Pen-y-Pass
Gateway to Snowdon's summit, offering iconic hiking trails and breathtaking mountain pass views. Pre-booked parking essential.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch magic
Pen-y-Pass
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Snowdon's summit, offering iconic hiking trails and breathtaking mountain pass views. Pre-booked parking essential.
"The most convenient start to the Pyg Track (and Crib Goch) up to the summit of Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon."
🚗 Book Parking Early
Pen-y-Pass parking requires advance booking via JustPark. Don't miss out!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good hiking boots are essential for the rocky terrain on the Pyg and Miners' Tracks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Summit
From Pen-y-Pass
Conquer Wales' highest peak via the Pyg or Miners' Track for breathtaking panoramic views. A true bucket-list achievement.

Pyg Track & Miners' Track
Starting from Pen-y-Pass
Iconic hiking routes offering stunning lake vistas and rugged mountain scenery. Choose your adventure!

Watkin Path Waterfalls
Near Watkin Path trailhead
Discover beautiful waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. An accessible and rewarding natural spectacle.

Scenic Pass Drive
Pen-y-Pass road
Experience the dramatic beauty of this mountain pass, a gateway to adventure with stunning valley views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Parking in Advance
Check Weather & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Parking Early
Pen-y-Pass parking requires advance booking via JustPark. Don't miss out!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good hiking boots are essential for the rocky terrain on the Pyg and Miners' Tracks.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. There are limited facilities on the trails.
🧥 Layer Up Your Clothing
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain, even in summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Parking Early
Pen-y-Pass parking requires advance booking via JustPark. Don't miss out!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Good hiking boots are essential for the rocky terrain on the Pyg and Miners' Tracks.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. There are limited facilities on the trails.
🧥 Layer Up Your Clothing
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sun, wind, and rain, even in summer.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps for navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Pen-y-Pass as a stunning gateway to Snowdonia's peaks, particularly Yr Wyddfa. The convenience of pre-booked parking is a major plus, despite the cost. While the scenery is universally praised, some find the parking fees steep and the trails can get very crowded.
"Booked online, pulled up 4am, straight in and started walking at 4.15am.
Car park is wardened, toilets open even at that time.
Perfect.
More than happy to pay £20/£30 when you can start Miners track or PYG trail yards from your vehicle."
kane duffy
"We booked “Just Park” online two weeks before we went since we were cautioned by our B&B host that parking is limited. The views were awesome. We started on the Pyg Track and ended on the Miners Track."
Catherine Hunt
"An area of natural and man made beauty. The pass road is plenty wide enough with lots of places to stop along the way. There are huge rock falls which is stupifying to behold. Shortly before reaching llanberiss you are able to see the impact of slate mining and the incredible impact man makes to nature."
Hennie van Heerden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pen-y-Pass is accessible by car, but parking must be booked in advance via JustPark. Alternatively, the Sherpa bus service runs regularly from various locations in Snowdonia, offering a convenient way to reach the pass without driving.
Yes, the Sherpa bus service is a popular and eco-friendly option to reach Pen-y-Pass from surrounding towns like Betws-y-Coed and Llanberis.
Parking at Pen-y-Pass is now exclusively via pre-booking through the JustPark app. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak season.
Parking fees can vary, but expect to pay around £20-£30 for a full day's parking, which is considered worthwhile by many for the convenience.
Yes, Pen-y-Pass is a scenic mountain road that can be driven through, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Snowdonia National Park and its hiking trails is generally free. However, parking at popular trailheads like Pen-y-Pass requires pre-booking and payment.
There are no direct entrance fees for Pen-y-Pass itself, but you will need to pay for parking if you are arriving by car.
The pass road is open 24/7. The car park and its facilities (like toilets) are typically staffed and open from early morning, especially for sunrise hikers.
No, parking at Pen-y-Pass is strictly pre-booking only through the JustPark app. Arriving without a booking will likely mean you cannot park.
Yes, there is a cafe at Pen-y-Pass that offers refreshments and a place to rest before or after your hike.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The most popular trails from Pen-y-Pass are the Pyg Track and the Miners' Track, both leading to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The Pyg Track is generally considered more rugged, while the Miners' Track offers stunning lake views.
Hiking Yr Wyddfa from Pen-y-Pass via the Pyg or Miners' Track typically takes around 3-4 hours to reach the summit, and a similar time to descend. This can vary based on fitness and weather conditions.
Both tracks are challenging, but the Pyg Track is often described as more rocky and exposed, while the Miners' Track has more gradual ascents and beautiful lake scenery. Many hikers combine them for a circular route.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available at the Pen-y-Pass car park, which are usually open from early morning.
Pack essentials like sturdy hiking boots, waterproofs, layers of clothing, plenty of water, snacks, a map, and a fully charged phone.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area around Pen-y-Pass offers incredible photo opportunities. Key spots include the views from the Pyg and Miners' Tracks, the lakes (Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn), and panoramic vistas from the summit of Yr Wyddfa.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for photography. However, clear days provide the best visibility for capturing the expansive mountain landscapes.
While not directly at Pen-y-Pass, the Watkin Path, accessible from further down the valley, features beautiful waterfalls that are popular for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture distant peaks. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions. Don't forget a protective camera bag.
Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. Always check the latest regulations for Snowdonia National Park before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider exploring the Watkin Path waterfalls as a more accessible and engaging activity for children, offering natural beauty without the extreme exertion of a mountain climb. Ensure you pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for changing weather. Booking parking in advance is crucial for a smooth family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak times or weekdays to potentially find less crowded trails and enjoy the natural beauty without the premium cost associated with peak season. Camping or staying in hostels in nearby villages can also be more budget-friendly than hotels.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners & Hikers
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Crib Goch ridge scramble, accessible from Pen-y-Pass, is a legendary but extremely challenging route for experienced mountaineers only. Always check conditions and be aware of your limits. Early morning starts are highly recommended to avoid congestion on the trails.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Routes from Pen-y-Pass
The Miners' Track, on the other hand, starts with a gentler path alongside the beautiful Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn lakes, offering spectacular reflections and a more accessible experience for many. It eventually joins the Pyg Track for the final push to the summit. Many hikers opt for a circular route, ascending via one track and descending via the other to experience the diverse scenery.
Beyond Yr Wyddfa, Pen-y-Pass also serves as a gateway to other challenging mountain adventures, including routes for experienced climbers and scramblers. The Ogwen Valley is also easily accessible, offering further hiking opportunities. Always be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and ensure you have appropriate gear and navigation skills.
The Pen-y-Pass Experience
The car park at Pen-y-Pass is crucial for accessing the main hiking routes. Historically, it was a challenge to secure a spot, leading to early morning starts or alternative transport. Now, with the mandatory pre-booking system via JustPark, visitors can plan their access more reliably, though booking well in advance is essential. The convenience of parking so close to the trailheads is a significant advantage for many hikers.
Facilities at Pen-y-Pass include a cafe, providing a welcome spot for a post-hike refreshment or a pre-hike snack. Toilets are also available, which is a practical necessity for visitors. The overall atmosphere is one of adventure and natural beauty, attracting hikers, climbers, and sightseers alike.
Beyond the Summit: Other Attractions
For those interested in the region's industrial heritage, the impact of slate mining is visible in the landscape, with remnants of old mines and quarries dotting the valleys. This history adds another layer of interest to the already dramatic scenery.
Explorers also seek out hidden gems like the Secret Lake, an abandoned quarry reclaimed by nature, offering a tranquil and picturesque escape. These lesser-known spots provide opportunities for unique adventures away from the main hiking crowds.
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