UKC

I am planning to walk up Snowdon in the beginning of September. As a bit of a novice I would like advice on what path to take, what to wear and where to camp and any other useful information pls

In reply to Kay1:

I would suggest the Snowdon Ranger track as a good first route up. It's not really any harder than the Miners or Pyg but significantly quieter.

In reply to Kay1: Take waterproofs and fairly stiff hiking boots (i.e. stiffer than trainers). The paths are easy but rocky in places. Any of the paths up will do, but Miner's and Pyg will be busy in good weather.

In reply to Kay1: I would endorse davidbenyon's reply but the traverse of the south ridge does give a bit of a sensation of exposure for anyone not used to the hills; but nowhere as bad as some other (scrambling) routes.

In reply to Kay1:


Anyone who knowingly goes above 1000m with NO acclimatisation is being irresponsible.

In reply to Kay1:
I like the path that goes up from the south from Rhyd Ddu via the col next to Yr Aran.

The ridge up from the col is fairly steep and the final ridge along to the summit is airy (but not excessively so) but it's got nice views and is less crowded and ploddy than the routes up from Pen Y Pass.

In reply to Kay1:

Easy - put 1 foot in front of the other and slightly higher, repeat until you run out of anything higher

Ranger trail is good - I did it aged about 10, or something.

Check weather forecast and wind direction before you go.

Wear decent boots and take full waterproofs and a spare fleece - I've started Snowdon on days when it's fantastic blue skies at the start and you can't see a thing for driving rain at the top! In fact, I think I've only ever seen the view from there twice. I've escorted a few people off there in winter conditions in jeans and trainers.

Can be tricky to find the start of the path you want when starting back down again.

In reply to Kay1: "where to camp"
Depends what you want form a campsite: there are sites in Nant peris and the ogwen valley which are cheap and cheerful, but llyn gwynant or the one in bedgellert are nicer, but more expensive

In reply to Tim Chappell:

It's Snowdon. If you are properly equipped and you take one of the well known paths, it's like a motorway, not a mountain. Though this of course is the downfall of many who go up it poorly equipped, or get the train up and walk down.

I would have more concern, having done it, about the fact that you can get the train up the Jungfrau to just over 3500m very quickly with no warnings about altitude and its effects. I ended up feeling rather yuck, felt a bit like a hangover really, though many other tourists I saw up there were affected far worse, and practically everyone in my carriage fell asleep on the train on the way down.

Neil

In reply to ceri:

For a basic but well-run campsite I recommend Gwern Gof Isaf on the A5. A fiver a night, no need to book, never known it completely full.

Neil

In reply to Tim Chappell:

Tim whilst others, and indeed the OP, might appreciate your humour I suggest it's a little out of place in response to a genuine request by a comparative novice! Would have been better if you had finished it with a smiley

To Kay I endorse the suggestions for the Miner's or PYG Tracks, and possibly Snowden Ranger (which as has been said) you might find a little but not massively exposed at the top.

I recommend you avoid the Watkin Path which is very steep and on loose scree for the last bit, and obviously the Horseshoe via Crib Goch which involves a very exposed scramble. Both of these ways are great, but definitely not for a solo novice until you know how you cope with exposure*

As has been said, take waterproofs and warm clothing. It can get cold up there, particularly if it's windy. And a map and compass which you should know how to use in case it clouds over.

* By exposure I mean ground with a big scary drop under you!

In reply to Trangia:

I would add that the easiest (and safest in summer, not winter) route is the path up from Llanberis which follows the railway. It's a long slog and I find it a bit boring, compared to other routes.

In reply to Trangia:

"Tim whilst others, and indeed the OP, might appreciate your humour I suggest it's a little out of place in response to a genuine request by a comparative novice! Would have been better if you had finished it with a smiley "

Well, he managed to make me look a prat, as I thought he was being serious

Neil

In reply to Kay1: Railway path seconded. Diamox not required.... Basic campsite opposite the Vanynol Arms in Nant Peris. Good luck.

In reply to Neil Williams:

Yup, sneaky bugger isn't he...

In reply to Kay1: Agree with Nant Peris, plus you can squeeze into the pub afterwards.

Accidents to occur all to often on Snowdon, mainly due to poor kit and navigation, so heed the advice elsewhere, map and compass, and don't rely on your smartphone (http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=516432)


But most importantly have fun.

In reply to Kay1:
>>any other useful information
Also worth noting that the car park at Pen-y-Pass (the starting point for the PYG and Miners tracks) fills up bonkers early, but Pen-y-Pass can also be reached by bus from Nant Peris.

In reply to Kay1:

it's not difficult but obviously novice's get in trouble from time to time.

You've asked on here so quite likely are sensible enough to take it seriously.

Take wet weather gear, food and water.

If the weather forecast is bad be prepared to change plans. That includes right up to when you start the route and even part way. There's nothing wrong with backing out of a plan if you don't like the look of it on the day.

all that's 'just in case' though, you'll most likely have a good day out with no problems.

In reply to Kay1: There is only one thing I can add to what's already been said and that's avoid both the Llanberis and the miner path. they are the longest and the most boring. either Rhyd Ddu or ranger would be my suggestion.

In reply to Kay1: flip flops , shorts and t-shirt is the reccomended attire for climbing snowdon .no need for anything else ...maybe a camera and some cans of beer.enjoy

In reply to Kay1: There have been a few recommendations for the Snowdon Ranger and the Rhyd Ddu paths. There is a campsite run by the pub in Rhyd Ddu which is halfway between these two paths, which also has a bunkhouse for a group and a small one which sleeps 4 I think. At the bottom of the Snowdon Ranger path is a good YHA too. I took my Scouts up the Rhyd Ddu and down the Ranger last year - it's a really nice circuit with some great views and pretty quiet compared to the motorway of walkers on the PYG,Miner's and Llanberis tracks. Someone else has also mentioned the path that goes from Rhyd Ddu to the col between Yr Aran then turns left up the South Ridge. That's really nice but steep and can feel a little exposed if you're not used to it. Definitely take extra warm clothes inc hat and gloves, plus good waterproofs (I started out in 16°C one day in June last year and it was only 2°C and chucking it down on the summit!). Good stiff boots, a map and compass (and some knowledge of using them!) and all the food and water you think you'll need, plus a little bit extra. Have fun, it's a great mountain when you get the views!! Co:

In reply to Kay1:

I'm heading up there about the same time actually. Not sure if I should buy the supplemental oxygen here or at base camp

In reply to Kay1:

Hi Kay, there is a very useful PDF leaflet that you can download here: http://visitsnowdonia.info/Content/Resources/3130.SHERPA_ENG_v2%20Cropped%2...

It describes the main paths, car parks, bus routes, what to take with you etc.

Have a lovely time.

Rob

In reply to Kay1: How much of a novice are you? What gave you done before? How good is your map and compass work?

I took a guy who was in his 30s up in June. He had never been on a mountain before. We walked up the Llamberis path. It was a great day out, he really enjoyed it, we had great weather and we had a great time.

I also took another guy up, but in September, it was a typical day. We went up Rhyd Du path. The visibility from 600m up was none existent, by the time we got to the top it was very cold and very windy and you couldn't see a thing. The last 100m scramble frightened him a bit.

If you are a complete novice to hill walking and the forecast is very bad, stick to the Llamberis path, it's like a motorway and there will be plenty of people there.

In reply to Kay1: park your car in Llanberis.catch bus to pen y pass.follow pyg track NB - when you get to the Bwlch don't veer right as some folk will be doing as this takes you to grin coch.

There will be plenty of folk on the trail to follow/talk to.
Higher up by the mines and the confluence with the miners track things can seem a bit complicated but just keep your head.eventually you will reach an area called the zig zags where the paths ascends a steep part of the mountain face.at first iit is well paved and walled in by gabions ( metal cages filled with stone).above this the path narrows and tendds ton follow natural ledges and weaknesses in the rockfsace.just tack it steady here and you will arrive at the fingerstone where you join the massive motorway and crowds to snowdonia summit.after visiting the summit you. Will pass the fingerstone again on your descent of the Llanberis. Track which will take you back to jyour car.don't forget if tired you canpurchase a return ticket from someone summit for the the train.