernarfon road. The usual bed & breakfast and hotel accommodation will be found in and around Llanberis, Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu (limited). Cafes are to be found at Pen y Pass and – of all places – the summit of Snowdon. Convenient youth hostels are at Bryn Gwynant, Llanberis, Snowdon Ranger and Pen y Pass.

Outlying Areas
Walks described in this section are usually approached on a daily basis from central areas. However, those wishing to base themselves locally for a few days will find Beddgelert the most convenient for Eifionydd and the Moelwyns (refer to notes on Snowdon area), and the larger town of Dolgellau for southern Snowdonia, which includes the Rhinogs, Cader Idris, Arans and Arenigs.

Choosing a Route

Routes are introduced and described under regional headings (Carneddau South, Snowdon East, and so on). A sketch map showing the routes accompanies each regional introduction. Aided by this, you should be able to select an appropriate combination of ascent and descent (notes in the route summaries offer some suggestions).

Route summaries also indicate the likely duration of the walk. These estimates are very approximate, but should help you select a half- or full-day walk as required. Metric units have been used throughout for compatibility with metricated OS maps. Should it be necessary, multiply by 3 and add a tenth for an approximate conversion from metres (m) to feet, and multiply by 5 and divide by 8 to convert from kilometres (km) to miles. A useful formula (Naismith’s) for calculating the likely duration of a walk is to allow 1hr. for each 5km of the walk plus 1hr for each 600m of ascent. Make special allowances for sections of scrambling or other rough terrain, and add time for long rest stops.