Hiking Snowdon is something I always wanted to do – and I finally did it. I hiked to the top of Snowdon and back down again, and what an adventure it turned out to be!
Hiking Snowdon: the preparation
Before setting off, I spent hours reading blogs and scouring websites, trying to gather as much information as possible for this trip. Every source emphasized one thing: be prepared! They also warned that even the so-called “easy” Llanberis Path is not quite the leisurely stroll its name suggests.
Unfortunately, just before the trip, my cousin Jess came down with a nasty cold and had to bow out gracefully. Luckily, my youngest son, DJ, was more than happy to join me on this adventure. And with some nervous excitement, we began our journey at 3 a.m., leaving Portsmouth for Talsarnau, where we had booked a cozy little shepherd’s hut on Airbnb. Our plan was to avoid the Bank Holiday traffic, and starting that early seemed like a good idea.
Hiking Snowdon: the drive of a lifetime
The journey started with a light drizzle, but as we drove on, the rain intensified—and then, disaster struck: my windscreen wipers stopped working! DJ tried to move them manually while I drove, but it was impossible. We had to pull over in a layby and pop the bonnet. Thankfully, DJ managed a quick fix, and we were back on the road. We decided to stop at the first services to make sure the wipers would hold up, and fortunately, the rest of the journey was smooth sailing… until we hit the mountain roads in Wales.
The narrow, winding roads, steep drops, and oversized lorries barreling towards us made for a pretty hair-raising experience. The signs said 60mph, but I stuck well below that, taking it slow to navigate the twists and turns. We eventually arrived at our destination earlier than expected, so we made a quick pit stop in Penrhyndeudraeth for a cuppa and a snack at The Eating Gorilla (more on that in a later post!).
By noon, we met our host Charles at the shepherd’s hut. He was still setting things up, but he kindly let us check in early. Charles was lovely, and his dog, Daisy, was a little sweetheart. The hut was perfect—like camping but with all the comforts of home. It had everything we needed: warm beds, a heater, proper toilet and shower facilities, and all the cooking equipment we could want. That night, as the wind howled outside, we were grateful to be tucked up in our cozy little cabin. Surrounded by hills and fields with a cloud-covered Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in the distance, sleep came easily.
Stay tuned for a full review of Charlie’s Shepherd’s Hut—it’s worth checking out if you’re planning a trip to Snowdonia!
Day 2: The Hike
We had originally planned to start our hike super early, hoping to catch the sunrise halfway up the mountain. But after our experience on the Welsh roads the day before, DJ suggested we leave at a more reasonable hour. Safety first! So, at 9 a.m., we set off for Llanberis, a 50-minute drive from Talsarnau. Thankfully, this route was much easier, with no terrifying mountain roads to navigate.
We parked at the Dolbadarn Castle Parc Padarn Car Park, which was excellent value at just £6 for the entire day. From there, the adventure truly began.
The hike along the Llanberis Path up Mount Snowdon starts on a straightforward tarmac road, with woodlands on one side and open fields on the other. The gradient starts off gently, luring you into a false sense of ease, but before long, it steepens and begins to test your stamina. After about 15 minutes, the tarmac ends, and you pass through a gate onto a rough, stony path—the real start of the ascent. From here, the path stretches ahead, revealing glimpses of the challenging climb that lies before you.
As we climbed higher, the landscape became more rugged and wild, with breathtaking views opening up across Snowdonia National Park. The further we went, the more we felt immersed in the vastness of the scenery around us. We passed plenty of fellow hikers—some on their way down, offering smiles and words of encouragement. The camaraderie on the trail was one of the best parts of the experience. Everyone was cheering each other on with phrases like “You’re nearly there!” or “Keep going, you’ve got this!” These small moments of connection helped keep our spirits high, even when the going got tough.0
The weather was kind to us for the most part, with intermittent clouds offering breaks in the view. It was warm enough to keep going comfortably, but whenever we paused, the cool air quickly crept in. DJ was wonderfully patient, waiting for me as I needed to stop a few times to catch my breath. We both took plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos, eager to capture the ever-changing views as we climbed higher.
The Halfway Break and the Summit
Around halfway up, we made a much-needed stop at the Halfway Café for a hot cuppa. The café was a welcome sight, offering a chance to recharge before pushing on for the final stretch.
As we approached the summit, the path became steeper and rockier, but the promise of reaching the top kept us going. The final section was tough, but knowing how far we’d come made it worth every step. When we finally reached the summit, we didn’t linger for too long—just long enough to take a quick photo at the apex, the iconic marker of our achievement.
The Descent and the Final Challenge
The hike down, while easier on the lungs, turned out to be tough on the legs. Each step brought a new wave of exhaustion, and by the time we reached the bottom, I was struggling to walk. What felt like a short walk back to the car park now seemed like its own mini-challenge! My legs felt like jelly, and even DJ, who’d been a rock throughout, looked relieved to see the car.
But despite the aching muscles, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. We had done it—we conquered Snowdon together.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, hiking Snowdon was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. From the unexpected wiper incident to the challenge of the climb, it was an adventure filled with unforgettable moments. The Llanberis Path may not be the easiest walk in the world, but it offers an accessible yet challenging route to the top of Wales’ highest peak.
Having DJ along for the journey made the experience even more meaningful. We made some incredible memories, from our cozy stay in the shepherd’s hut to conquering the summit together. If you’re thinking of hiking Snowdon, my advice is simple: be prepared for the unexpected, take your time, and enjoy every step of the adventure. You won’t regret it!
Practical Tips for Hiking Snowdon:
Parking: Dolbadarn Castle Parc Padarn Car Park in Llanberis offers good value at £6 for the entire day.
Halfway Café: The Halfway Café is a great place to take a breather and grab a hot drink.
Weather: The weather on Snowdon can change quickly, so dress in layers and bring waterproofs, even if it looks like a sunny day!
Be prepared: The Llanberis Path may be the easiest, but it’s still a demanding hike, so take your time and enjoy the journey.
