Can I hike up Snowdon from Llyn Gwynant?

Q. Hi there. We were advised that there is a route up Snowdon from Llyn Gwynant Campsite. I have checked your site but don't seem to be able to locate this - would you be able to advise if there is one please - we intend staying at the site and were told you can walk from the site up Snowdon. I'd like to download the route and any help you could give would be much appreciated. Many thanks

Sarah Smith, Norwich

A. There is a direct(ish) route from the North end of Llyn Gwynant up to the summit of Snowdon but it involves a very steep and rough climb up and over Gallt y Wenalt before following the undulating ridge over Lliwedd Bach, Y Lliwedd (East Top) and Y Lliwedd itself (the 17th highest mountain in Wales) before descending across the Bwlch Ciliau col and then up to the summit Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) itself.

This route might make for a very long and tiring day on rough ground - particularly if you are not used to it.

A better route might be to follow walk Walk gw114 Llyn Gwynant from Pen y Pass from the Llyn Gwynant up to Pen y Pass and then any of the regular routes up to the summit via the PYG Track or The Miners' Track. See Walks from Pen y pass for a choice or walking routes up Snowdon.

Or you could go South West from the campsite down the valley along the shore of Llyn Gwynant to Nantgwynant and then follow the Watkin Path up to the summit of Snowdon. See Walks Routes Maps from Nantgwynant for some options.

Alternatively (and for maximum variety) you might walk up to Pen y Pass from Llyn Gwynant campsite using Walk gw114 Llyn Gwynant from Pen y Pass, climb Snowdon via the PYG Track using Walk route map gw100 Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) from Pen y Pass and then descend via the Watkin Path using Walk route map gw105 Snowdon via The Watkin Path from Nantgwynant before returning to the campsite along the shores of Llyn Gwynant.

Just make sure you pick a nice long summers' day with good weather.

Hope this helps . . .

Mike (Editor)

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