SUMMIT
SNOWDON
climb to the summit of snowdon
This is ideal for anyone who has the ambition to summit the highest mountain in England and Wales.
THE DETAILS
COURSE DATES
COST
Summer Walk (April-Nov) - 1 day
£40 per person
(min of 4 persons or a minimum cost of £160 if a smaller group)
Ratio 1:8
Winter Walk* (Dec-March) - 1 day
£45 per person
(min of 4 persons or a minimum cost of £160 if a smaller group)
*During this period, winter conditions may exist on the ground requiring extra winter equipment
Ratio:1:6
SO WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), is the highest mountain in Wales, at an elevation of 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands.
There are 6 main walking paths up onto the Summit, all have their own challenges and we are offering a combination of these great routes.
These are offered as single day walks on the selected routes and as with all these trips the weather is the determining factor and may allow us to follow the planned route or force us to to change. It’s always an adventure, but the key factors are that we stay safe, enjoy the walk and hopefully summit.
Did you know that the name Snowdon is from the Old English for "snow hill", while the Welsh name Yr Wyddfa means "the tumulus", which may refer to the cairn thrown over the legendary giant Rhitta Gawr after his defeat by King Arthur!
THE ROUTES
PYG TRACK / LLANBERIS PATH
the short and steep one followed by the long one!
This is one of the most rugged and challenging of the six paths up Snowdon and perhaps the most well known walking route to the summit. This classic pairing from Pen y Pass will ascend the Pyg track and return via the Miners Track .
Nobody knows for sure why this path is called the Pyg Track. It’s possible that it was named after the pass it leads through, Bwlch y Moch (translated Pigs’ Pass) as the path is sometimes spelled ‘Pig Track’. Or, maybe because it was used to carry ‘pyg’ (black tar) to the copper mines on Snowdon. Another possible explanation is that the path was named after the nearby Pen y Gwryd Hotel, popular amongst the early mountain walkers. The Miners’ Track was built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine on Snowdon and is a lovely way to finish the day with tired legs!
RHYD DDU PATH / SOUTH RIDGE
the hidden gem!
This path up the western side of Snowdon is the quietest of the six main routes to the summit and one of our favourites. It joins the South Ridge near the top and the final few hundred metres to the summit are simply spectacular. In winter it can have all the feel of an Alpine ridge.
WATKIN PATH / SOUTH RIDGE
the true ascent!
This route starts just above sea level, so it really feels like a true ascent and is a 1000m of climbing to the summit! The South Ridge is an option for the descent to offer a nice circular walk
This path was named after Sir Edward Watkin, Liberal Member of Parliament and railway entrepreneur who retired to a chalet in Cwm Llan on the foothills of Snowdon.
A track to the South Snowdon Slate Quarry through Cwm Llan already existed, so to enable visitors to walk all the way up Snowdon, Edward Watkin created a path from the quarry to the summit. This was the first designated footpath in Britain, and the first step towards opening the countryside to walkers. The path was officially opened in 1892 by the Prime Minister William Gladstone, who was 83 years old at the time. He addressed a crowd of over 2000 people from a rock on the side of the path, which is known today as the Gladstone Rock.
FAQ
DO I NEED PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
No, but to give yourself the best opportunity to enjoy the day, prior fitness training is advisable
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
You will need your own personal walking clothing, a set of waterproofs and a small rucksack to carry your food and drink in. I will send you a detailed kit list when you confirm your place.
WHERE DO WE MEET?
We will normally meet you in Llanberis at 0900, we will confirm the time and place when you reserve your place.
WHERE CAN I STAY?
There is a full range of accommodation options in Snowdonia to suit every budget and taste. the ones suggested below operate independently from Paul Poole Mountaineering.
PLAS CURIG
01690720225
GWESTY PLAS COCH
01286 872122
VICTORIA HOTEL
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
A qualified mountain leader
WHAT"S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Food
Personal Insurance
Personal equipment
BOOKING?
You will need to complete an online booking form and pay for yur course at tthe time of booking to secure your place.
OTHER QUESTIONS
If you have other questions that you haven’t been able to find the answer to on my website, then just drop me a line at ppmbooking@icloud.com
WHERE NEXT?
Snowdon Horseshoe
The classic traverse of Snowdon
Mountain Skills
Mountain navigational skills course
Welsh 3000's
Summit all the highest muntains in Wales
CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
Ensure you have a read of our Conditions of Booking before you book your place
WHATS NEW?
Find out what's been happening on the hill this week as well as any last minute availabilty