Start here
- Eryri grades all six paths Hard/Strenuous and says you should not think of any route as easy.
- The Llanberis Path has the most gradual climb and is Eryri's pick for first-timers who can manage a strenuous hike: 14.5 km there and back, 975 m of ascent, about 7 hours for a fit adult.
- It climbs alongside the Snowdon Mountain Railway (Eryri), so you can take the train one way. Keep to the path, never the railway track.
- Not sure your group is ready? Eryri suggests trying a Moderate mountain walk first, such as Cwm Idwal (5 km, about 2 hours).
- ModerateEryri gradeCwm Idwal
- Hard/StrenuousEryri gradeAll six paths up Yr Wyddfa
- Scramblehands needed (National Trust)
Distance km
- Llanberis Path14.5 km
- Pyg Track11 km
- Miners' Track13 km
- Watkin Path13 km
- Rhyd Ddu Path12 km
- Snowdon Ranger13 km
Ascent metres
- Llanberis Path975 m
- Pyg Track895 m
- Miners' Track723 m
- Watkin Path1,015 m
- Rhyd Ddu Pathnot published
- Snowdon Ranger936 m
Time hours (Eryri)
- Llanberis Path7 hrs
- Pyg Track6 hrs
- Miners' Track6 hrs
- Watkin Path6 hrs
- Rhyd Ddu Path6 hrs
- Snowdon Ranger6 hrs
Options compared
| Option | Walking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Llanberis Path, up and down | 14.5 km, about 7 hrs | Most gradual path; busy in spring and summer |
| Train up, walk down the Llanberis Path | Half the path, downhill | Single up bookable online; trains can be stopped by wind |
| Walk up, train down | Half the path, uphill | Singles down sold at the summit only, if seats are left: be ready to walk |
| Train both ways | Short walk at the top | Return ticket; check the station (Summit or Clogwyn) for your date |
| Cwm Idwal instead | 5 km, about 2 hrs | Graded Moderate by Eryri |
- Summit Station1,085 m
- Clogwyn StationThree-quarters of the way up
- Llanberis StationArrive an hour early
- Train up, walk downSingle up, bought online. Walk down the Llanberis Path.
- Walk up, train downSingles down are sold at the summit only, if seats are left. Be ready to walk.
- Train both waysReturn ticket. Check whether your date runs to Clogwyn or the Summit.
Plan a Llanberis Path day
1. Pick a path
2. Pick a day
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Best day this week
Our own guide, not an official rating: a weather score from the same rules of thumb as the warnings (gusts, rain, cloud, wind chill, freezing level), lowered on days that are usually busy. Busyness uses Eryri's 2025 walker counts by weekday and month, so it shows a typical pattern, not a crowd forecast. Tap a day to see it.
Sunrise hike: what time to start
- You will walk up in the dark: carry a head torch with spare batteries, and a second light. Eryri advises carrying a torch and whistle in case you are caught on a summit after dark.
- It is much colder before dawn and at the top: pack extra warm layers.
- Navigation is harder in the dark: know the path, and carry a map and compass and the skills to use them.
- Early buses may not run yet: check the first bus time, or the parking rules, before you plan the start.
- Go with others, tell someone your plan, and turn back if the weather is poor.
Hour-by-hour forecast: Yr Wyddfa summit (1,085 m)
Wind and gusts in mph. Freezing level in metres above sea level. Forecast data: Open-Meteo.
Before you go, also check the Met Office mountain forecast, MWIS and Eryri's ground conditions reports.
3. Getting there
Map
The route map (OpenStreetMap) loads when you scroll here.
How busy it gets
With children
- Pick the "Add 2 hours (slower or with children)" pace in the planner and check the latest safe start.
- Pack warm layers, hats and gloves for everyone: it is much colder at the top.
- Bring plenty of food and drink, and a small first aid kit.
- Agree a turn-back time before you start, and stick to it.
- Full kit list.
Stay safe
- Ask the AdventureSmart three questions: do I have the knowledge and skills, do I know what the weather will be like, and am I confident I have the right gear?
- In an emergency, dial 999 or 112, ask for the Police, then Mountain Rescue.
- Register your phone for emergency texts before you go: text register to 999.
- Do not walk on the Snowdon Mountain Railway track. Keep dogs on leads near livestock.
- Turn back if the weather turns or you are behind time. The summit will still be there.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way up Snowdon with kids?
There is no easy path: Eryri grades all six routes Hard/Strenuous. The Llanberis Path has the most gradual climb and Eryri calls it the best for first-timers who are comfortable with strenuous mountain hikes. It is 14.5 km there and back, about 7 hours for a fit adult. Another option is the Snowdon Mountain Railway up and walking down.
Can you take the train up Snowdon and walk down?
Yes. The Snowdon Mountain Railway sells single tickets up online. Singles down cannot be pre-booked: they are sold at the summit, subject to availability, so be ready to walk down.
How long does it take a family to walk up Snowdon?
Eryri's times are for fit, experienced walkers: about 7 hours there and back on the Llanberis Path. Allow more with children; the planner has a "slower or with children" setting that adds 2 hours.
Is there a shorter mountain walk for children in Eryri?
Eryri suggests trying less challenging routes graded Moderate first. Cwm Idwal is one: 5 km, about 2 hours, with a shorter path around the lake.
Can dogs go on the Snowdon train?
Only assistance animals are allowed on Snowdon Mountain Railway trains.
Sources
- Eryri: choosing the right path up Yr Wyddfa
- Eryri: Llanberis Path
- Eryri: Cwm Idwal
- Snowdon Mountain Railway: times, prices and FAQs
Every figure on this page was checked against these sources on 20 October 2026.