Llanberis Path Snowdon
Snowdon's most popular and gradual hiking route, offering stunning panoramic views of Snowdonia National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Llanberis Path Snowdon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Snowdon's most popular and gradual hiking route, offering stunning panoramic views of Snowdonia National Park.
"It was quite a difficult hike but definitely worth it. The views are amazing."
Start early to beat crowds
Beat the rush by starting your hike before 8 AM. Weekends get very busy! :clock1:
Check weather before you go
Conditions change fast! Wind and rain are common, even in summer. :cloud_rain:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snowdon Summit Views
Snowdon Summit
Panoramic vistas of Snowdonia National Park await. On a clear day, the views are breathtaking and absolutely worth the climb.
Sunrise Ascent
Llanberis Path
An unforgettable experience. Hiking in the dark to witness the sunrise from the summit is magical.
Dinorwic Quarry Exploration
Near Llanberis
Discover the dramatic landscapes of this abandoned slate quarry, offering unique hiking and stunning views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Start early to beat crowds
Beat the rush by starting your hike before 8 AM. Weekends get very busy! :clock1:
Check weather before you go
Conditions change fast! Wind and rain are common, even in summer. :cloud_rain:
Wear sturdy hiking boots
Essential for grip and ankle support on rocky, uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Pack layers of clothing
Temperatures drop significantly at the summit. Be prepared for wind and cold. :shirt:
Tips
from all over the internet
Start early to beat crowds
Beat the rush by starting your hike before 8 AM. Weekends get very busy! :clock1:
Check weather before you go
Conditions change fast! Wind and rain are common, even in summer. :cloud_rain:
Wear sturdy hiking boots
Essential for grip and ankle support on rocky, uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Pack layers of clothing
Temperatures drop significantly at the summit. Be prepared for wind and cold. :shirt:
Bring plenty of water & snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled. There's a cafe at the top, but it can be busy. :water_wave:
Consider a sunrise hike
An unforgettable experience with fewer people and magical views. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Llanberis Path is a challenging but rewarding hike to Snowdon's summit, praised for its well-marked trail and stunning views. While some find it a steady climb, others note its difficulty, especially in adverse weather. The summit cafe and facilities are appreciated, though crowds can be a significant factor.
"What a superb experience, not for the faint at heart though. We had a team of 16 make it up and down the mountain. It was windy and you should make sure you are prepared. Paths are easily marked and you will enjoy this walk"
Hayley Scriven
"Such a beautiful place to visit, the trail is great to hike up to the Snowdon summit. It is quite challenging in places, but most people should be able to reach the summit via this trail with a reasonable level of fitness."
Steven Harding
"It was quite a difficult hike but definitely worth it. It took us 2.45h to get to the top. The views are amazing. There’s a cafe and amenities at the top."
Lili Briks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Llanberis Path starts directly in the village of Llanberis. You can reach Llanberis by car, with parking available in the village, or by public transport. The Snowdon Sherpa bus service connects Llanberis to other popular spots in Snowdonia, making it a convenient option for hikers.
Yes, there are several car parks in Llanberis village, which is the starting point for the Llanberis Path. These can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The Snowdon Sherpa bus service is a fantastic way to access the Llanberis Path and other Snowdonia trailheads. It operates a circular route, making it easy to get to Llanberis and back.
Many visitors find driving to Llanberis convenient, but the Snowdon Sherpa bus is a popular and eco-friendly alternative, especially if you're staying in nearby towns.
While there isn't a direct train line to Llanberis for the Llanberis Path, you can take a train to Bangor or Caernarfon and then connect to a bus service to Llanberis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking the Llanberis Path to Snowdon's summit is free. There are no admission fees for accessing the mountain trails.
You do not need a permit to hike the Llanberis Path or any other public footpaths on Snowdon. Access to the mountain is open to all.
The Llanberis Path is accessible 24/7. However, hiking in the dark requires proper preparation and equipment, especially for safety.
Yes, parking in Llanberis is typically paid. The cost varies depending on the car park and duration, so check signage upon arrival.
While you can hike independently, many local companies offer guided hikes up Snowdon via the Llanberis Path, which can be beneficial for safety and local insights.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The Llanberis Path is approximately 7.2 km (4.5 miles) one way, with an ascent of 950m. It typically takes 3-4 hours to reach the summit, and 2-3 hours to descend. 
The Llanberis Path is considered one of the easier routes to Snowdon's summit, often described as a long, steady climb. However, it's still a challenging mountain hike requiring good fitness.
The path offers increasingly spectacular views of Snowdonia National Park as you ascend. On clear days, you can see for miles.
Yes, there is a visitor centre called Hafod Eryri at the summit, which includes a cafe and toilets. It's a welcome spot for a rest and refreshment.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, comfortable trousers, and layers of clothing. A waterproof jacket and hat are essential, as the weather can change rapidly.
Dogs are permitted on the Llanberis Path, but they must be kept on a lead. Be mindful of other hikers and the mountain environment.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer magical light for photography. Early mornings also mean fewer people, making it easier to capture stunning shots without crowds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Keep an eye out for dramatic rock formations, sweeping valleys, and the iconic summit marker. The views change with every turn.
Include a person in your shots to give a sense of scale. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to highlight the vastness of the landscape.
Even in fog or rain, Snowdonia can be incredibly atmospheric. Protect your gear from the elements and embrace the moody conditions for unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the weather carefully; a clear, calm day is best for a family outing. The cafe at the summit offers a welcome break and facilities. For younger children or those with less hiking experience, exploring the lower sections of the Llanberis Path or enjoying the attractions in Llanberis village might be more suitable.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing the Snowdon Sherpa bus service can be more economical than driving and parking, especially if you're traveling solo or in a small group. Many visitors also opt for camping or staying in hostels in and around Llanberis to keep accommodation costs down.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens for distant peaks. Remember to protect your gear from the elements, as weather can be unpredictable. Don't just focus on the summit; the journey itself is photogenic. Look for interesting rock formations, the Snowdon Mountain Railway, and the changing vegetation. Even on foggy days, Snowdonia can offer a unique, atmospheric beauty that makes for striking photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Llanberis Path
+1One of the key advantages of the Llanberis Path is its accessibility and the fact that it's the only route that runs alongside the Snowdon Mountain Railway for much of its length. This means you'll often see the rack railway trains chugging along, and there are several points where you can see the summit building from a distance. The path also offers varied scenery, from open moorland lower down to more rugged, rocky terrain as you approach the summit ridge.
For those seeking a less crowded experience, starting very early in the morning, particularly on a weekday, is highly recommended. The path can get exceptionally busy, especially during peak season and on weekends. Planning your descent is also important; while many descend the same way they came, some opt for a circular route using other paths like the Pyg Track or Miners' Track, though this requires more planning and potentially two cars or shuttle services.
+1The Magic of a Snowdon Sunrise
The journey upwards in the quiet of the night adds a unique dimension to the hike. As dawn approaches, the sky begins to lighten, revealing the dramatic contours of the surrounding Snowdonia landscape. Reaching the summit just as the sun crests the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors, is an incredibly rewarding moment. The feeling of accomplishment, combined with the breathtaking spectacle, makes the effort entirely worthwhile.
It's crucial to be exceptionally well-prepared for a sunrise hike. This means having reliable headlamps with spare batteries, warm clothing (as it will be cold before sunrise), and sturdy footwear. Checking the weather forecast is paramount, as fog or heavy cloud cover can obscure the sunrise. Despite the challenges, the allure of seeing the world awaken from the highest point in Wales draws many adventurers to the Llanberis Path for this spectacular event.
Exploring Dinorwic Quarry
Dinorwic Quarry provides numerous hiking opportunities with stunning panoramic views of Snowdonia, including views of Snowdon itself. The terrain is rugged and can be challenging, with steep inclines and rocky outcrops. It's a popular spot for photographers and adventurers looking for a less conventional hiking experience. You might even stumble upon hidden waterfalls or unique geological formations.
Many visitors combine a visit to Dinorwic Quarry with their Snowdon trip, either before or after their ascent. It offers a chance to explore a different facet of the region's heritage and natural beauty. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be cautious of the terrain, as it's an undeveloped area with historical industrial features.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit