How Long It Takes To Climb Snowdon?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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So, how long does it take to climb to the summit of Mount Snowdon? It all depends which route you take but should take somewhere

between 5-7 hours

to reach the summit and walk back down (or just 1 hour if you take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top!).

How long does it take to climb Snowdon up and down?

On average, it can take

between 5-7 hours

to walk to the summit of Snowdon and back down again but there are 7 main routes up Snowdon and each one has its own challenges, whether that’s the nerve wracking arête of Crib Goch or the distance involved in Llanberis Path.

Is Snowdon hard to climb?

Much of this walk is rugged, steep and rocky. It can therefore be

very challenging in parts

, but the scenery is more than worth it. Remember to allow time for breaks and stopping to take in the sights, of which there are plenty. In fact the views of Snowdon are among the best of any route up.

Can beginners walk Snowdon?

Walking Routes

You should plan your route carefully, and make sure that is well-suited for your ability. So,

if you are a beginner, we suggest taking the Llanberis path as it is the most gradual

. This particular path is 9-miles and takes roughly six hours there are back.

Can a dog walk up Snowdon?

A common question for hikers and tourists is: can I take my dog up Snowdon? In short,

the answer is YES

. With many easy-access footpaths, the open sky, and miles to roam, Snowdonia is the perfect place to take your dog. Like the majority of Wales, really.

How many steps is Snowdon?

A killer workout, people all over the UK are invited to walk the equivalent of a hike up Snowdon from their homes – hiking boots optional. All you need to get going is a flight of stairs and probably some snacks. To complete the challenge, you’ll need to climb a total of

4610 steps

, on your own or part of a team.

Can you climb Snowdon in trainers?

Remember that boots with a waterproof liner will also be warmer, but we find this lining essential in a walking boot these days.

Trainers are not suitable

. Your boots need to be waterproof!

Do you have to pay to climb Snowdon?


It’s free

. Blissfully free. What is this? Snowdonia National Park has free admission, there are no climbing fees, and we were a bit lucky with parking — the meter was broken in the lot, so we didn’t have to pay.

Are there toilets on the way up Snowdon?

There is a growing problem of people using Snowdon as a giant public toilet, so make arrangements for a toilet stop before you head up the mountain!

There are toilets in the Hafod Eryri summit building

but the building is closed during winter months and in bad weather so cannot be relied upon.

How fit do I need to be to walk up Snowdon?

That being said you do need to be

reasonably fit and healthy

as it takes the average walker 6-8 hours to get to the top and back down. This time includes about 4 hours walking uphill, some of it steep, and 2 or 3 hours to walk down.

Is Snowdon harder than Ben Nevis?



Snowdon is 1085m high compared to Ben Nevis at 1345m high

. If you start in Llanberis at 110m above sea level, the height gain is 990m and the distance is 7.3km each way. So, Ben Nevis is about one third bigger than Snowdon if you walk the Llanberis path. If Snowdon took you 6 hours, Ben Nevis will take you 8 hours.

How many miles is Snowdon walk?

Snowdon Route Distance The Miners’ Track

8 miles

(13 km)
Snowdon Ranger Path 8 miles (13 km) Pyg Track 7 miles (11 km) Rhyd Ddu Path 8.5 miles (12 km)

Can you do Snowdon alone?

Snowdon is a very busy mountain and there’s always someone to say ‘hello’ to. There are a few considerations to take in to account however as

there are obviously greater risks when exploring remote areas alone

. Never be afraid of walking on your own. Just take a few extra precautions to ensure your safety on Snowdon.

Can I camp on Snowdon?


The best way to enjoy camping in Snowdonia National Park is to camp at an official campsite

. Camping is one of the best ways to experience nature. From lakeside and coastal retreats, secluded mountainous hideaways to rustic glamping getaways, Snowdonia is full of incredible campsites.

Can you climb Snowdon without training?

Anyone who is reasonably fit with no health problems should be able to walk up and down Snowdon in under 8 hours.

You shouldn’t need to ‘train’ specifically for the walk

, but of course any extra uphill walking beforehand will help and the fitter you are then the more you’ll enjoy it!

Can you walk up Snowdon at night?


The Snowdon Moonlight Walk is an evening not to be missed

. Climb Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, at dusk and enjoy a breathtaking sunset from the summit (if the weather allows). We then turn our head-torches on and walk down in the dark!

Can you walk up Snowdon and get the train back?


It is possible to walk up and get the train down

. To do this you have to queue up at the top, the station master will fill any empty seats on a first come first served basis. There are usually between 2 and 6 splaces on each train.

What’s the easiest route up Snowdon?


The Llanberis Path

is the easiest of the Snowdon routes and also the busiest. If this is going to be your first mountain walk or you are coming with children then the Llanberis Path is the ideal route. The Pyg Track is the classic Snowdon route. Both the Pyg Track and Miners’ Track start at Pen-y-Pass.

Do you have to book to walk up Snowdon?


During peak periods the service is usually fully booked

and there is little chance of getting a ticket at the summit. Book in advance, or plan to walk down, as well as up Snowdon.

How many feet high is Snowdon?

3,560′

How many days do you need in Snowdonia?

To really get a feel for Snowdonia you want at least 3 days in the area, but the ideal is

between 5 and 7 days

. One day will almost certainly be taken up climbing Snowdon’s peak, which leaves you with a few more to explore the surrounding hikes, lakes, and villages.

What do you eat when climbing Snowdon?

You’ll need to have plenty of food and water to hand. Don’t take sugary sweets, though –

bananas, dried fruit and sandwiches

are much better. Be prepared in case of an accident. A whistle can be useful for getting the attention of other people should you need to.

Can you climb Snowdon in the rain?

Rain. It’s never nice going up in the wet but

if you have good waterproofs then depending on how heavy it is you should be ok

. If the rain is torrential then we would advise coming back another day. The rain will make the paths and rocky sections slippery.

Which is the most scenic route up Snowdon?


The PYG Track

As compensation though you are soon above the lakes that the Miners Track snakes around, so on a clear day the views can be amazing – in our opinion it is the most scenic route with the best views. The two paths meet each other again just before the final ascent to the summit.

Where do you pee on Snowdon?


There are toilets at the top of Snowdon

– but very few (basically none) bushes much over 1000feet elevation…. While the cafe Halfway up /does/ have a toilet, you can’t rely on being able to use it… You hear various reports: it’s free if you buy something / it’s 50p a go / it’s blocked. You might be lucky!

Can you just walk up Snowdon?


Very fit walkers can walk up and down Snowdon in 3-4 hours

and will know their own timings and speed. If in doubt, assume the longest duration for your ascent and add the longest for your descent, depending on route. Add a good half hour or more for the summit stop as well.

Can a beginner climb Scafell Pike?


Relatively easy path up

. Very rocky in the final part of the ascent. Nothing too tricky but went up in good weather. Wear some solid shoes!

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.