Pyg Track Snowdon
Snowdon's Pyg Track: A challenging yet rewarding 7-mile hike with stunning lakes and summit views. Rocky terrain demands good fitness.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds
Pyg Track Snowdon
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Snowdon's Pyg Track: A challenging yet rewarding 7-mile hike with stunning lakes and summit views. Rocky terrain demands good fitness.
"Incredible views from the Pyg track today! #pygtrack #snowdon #Hiking #snowdonia #Wales #weatherwarning"
Book Parking Ahead
Pen y Pass car park fills up fast! Pre-book online or consider the shuttle bus. :car:
Check Weather Forecast
Snowdonia's weather is unpredictable. Always check before you go and be prepared for anything. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Snowdon Summit
Breathtaking panoramic views of Snowdonia National Park on a clear day. Worth the climb!
Rocky Ascent
Pyg Track
A challenging yet rewarding hike with iconic rocky paths and zig-zagging trails.
Llyn Llydaw
Along the Pyg Track
A stunning glacial lake offering picturesque reflections and a great spot for a break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Parking Ahead
Pen y Pass car park fills up fast! Pre-book online or consider the shuttle bus. :car:
Check Weather Forecast
Snowdonia's weather is unpredictable. Always check before you go and be prepared for anything. +1 :cloud:
Wear Sturdy Boots
The Pyg Track is rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support. :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate and Snack
Bring plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks. You'll need them for the climb! :water_wave: :apple:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Parking Ahead
Pen y Pass car park fills up fast! Pre-book online or consider the shuttle bus. :car:
Check Weather Forecast
Snowdonia's weather is unpredictable. Always check before you go and be prepared for anything. +1 :cloud:
Wear Sturdy Boots
The Pyg Track is rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support. :athletic_shoe:
Hydrate and Snack
Bring plenty of water and energy-boosting snacks. You'll need them for the climb! :water_wave: :apple:
Layer Up!
Temperatures can drop significantly at the summit. Pack layers you can easily add or remove. :shirt:
Sheep on the Path!
Watch out for sheep grazing on the trails; they have right of way! :sheep:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Pyg Track is a highly rewarding hike offering stunning views of Snowdonia, though it's not for the faint-hearted due to its rocky and steep nature. Hikers praise the scenic beauty and sense of achievement, but many caution about the unpredictable weather and the need for proper gear. Crowds can be a significant issue, especially during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pyg Track starts at Pen y Pass car park. You can drive there, but parking is limited and often requires pre-booking. Alternatively, use the S1 shuttle bus from Llanberis or Betws-y-Coed. 
Yes, there is a car park at Pen y Pass, but it's very popular and fills up quickly, especially during peak season. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, you can reach the Snowdon area via train to Bangor or Betws-y-Coed, then use local bus services like the S1 shuttle to get to trailheads like Pen y Pass.
From London, you can take a train to Bangor or Llandudno Junction, then connect to local buses. Driving is also an option, but be prepared for potential traffic and parking challenges.
If Pen y Pass is full, you can consider starting from other trailheads like Llanberis (for the Llanberis Path) or Nant Gwynant (for the Watkin Path). +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking the Pyg Track itself is free. You only pay for parking if you drive to Pen y Pass, or for public transport fares.
The Pyg Track is accessible 24/7 as it's a public footpath. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Snowdonia National Park does not have an entrance fee. You are free to explore its many trails and landscapes.
Yes, pre-booking parking for Pen y Pass is available and highly recommended to secure your spot. Check the official Snowdonia National Park website for booking details.
Many local companies offer guided hikes up Snowdon via the Pyg Track, which can be a great option if you're new to the area or want added safety and information.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Pyg Track is approximately 7 miles (11.3 km) round trip and can take 3-4 hours to ascend and 2-3 hours to descend, depending on your fitness level and stops. +1
The Pyg Track is considered a moderate to challenging hike. It's shorter than some other routes but involves steep ascents and rocky terrain. +1
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable trousers, and layers of clothing including a waterproof jacket and trousers. A hat and gloves are also advisable.
Yes, there is a visitor centre at the summit called Hafod Eryri, which offers refreshments and toilets.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Pyg Track, but they must be kept on a lead, especially around livestock like sheep.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include Llyn Llydaw, the views looking back towards Pen y Pass, and of course, the summit itself. Sunrise and sunset can offer spectacular light.
Early morning for sunrise and golden hour light, or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. Clear days offer the best panoramic views.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can capture distant peaks. A sturdy tripod is useful for low light or long exposures. Don't forget a protective case for your gear.
Fog can create dramatic and moody shots, adding an ethereal quality to the landscape. Embrace the atmosphere!
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Watkin Path as a family-friendly alternative, known for its beautiful waterfalls and less strenuous sections.
Always check the weather and pack plenty of snacks and water to keep energy levels up. 💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider carpooling with friends or using public transport like buses to reach the trailhead.
💑 Couples & Adventurous Pairs
For a truly exhilarating experience, consider tackling Crib Goch together if you're both experienced and confident with heights and scrambling.
Alternatively, a sunrise or sunset hike on the Pyg Track can create a romantic and unforgettable backdrop for your adventure. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Snowdon Route
+1For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Crib Goch route is a notorious knife-edged arête, considered one of the most dangerous scrambles in the UK. It's only recommended for experienced mountaineers with a head for heights.
Other options include the Llanberis Path, which is the longest but generally considered the easiest and most accessible, and the Watkin Path, known for its waterfalls and a more remote feel. When planning your route, always consider the weather, your fitness level, and the time available. Consulting local guides or experienced hikers can provide invaluable insights into choosing the best path for your adventure.
Navigating Snowdonia's Weather
Temperatures can be significantly lower at the summit than at the base, and wind speeds can increase dramatically. This is why layering clothing is essential. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are non-negotiable, as is sturdy footwear with good grip. Many hikers have been caught out by sudden downpours or chilling winds, turning a pleasant hike into a miserable experience.
If the weather is poor, especially with high winds, heavy rain, or poor visibility, it's wise to reconsider your hike or choose a less exposed route. Safety should always be your top priority. Remember, the mountain will still be there on another day with better conditions.
The Pyg Track Experience
As you climb, the landscape opens up, revealing dramatic mountain vistas. The path can be steep in sections, and you'll encounter rocky scrambles that require careful footing. It's a route that demands concentration and a good level of fitness, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is immense.
Many hikers choose to descend via the Miners' Track, which offers a different perspective and passes by old copper mines. This combination provides a varied and rewarding experience of Snowdon.
Remember to be mindful of other hikers and any livestock, particularly sheep, that may be sharing the path. 
Social
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