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Saturday August 04, 2007 |
     
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Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Snowdon at 1085m (3560ft) is the highest peak in Britain south of the Scottish highlands. It forms the centrepiece of a dramatic upland range of rocky summits, plunging screes, razor-sharp ridges and mountain lakes, a magnet to outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of spectacular scenery. There are basically 7 well used routes up Snowdon although there are many others possible. Round trip times should be between 5 & 7 hours if you don't get lost. Llanberis Path - the longest and probably most used path but not the best. It starts from near the mountain railway station in Llanberis and after a short steep section up a road, levels out relatively until you reach the "Halfway House". From there it continues beside the railway. Rhyd-Ddu path - starting at the Rhyd Ddu village car park on the Beddgelert to Caernarfon road. The path starts very flat until you climb onto the ridge forming the southern rim of Cwm Clogwyn. Great views of the west face of Snowdon and back towards the Nantlle Ridge. The finale route to the summit is quite exciting and dramatic with a narrow section. Snowdon Ranger Path - Starts from the Snowdon Ranger hostel a couple of miles from Rhyd Ddu. Fairly boring route but can be used as the decent in conjunction with the Rhyd Ddu path. Crib Goch route - Starts from Pen-y-pass car park. A real cracker, but not for the faint hearted and requires good weather conditions. Hands out of pockets will definitely be needed for this one! The route starts with the Pyg Track, then scrambles to the east ridge of Crib Goch. Once on Crib Goch a knife edge arrete and pinnacles dictate extreme caution. The route then goes over Carnedd Ugain. Pyg Track - Starts from Pen-y-pass car park again and travels some way below the Crib Goch ridge. Beautiful views across to the Lliwedd Peaks and the lakes below. In my opinion the most picturesque route and probably the finest for those who don't fancy Crib Goch. A mainly well graded walk with a bit of a staircase up to the final section up Snowdon. Miners Track - Starts from Pen-y-pass car park. A well made path which doesn't gain height much until you pass Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn which in the right light can appear an incredible shade of blue. From Glaslyn a scramble up a rock field to join with the Pyg track just before the staircase wakes you up! Watkin Path - Starts from a Bethania Bridge Car park near Nant Gwynant. A very picturesque walk under the Lliwedd peaks only marred by the final scree slope ascent onto the South ridge of Snowdon which is a bit of a pain! A return trip can be made via the complete south ridge.
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This site was last updated 04-Aug-2007
