I’ve walked up Snowdon fairly a couple of occasions now. I’m very fortunate to stay lower than an hour and a half from Pen-y-Move, which is a well-liked spot to start a stroll up Snowdon. I’ve executed it within the rain, within the snow, within the blazing sunshine and, as a rule, within the chilly Welsh drizzle!
I’ve additionally climbed up Snowdon at dawn as soon as earlier than – one thing I 100% advocate as you get to the summit on the most stunning time of day and it’s much less more likely to be shrouded in cloud.
There are numerous guides on the market with recommendation about climbing Snowdon however as we speak I would prefer to share some ideas and what to put on to climb Snowdon.
Listed below are my fundamental tricks to climb Snowdon:
- It takes about 4-7 hours so give your self loads of time.
- My favorite route is to go up the Pyg Monitor and down the Miners’ Monitor.
- The Pyg Monitor is shorter and steeper so it’s a more durable climb however you get to the highest quicker and might then get pleasure from a extra leisurely stroll again down the Miners’ the place you may even go for a dip within the lake if it’s scorching.
- Taking place the Miners can be a bit simpler on the knees!
- Park at Pen-y-Move automobile park which you’ll must pre-book prematurely. E-book it ASAP as a result of it fills up shortly! It’s £20 to park for the day.
- In the event you don’t handle to get an area at Pen-y-Move, you need to use the Park & Experience from Nant Peris. It prices £5 to park for the day after which £5.50pp for a return bus ticket. The buses come each half-hour and it was actually simple.
- There are bogs and a restaurant at Pen-y-Move automobile park.
- There’s a restaurant on the summit which opens on June twenty fourth however solely runs on good climate days when the prepare is ready to run. (So don’t maintain your breath)
- Take sunscreen, sun shades and blister plasters too.
- Don’t keep on the high for too lengthy. Get your photographs however you’ll get chilly when you keep up there for too lengthy. I do know it’s a pleasant plan to have your picnic on the high however except the climate is perfection, it’s often simply chilly and windy.
- Take a picnic and a great deal of water and snacks.
- Additionally depart loads of meals and water within the automobile for once you get again. I like to go away a flask of tea and a chocolate bar!
- And drink your water! I do know numerous ladies get nervous about ingesting an excessive amount of and needing a wee nevertheless it’s higher to have a wild wee than get dehydrated.
- Don’t fear about whether or not or not you’re match sufficient. Most individuals can get to the highest in the event that they’ve acquired dedication and loads of time.
What must you put on to climb Yr Wyddfa?
To maintain it actually easy, it’s best to put on:
- An identical outfit you’d put on to the health club (leggings, sports activities bra, tank high + skinny lengthy sleeve high)
- With a fleece
- Thick socks and mountain climbing boots
- Take a water-proof outer coat and waterproof overtrousers
- Take a heat, padded jacket if it is chilly
- Heat hat if it is chilly and a cap if it is scorching
- Gloves if it is chilly
Once you’re deciding what to put on to climb Snowdon you might be a bit of confused by the recommendation and photographs you will see on-line. I’ve seen some folks stroll up in Converse trainers, denims and a jumper with nothing greater than a bottle of water of their again pocket. I’ve seen different folks hike up within the fanciest strolling boots with huge backpacks stuffed with all the newest survival gear and hi-tech clothes!
The season you are mountain climbing will make an enormous distinction to what you put on to climb Snowdon. Until you are a seasoned hiker I do not advocate doing it within the snow. In the event you plan to climb up Snowdon within the snow then you are going to want specialist tools, ice picks, crampons, specialist boots, loads of layers and the talents and experience to get you to the highest. All through the winter there could also be snow and ice close to the highest and that is once you want the specialist tools which is an entire totally different ball sport!
Immediately I am not speaking about specialist tools of climbing Snowdon when it is snowing.
I’d advocate mountain climbing up Snowdon in the summertime (or the shoulder seasons both aspect of summer season) and choosing clothes and tools that’s someplace in the midst of the 2 extremes I discussed above.
You’re not precisely mountain climbing Everest so that you don’t want something majorly specialised, however that is greater than a stroll across the park so that you do must be ready.
The hike up Snowdon is difficult nevertheless it’s one thing most individuals will have the ability to do. You see folks of all ages up there and, final time, I even met a bit of lady who was 5 and her grandma who was 72. It seemed like they have been having loads of tea and snack stops alongside the way in which however they’re undoubtedly proof that most individuals can do it when you take your time.
In the event you plan to stroll up Snowdon slowly then begin as early as your presumably can (6am is right) to offer your self all day without having to hurry.
However to start with I’ll reply that huge query…are you able to climb Snowdon in trainers?
Can I climb Snowdon in trainers?
Whereas the official reply as to if or not you may put on trainers to hike up Snowdon is certainly ‘NO!’ I truly suppose you would be wonderful to hike up Snowdon in trainers if the climate is good.
All the web boards with critical hikers will declare that it is insanity to climb up Snowdon in your trainers. Perhaps it’s insanity, however I’ve executed it a great deal of occasions and I’ve seen a whole lot of different folks do it too.
Offered your trainers are snug, have good grips and also you tie them securely, I feel trainers can be wonderful if it is a heat, dry day.
It is also value noting that when you’re climbing in trainers then you definately’ll should go a bit of slower and take your time over rocks, slippery areas and slender paths.
When you have any accidents or niggles together with your ankles, knees or again then you definately’re in all probability finest off carrying correct mountain climbing boots. However when you’re damage free then good trainers ought to be wonderful ON A DRY DAY.
I would not advocate carrying trainers which are extra like pumps. You recognize, ones like Converse or extra vogue trainers like Veja ones. They simply do not have the grips you have to provide help to over the rocks.
In the event you do not wish to purchase new footwear to hike up Snowdon since you suppose they’re going to be costly then I wish to reassure you that you simply need not spend a whole lot of kilos on mountain climbing footwear. Out of doors outlets equivalent to Mountain Warehouse have an amazing choice of budget-friendly mountain climbing footwear and boots and so they’re nice high quality – particularly when you’re the type of hiker who will solely put on them 4-5 occasions a yr.
Right here’s what I like to recommend you put on to stroll up Snowdon…
Footwear
If there’s just one piece of ‘correct’ tools you put on once you stroll up Snowdon, ensure it’s a good pair of footwear. You don’t wish to get a blister half method up as that’s going to completely spoil your hike.
Personally, I’m not an enormous fan of hefty mountain climbing boots as I usually discover them to be too heavy. When you have ankle or knee issues you may profit from the additional help and stability of an ankle boot however I personally do not.
I prefer to really feel light-weight and bouncy on my ft so I favor sports activities fashion strolling footwear such because the Merrell Sport Siren Q2’s. These are virtually like trainers with actually good grips. They’re comfortable and light-weight however provide the grippy help you want for these steep and slippy surfaces.
Clothes
Ranging from the underside up seen as we’ve already lined footwear…
Socks – I swear by good quality walking socks
In your legs – I’d advocate carrying sports activities leggings to hike up Snowdon. They’re snug and versatile and when you’ve ever been to a health club you in all probability have a pair already. If it’s scorching then any type of shorts will do. I simply wore regular cotton leggings final time I did the hike and so they have been wonderful however lycra ones would have been hotter and higher when it rained.
Base layers on high – Begin with a standard exercise vest or t-shirt after which add a thermal fashion lengthy sleeve high.
I just like the thermal base layers from M&S as a result of they’re nice high quality however less expensive than the outside manufacturers. Then take a sweatshirt for on high of this however understand that you’ll in all probability take this off fairly shortly and it will likely be stuffed in your backpack or tied round your waist. I often put on my sweatshirt on the backside of Snowdon after I’m first warming up after which once more on the high after we cease for a relaxation.
Waterproof trousers – I favor the waterproof trousers you put on on high of your leggings or shorts so you may slip them on and off when you want them.
I would not advocate the actually low-cost waterproof trousers that appear to be you are carrying a bin bag over your leggings (like these). They simply really feel horrible and you will not wish to put them on except it is pouring down!
If you recognize it’ll be chilly and you may hold the identical pair of waterproof trousers on throughout your hike then you definately may favor to put on fleece lined waterproof trousers. These are cosy and heat, however when you’re mountain climbing on a heat day then you are going to get too scorching.
Hat and gloves – Any hat and gloves will do except you’re strolling within the winter after I’d advocate carrying ski gloves. Take a winter hat if it is chilly and a cap if it is heat.
A SMALL backpack – You don’t must pack loads to hike up Snowdon. Most individuals are up and down in lower than 5 hours so depart the kitchen sink at residence! Go for a bag that is round 20L and ideally with a waist belt so you may carry the burden in your hips somewhat than in your shoulders.
What to pack in your mountain climbing backpack
- About 1 litre of water
- Suncream
- Blister plasters
- Snacks – Embrace a couple of excessive power choices in case the stroll takes longer than you suppose and also you get actually drained. Private favourites embrace bananas, cereal bars, Snickers bars and jaffa truffles.
- Packed lunch – an non-compulsory one. I prefer to cease at a café for an enormous breakfast on the way in which to Snowdon and cease once more on the pub on the way in which residence for some hearty pub grub!
- Digital camera
- Telephone
- Ibuprofen – You could discover you want some painkillers for the way in which down. That is when my knees begin to harm
Different ideas for strolling up Snowdon
Take a thermos for tea or espresso and depart it within the automobile. There are cafes round however you may want a scorching cuppa as quickly as you get again. The café at Pen-y-Move closes early so it is perhaps closed by the point you get down. I wouldn’t hassle taking a thermos in your backpack because it’s pointless further weight to hold.
Go away water and meals within the automobile – Simply in case you are completely ravenous once you end the hike.
Don’t put on mascara – both the sweat, drizzle or rain will wipe all of it off. You all the time see ladies strolling again down the mountain with mascara smeared throughout their cheeks.
In the event you’re not a lot of a hiker then await good climate and go in the summertime. I like mountain climbing in all climate however mountain climbing up Snowdon is way more pleasing when it’s sunny.
It will get busy – actually busy! Between about 11am-3pm the tracks are crowded and within the locations the place just one individual can cross at a time you’ll must continually wait to permit folks to cross. I undoubtedly advocate an early morning hike!
Go away little canines at residence – except you are comfortable to hold them. In the direction of the tip of the hike there are many steep sections and rocks you have to climb up. Larger canines can often soar these however little canines wrestle and also you all the time see them being carried. Little, light-weight canines appear OK being carried however my little chunk of a pup is simply too heavy.
In the event you’re going to be tenting within the space, I like to recommend staying at Llyn Gwynant Campsite. It’s beautiful and really near Pen-y-Move carpark. It’s subsequent to the lake, has beautiful views, permits campfires AND has a pizza oven meals truck!
Picture taken at Llyn Gwynant
Pen-y-Move carpark will get full in a short time and when you don’t get an area in there it’s possible you’ll must park fairly a good distance away or on the highway. DO NOT park in an space the place you’re not meant to as a result of they do give out parking fines. I’ve seen a row of about 50 automobiles earlier than, all with parking fines slapped on their windscreens. This isn’t an enormous difficulty however once you’re drained on the way in which again it’s torture strolling previous the automobile park whilst you stroll one other mile to get to your automobile. As soon as once more, go early to get an area!
After your hike, cease for a pint at Pen-Y-Gwryd Hotel. It’s an actual quaint pub and stuffed with historical past as a result of it’s the place Hillary and Tenzing stayed once they have been coaching to climb Everest in 1953.
FAQs about what to put on to climb Snowdon
Are you able to put on trainers to climb Snowdon?
I will be sincere right here. The knowledgeable climbers on the market will let you know that climbing Snowdon in trainers is an enormous no no, however I actually do not see why you may’t. In the event you’re strolling up Snowdon when the climate is good then I feel you would be wonderful in a snug pair of trainers with a great grip.
You will must tie the laces to ensure your ft are safe. In case your trainers are free there’s extra probability you will slip, fall over or they’re going to rub your ft and offer you blisters.
Select trainers with a great grip and do not put on model new trainers. I would put on them in first to ensure they do not offer you blisters.
How lengthy does it take to stroll up Snowdon?
In the event you’re comparatively match and also you’re leaving from Pen-y-Move automobile park then you have to be up and down in about 5 hours.
Some folks will dash up and down and a few folks will spend all day.
I all the time goal to get to the highest as shortly as potential after which take my time coming again down. In the event you hike up slowly and then you definately get chilly, drained and hungry it’ll really feel like an extended stroll down.
What’s one of the best time to hike up Snowdon?
It will get very busy so I would goal to go away as early as you may. If you can begin mountain climbing at 7.30am then that is completely splendid. You will even be down in time for an enormous lunch!
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