Climbing Snowdon | WheresJo

We set the alarm for 6am to get an early start at climbing the mountain. We were going to go up the Llanberis path – which is the main route up the mountain, but the lady at the campground suggested we try the Ranger track, which was off the tourist route. We decided to give it a go.

We started the walk at 7.15am (really early for us, but I wanted to try and beat the crowds). The great thing about where we were camped was we could pick up the walk right from the campground. Otherwise we would have had to pay 6 pounds for parking.

The first part of the walk was really pleasant. It was a rocky path, slightly undulating, which wound it’s way through a valley. We were all alone – nobody else to be seen. It was wonderful – just us and the sheep.

After about an hour of walking we came to a gate and the path seemed to disappear. There was a faint trail leading up a very steep hill. Mike suggested that this was probably the way. At this stage it was 8.15am and it was already hot and humid as we struggled up the steep hill. I became dubious that this was the right way, and would have been gutted if we walked all the way up to find we had to back track. Luckily we had phone reception so we called the camp lady and got directions. Yep – we had been struggling up the wrong hill!

We walked across some fields until eventually we picked up the Rangers path – which was a clear trail. Phew. After some time we came to the steep bits. It wasn’t too hard and we are feeling pretty fit after the cycling. About halfway up we saw other people who were very red-faced and out of breath. “Clearly you’re a lot fitter than us” they said as we breezed on past them. That made us feel pretty good.

After about 3 hours of walking we met up with the main Llanberis path and all the people. There were lots of them. Our solitary walk had come to an end. But the views were stunning. We were really lucky to have a clear day as it is very common for Snowdon to be in the clouds.

There is a cafeteria at the top, so we popped in to buy a coke and some more water (we drunk our 2 litres walking up). There is a steam train that people can catch if they don’t want to walk up. I was amazed as they got off the train (some of them in full hiking gear beleive it or not) , walked straight into the cafeteria and started queuing for coffee. I couldn’t believe it. They pay 25 pounds to catch the train up, they have only 30 minutes at the top, and they spend their time queuing for coffee!

We decided we would walk down the main tourist path. It was very busy and a bit boring. Not anywhere near as scenic as the route we took. It was a bit of a drag. I always seem to struggle on downhill walks as it causes me terrible hip and knee pain. I got Mike to analyse how I walk and he reckons I put my toe down first – not my heel. I have always had this problem and I am blaming my sisters for teaching me to walk too young and not teaching me properly!

Anyway – it was an awesome walk to do after a week of idleness. We had a lazy afternoon nap and an early night as we were both aching.