An Introduction to The Snowdonia (Eryri) Way
Have you heard of the Snowdonia Way? It's a fantastic walking route designed by Alex Kendall to showcase some of the best parts that the region has to offer. Here's a quick intro to your next favourite walk in Wales.
Eryri (Snowdonia), an area encompassing the mountains of North Wales, is a wild expanse of peaks, valleys, woodland, and miles of coastline and estuaries. In a short distance you can walk from the sandy beaches of Tremadoc Bay, through the forested river gorge of Aberglaslyn Pass, up to the flanks of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself – the highest mountain in the land.
The Snowdonia Way
A walking route through Snowdonia from Machynlleth to Conwy
£16.95
Guidebook to walking the Snowdonia Way in Wales, a long-distance route through Snowdonia National Park from Machynlleth to Conwy. Low-level route of 97 miles (6 to 8 stages) includes Pass of Aberglaslyn, Ogwen Valley and Aber Falls. The mountain route is 122 miles in 9 stages, including Cadair Idris, Snowdon and Glyders. With planning information.
More informationWhere is it and how far is it?
The Snowdonia Way has two main options making it accessible for people of all walking abilities:
The main route is low-level, and is 97 miles of constantly changing landscape, passing through woodlands, hillsides & moorland, and alongside lake-shore, riverbank and estuary.
The mountain route is 122 miles and takes in Cadair Idris, Snowdon, Cnicht and the Glyders.
Why should you walk the Snowdonia Way?
Eryri (Snowdonia) has that perfect mix of wilderness and accessibility, whilst containing everything from high rocky peaks, to forests and sandy estuaries. As a walker you really feel that you are out in the remotest corner of the world, before abruptly finding yourself in a village with brilliant pubs, cafés and accommodation.
On every day of the walk there is a different feature of huge historical, geological or cultural interest. It's astounding how much there is, and how regularly you come across sites in the landscape that on their own are worth travelling across the country to see. Neolithic remains, Edward I's castles and the great spoil tips of abandoned slate mines are just a few examples.
When should you go?
Despite the stereotype that the UK’s mountains are cold and wet, the spring, summer and autumn can be regularly warm and cloud-free.
The low route is possible to walk all year round, although during very cold periods there can be snow on the passes.
The high route stages are only possible in winter conditions with a full knowledge of winter mountaineering and appropriate equipment, including crampons and ice axe.
Where should you stay?
Places to stay are easy to find all along the route, ranging from campsites and hostels up to the very best hotels, and with everything in-between.
Best bit:
The author Alex Kendall says his favourite moment in the route is on Stage 4, "when you round the side of Moel Siabod and have the whole expanse of the Glyderau and Carneddau mountains suddenly before you. You then descend to walk between them, through the dramatic Ogwen Valley. There are also some great cafés on this day, which may also have something to do with it." (You can see why we like him.)
Stage Summaries
The stage summaries follow both a main lower level route and a mountain based higher level route. This allows walkers of all abilities to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The Snowdonia Way - Main Route Summary
| Stage | Distance | Ascent | Approx time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Machynlleth to Dolgellau | 15½ miles (24.7km) | 2460ft (750m) | 7–8hr |
| 2 Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd | 14 miles (22.6km) | 2590ft (790m) | 7hr |
| 3 Trawsfynydd to Beddgelert | 18½ miles (29.5km) | 3050ft (930m) | 8–9hr |
| 4 Beddgelert to Dolwyddelan | 12¾ miles (20.6km) | 2625ft (800m) | 6–7hr |
| 5 Dolwyddelan to Bethesda | 15½ miles (25.1km) | 2165ft (660m) | 7–8hr |
| 6 Bethesda to Conwy | 21 miles (33.6km) | 4855ft (1480m) | 10–11hr |
| Total | 97¼ miles (156.1km) | 17,745ft (5410m) | 45–50hr |
The Snowdonia Way - Mountain Route Summary
| Stage | Distance | Ascent | Approx time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1A Machynlleth to Abergynolwyn | 12 miles (19.5km) | 3575ft (1090m) | 6–7hr |
| 1B Abergynolwyn to Dolgellau | 14¾ miles (23.6km) | 4890ft (1490m) | 8hr |
| 2A Dolgellau to Trawsfynydd | 16½ miles (26.6km) | 4560ft (1390m) | 9hr |
| 3A Trawsfynydd to Penrhyndeudraeth | 11¾ miles (18.9km) | 2855ft (870m) | 6–7hr |
| 3B Penrhyndeudraeth to Beddgelert | 15¾ miles (25.2km) | 4495ft (1370m) | 7–8hr |
| 4A Beddgelert to Pen-y-Pass | 11¼ miles (17.9km) | 4855ft (1480m) | 6–7hr |
| 4B Pen-y-Pass to Capel Curig | 9½ miles (15.5km) | 4165ft (1270m) | 5–6hr |
| 5A Capel Curig to Bethesda | 12¾ miles (20.4km) | 5380ft (1640m) | 7–8hr |
| 6A Bethesda to Conwy | 18 miles (28.7km) | 5215ft (1590m) | 9–10hr |
| Total | 122¼ miles (196.3km) | 39990ft (12,190m) | 63–70hr |
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