I’d never considered climbing Mount Snowdon, until one day my boyfriend suggested we give it the go. It’s the second highest peak in the UK and the highest in Wales at 1,085m above sea level. We decided to climb the first half of the horseshoe, known as the Crib Goch route. As a first timer, here’s what I learnt…
Crib Goch is not an easy hike
It’s a scramble. For those who haven’t been introduced to the world of scrambling, it is literally what it sounds like: scrambling on your hands and knees across rocky ridges with 300m drops on either side. Crib Goch is the hardest route up Snowdon. It was terrifying at times – particularly when passing people running (yes, running) the other direction – but the views were spectacular. You can see all the way across to the sandy bays of Anglesey. I really felt like I deserved my sandwich at the end of it.
Stoke up on breakfast at Pete’s Eats before your go
You need a big breakfast before you climb Snowdon. Head to Pete’s Eats in Llanberis for a proper Full English and a cup of tea. It’s a Snowdon institution. If you’re coming through Capel Curig instead, stop at The Pinnacle Cafe. I can vouch for their top vegetarian Full English – plus it’s got good outdoor shop where I pondered over a new pair of hiking socks. Lesson learned: wear good hiking socks.
Snowdon is busy. Really busy.
The Snowdon Mountain Rescue Team once described it as the “busiest mountain in Britain”. They weren’t wrong. As we pulled into the packed car park at 9am, there was already a snaking line of eager hikers making their way up Snowdon.
You can get a train to the top
After a sweaty three-hour scramble to the top, we made it. As I glugged down my last dregs of water, I could see something mechanical crawling up the mountainside in the distance. “What’s that?” I asked my boyfriend “Oh it’s the train up from Llanberis.” Yep, people actually get the train up here.
It’s really worth it
Arrive early – some people start hiking at 6.30am on busy days. Pick a day with bright blue skies for the best views. Wear thick socks with your hiking boots. Bring snacks for the route/to help coax nervous friends over sheer drops. You won’t regret it.
It took us around three and a half hours to hike from the Pen Y Pass car park to the summit of Snowdon via Crib Goch and an hour and a half down via. the Pyg Track.