Fantastic day out for all the family!! (Snowdon)

Member Name: andyoz

Product:	Snowdon
Date:	27/05/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: So many different routes for all levels of walker

Disadvantages: Its a long way up!!

It is fashionable to decry Snowdon and moan about the cafe and the masses of tourists on the summit. In fact, Snowdon rates amongst the most beautiful mountains in the world. Whichever direction you approach it from the size will impress you. Its starfish shape gives six magnificent ridges each with their own special and individual character. The deep valleys range from the easily accessible to hanging valleys only reached by complicated scrambling.

This moutain really has something for everyone! You can even go up on the mountain railway! I must admit when you trudge up one of the harder routes and you get up there and you see old ladies in flowery skirts sipping tea, it can be a little demoralising. However the railway is a wonderful way to see the mountain if you are unable to manage the climb.

At 3560ft this is the highest mountain in Wales and also England. The views from the top are awesome, if you get a clear day that is! You can see the nearby coast, and look out over the granduer of Snowdonia!

The easiest route up would be from top of the Llanberis pass. You start from the car park at the top of the pass and follow the clear path, (concrete) there is not that much assent as you start from so high up the mountain. Is a nice easy walk but often very busy, full of '3 peakers' who dash up and down as fast as possible, there are much nicer ways up the mountain.

For the all rounder would recommend the Watkin Path. There is a car park and toilets on the A498 about 4km from Bedgellert. This is the starting point and there is a fairly easy path up the mountain. You pass by some interesting slate mines which are full of history and stories. As you move up onto the ridge the walking is a little more difficult. But still you should be fine. The last section is a scrable and the path is easy to loose. There are crags and cliffs around so take care, especailly in poor visiblitly. Given fair weather though this is not a hard route and should be within the reach of most walkers.

If you fancy something a little more challenging try Crib Goch. This is probably the most challenging way up Snowdon. Again you start from the top of Llanberis Pass, this time though instead of following the tourist route, you turn off this and head up to Crib Goch Ridge. This is a fantastic route, but is very difficult, especailly in poor weather. If you are not an experienced walker or with one, dont attempt this. However if you want a challenge this is the way up for you. You can come down the easy way with the tourists to return to the car park.

Overall a wonderful mountain, so much variety, I have been up 4 times and enjoyed it everytime! Although everytime I have been up it has been cloudy, which is of course rather gutting! One day sure will get up there on a clear day. Have fun!

Summary: One of the best mountains for variety, and the amazing cafe on top!