What’s the Best National 3 Peak Routes up Snowdon?

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What’s the Best National 3 Peak Routes up Snowdon?

By Dave Roberts   

on February 23, 2023   5/5 (1)

Posted in National 3 Peaks Planning

What’s the Best National 3 Peak Routes up Snowdon?

Further Details

Route Summary:

Start and Finish:

Distance: 5.19 km

Ascent: 704 m

Time:

Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Facilities:

Hazards:

Public Transport:

Parking: 

Post Code for Sat Nav: 

Weather Forecast:

We recommend  Met Office Snowdonia and MWIS and live conditions on Adventure Smart – live conditions

Recommended Guidebooks:

A Pocket Guide to Snowdon: A Guide to the Routes of Ascent,  The Ascent of Snowdon: The Six Classic Routes Up Snowdon,  Snowdon – The Story of a Welsh Mountain: Biography of a Mountain

Recommended Maps:   

What’s the Best National 3 Peak Routes up Snowdon? Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

What’s the Best National 3 Peak Routes up Snowdon?

For the Snowdon leg of the National 3 Peaks, The PYG and Miner’s Tracks are often the most popular Snowdon routes. They have the least amount of ascent and distance, and are the nearest by road from the Lake District (barring the Llanberis Path!). The Llanberis path is longer, but steadier and easier going underfoot.

There are a number of walks up Snowdon, with some routes being more suitable for the three peak challenge than others. Which is the best choice? Here’s our route by route run down for the best choice as a 3 peak route up Snowdon courtesy of Walk up Snowdon.

PYG Track

Why the PYG Track is Good for the three peaks Challenge

The PYG track is the shortest route up Snowdon, has the least amount of ascent and should therefore be the quickest way up. There’s also good facilities in Pen y Pass, with a café, youth hostel and toilets. It’s also one of the nearest to Scafell Pike (along with the Llanberis Path) so this reduces travel times between the summits.

Why the PYG Track is not so good for the three peaks Challenge

Parking in Pen y Pass is a nightmare. If you need to consider parking, this can be a deal breaker. If you can be just dropped off in Pen y Pass, then that’s no problem (the importance of having a driver – this is a blog post idea as well e.g. drop off, catering, not tired – so safer).

The PYG Track can also be rough in places, so isn’t the easiest path underfoot, requiring a couple of sections of very easy scrambling.

Verdict: Fastest three Peak Route up Snowdon

PYG Track 3 peaks route up Snowdon

The Miner’s Track

Why The Miner’s Track good for the three peaks Challenge

The Miner’s Track up Snowdon has all the advantages of the PYG track above by starting off from PYP. Not only that, but it’s much easier on the feet for the first 5km.

Why The Miner’s Track Is not so good for the three peaks Challenge

It’s longer than the PYG, and the pull up from Glaslyn is enough to finish you off! Doesn’t avoid the rougher sections of the PYG which are shared with the Miner’s track, and the easier start only lulls you into a false sense of security.

Verdict: The start is easier on the legs

Miner's Track Three Peak Route up Snowdon

Crib Goch

Why Crib Goch is good for the Snowdon section of the three peaks Challenge

You want to boast that you’ve done the 3 Peaks the hard way! Combine with the CMD on the Ben for a superb alternative 3 peaks. You will need those 24 hours to complete it, as well as a decent scrambling speed! And think of the photo opportunities! It also boasts the same advantages as the PYG and Miner’s tracks by starting off from Pen-y-Pass.

Why Crib Goch is not so good for the Snowdon section of the three peaks Challenge

It’s the hardest walker’s route up! You’ll either have tired legs from completing the Ben and SP, or you’ll tire yourself out for the peaks to come. Absolutely not for large groups of people, novices or anyone who doesn’t think that traversing the apex of a 900m high building doesn’t sound like bags of fun. You also have to climb over Crib y Ddysgl, so you’ve already walked three peaks in the process of climbing one!

Verdict: The Toughest 3 Peaks route up Snowdon!

Crib Goch National 3 Peaks Route up Snowdon

The Llanberis Path

Why the Llanberis Path is good for the three peaks Challenge

It’s a gradual (slog) and steady (slog) path that’s easiest on the feet. There’s a cafe half way up! There are loads of facilities in Llanberis, making it a good base, and a pub actually ON the path (if you count that it starts at the cattle grid at Victoria Terrace!

Why the Llanberis Path is not so good for the three peaks Challenge

It’s the longest route at around 7km, or 14km both ways. That’s only a couple more than most other routes, and you may well make up that distance as it’s easier going. You can still base yourself in Llanberis while walking up some more impressive routes.

Verdict: An option as a 3 peaks Descent of Snowdon, especially if you’ve been dropped off at PYP. Finish off with some cakes and beer at Ceunant Fawr?

Llanberis Path as the Snowdon Three Peaks Route

Ranger Path

Why the Ranger Path is good for the three peaks Challenge

You’ll probably find a space in the car park and you won’t see that many people on the path. If the Ranger’s crowded, be prepared for awful crowds on the summit!

Why the Ranger Path is not so good for the three peaks Challenge

Not the most interesting route in itself, but does hold impressive views on the ascent.

Verdict: The quiet Snowdon 3 peak route, to do when you can’t get parked at Pen y Pass

Snowdon Ranger Path as the Snowdon Three Peaks Route

Watkin Path

Why the Watkin Path is good for the three peaks Challenge

This is the scenic way up. Not only do you have Cwm Llan on the way up, but views across to Crib Goch once you reach the ridgeline.

Why the Watkin Path is not so good for the three peaks Challenge

There’s more ascent here than any other direct route! The final section to the summit can be loose, not ideal for tired legs.

Verdict: The Scenic 3 peaks Route up Snowdon with the largest amount of ascent.

Watkin Path as the Snowdon Three Peaks Route

Rhyd Ddu Path

Why the Rhyd Ddu Path is good for the three peaks Challenge

You’ll get to finish in Rhyd Ddu, which has one of our favourite Snowdon Pubs. Bwlch main is as close to scrambling as you can get without actually scrambling and is one of the best walks up Snowdon.

Why the Rhyd Ddu Path is not so good for the three peaks Challenge

The lower section has little going for it, until you reach the Llechog ridge above Cwm Clogwyn and the views open out. The exposure on Bwlch main may be a bit much for some and will need more concentration as you descend this with tired legs.

Verdict: The Mystery Choice – why ever not!

Rhyd Ddu path as the Snowdon Three Peaks Route

Full information on all the walking routes up Snowdon

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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