SNOWDON MINERS' TRACK
A walk of two halves!
If there is such a thing as an easy walk up Snowdon, this isn’t it! The Miners’ Track begins at the Pen y Pass car park. It is definitely a walk of two halves that lulls you into a false sense of security before almost finishing you off! A lengthy stretch of even gravel path on level ground gives way to a very steep climb via switchbacks on rocky terrain. The elevation gain is 2372 ft and almost all of the ascent takes place in the second half of the walk. The route is 13km, out and back, and it is a strenuous undertaking that can be fraught with danger for the unprepared.
The original Miners’ Track was built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine on Snowdon but the current route is not the one used to serve the mine. Miners hauled the copper up the mountain from the mine. It was then drawn down the other side to Llyn Cwellyn by sledges, each drawn by two horses. From Llyn Cwellyn, the copper was taken by horse and cart to Caernarfon.
It is worth exploring the Miners’ Track, even if you don’t fancy walking all the way to the summit of the mountain. The first half of the walk is an easy stroll and the scenery is quite simply world class. You could enjoy the walk to Llyn Glaslyn with its amazing views and then turn back without so much as putting a foot on rocky ground. If you do intend to reach the summit, there are few things to bear in mind.
It is important to remember that the weather on and around the mountain can change in minutes. To make matters worse, the conditions at the summit can be very different to those lower down. You could set out on what appears to be a calm and sunny day, only to find yourself battling severe gales at higher elevations. Between October and April, there could be snow and ice on the mountain, making the ground underfoot treacherous. Always dress in layers and wear walking boots. Take plenty of food and water with you. If you walk up Snowdon between late September and early May, you should also take a hat and a pair of gloves. Always ensure that you allow sufficient time to get up and down before darkness falls.
Over 700,000 people visit Snowdon every year. The mountain is a major tourist attraction and that might make you think that it isn’t much of a challenge. You would be wrong. Many people run into serious trouble on Snowdon. The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team are typically called out around 200 times every year. A large proportion of the incidents they deal with occur on Snowdon. On average, 8 people per year die on the mountain. Around half of those come to grief on the Miners’ Track and Pyg Track.
The Miners’ Track is wonderfully picturesque and not to be missed, if you are fit enough to tackle it. But it’s tough and hugely popular. Expect lengthy queues if you want to reach the summit during peak times, not to mention difficulty parking. Please read the directions at the bottom of this page for details of the parking options.
Duration: 6 – 7.5 hours from the car park to the summit and back.
Terrain: Gravel paths, rocky paths and rocky scrambles
Starting Out
The Miners’ Track starts at the Pen y Pass car park on the A4085. The trail is clearly marked and the first few kilometres are straightforward as the gravel path is well-maintained and easy under foot. You ascend only minimally and the walk feels like an easy stroll. But you know that you need to gain over 2,300 feet to reach the summit and so at some point things are going to get tougher. It has to be said that the scenery is spectacular and it isn’t long before you get a wonderful view of the mountain rising up in front of you and you can then fully appreciate the challenge ahead. This flat portion of the route is worth experiencing, even if you don’t fancy trying to reach the summit. if you have dogs with you, they must be on leads as there are sheep around.
To the Pyg Track and beyond
Follow the path to and around Llyn Llydaw and Llyn Glaslyn. On a sunny day, the clear blue waters truly sparkle in the sunlight and there is a wonderful sense of serenity. But you can see the summit far above you and the mountain provides an imposing backdrop to the glistening lakes. Look up and to your right. You will see people on the Pyg Track making their way to the point where the two trails meet. Beyond Llyn Glaslyn, the track becomes rocky and much steeper. Work your way up the steps and rocky switchbacks until you arrive at the finger post that marks the point where the Miners’ Track and Pyg Track merge.
The Steep bit!
You know that the tough portion of the walk is coming, but when you look up at the sheer face of the mountain in front you, it can still be a little disconcerting. The Miners’ Track and Pyg Track have now merged and so there will be more people on the trail to add to your problems. The track ascends steeply via switchbacks and rocky terrain. There are a few scrabbles along the way and awkward boulders to traverse. It is important to watch your step as many people each year trip or slip and injure themselves. If you find the walk tough, take breaks to get your breath back. The final portion of the steep ascent will soon appear above you – salvation is at hand!
Bwlch Glas
Oh the relief! there’s nothing quite like the feeling of popping up onto Bwlch Glas, the saddle that sits between the Miners’ Track and the summit. The views from here are wonderful in all directions and so it is worth taking a little time to enjoy them. This is the point where the Miners’/Pyg Track meets the Ranger and Llanberis paths and so there will be even more people about. The last portion of the walk that takes you to the summit is to your left. It only takes about 15 minutes to reach the trig stone from here, as long as it is a quiet day. In busy times, you can queue for up to 45 minutes to get that all-important snap at the summit. This section of the walk is easy unless there is snow and ice around, in which case it is rather tricky.
Summiting and the return
If you make it as far as Bwlch Glas, it would be rude not to continue to the summit. The trig stone is just a short walk away over decent ground and some rocky steps. After basking in the glory of summiting, you should retrace your steps to Bwlch Glas and then you have a decision to make. Should you walk back down on the Miners’ Track or return via the Pyg Track instead? Either way, you will have to negotiate the steep section of the mountain until you reach the finger stone where the two tracks diverge. Be very careful on the decent as it is incredibly easy to fall. When you arrive at the parting of the ways, turn right for the Miners’ or go straight on for the Pyg. But here’s the thing. The Miners’ provides the easiest route back but the Pyg is more interesting as you won’t have seen it before. Which will you choose?
Directions
From the Woollen Mill, drive to Penygroes and then turn right at the crossroads with the white dog grooming parlour on the corner. Turn right at the next T Junction and then right again at the next T Junction. Follow this road past Nantlle and up into the mountains. You will eventually arrive at the Village of Rhyd Ddu where you should turn right towards Beddgelert. When you arrive in Beddgelert, drive straight on at the stone bridge. Follow this road past Llyn Dinas and Llyn Gwynant until you reach the junction with the A4086. Turn left here towards Llanberis. The Pen y Pass car park will be on your left after a few hundred yards.
The Pen y Pass car park is quite small. It is necessary to book your space in advance during the the summer months. The rest of the year, at weekends and when the weather is good, the car park can still be full very early in the morning and you can’t book a space in advance. If the car park is full, you have three options. You can drive back towards Beddgelert and just after you turn right onto the A498, there are laybys on both sides of the road where you can park. The charge is £4 and there’s a footpath to Pen y Pass. Parking here will add 3km to your walk. Alternatively, head towards Llanberis and park in the Nant Peris car park just before the town or in Llanberis opposite the Snowdon railway station. There’s a Sherpa bus service from both car parks.
