More than 600,000 people travel to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park every year to climb arguably the most famous mountain in Wales - Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
It gets so busy during the summer months and in the holidays there are queues to get up to the summit.
Snowdon - which is the tallest mountain in England and Wales at 1,085 metres (3,560 feet) - has a number of picturesque trails in which you can climb that will take you to the lofty summit.
One if them - the Miners' and Pyg track circular route - was even named the most popular walking trail in the UK in 2023 by AllTrails, which is one of the most trusted and used outdoor platforms/apps in the world and was last year named Apple's iPhone App of the Year.
Being the tallest mountain in Wales and England, the walk up Snowdon is quite steep and most up and back journeys are more than 10km long.
So if you are planning to climb Snowdon, here are few things to consider beforehand, thanks to the experts at AllTrails.
Expert tips to consider before climbing Snowdon
UK Country Manager at AllTrails, Gareth Mills, shared the five things to consider before you take on a climb up Snowdon:
Be sure to plan your transport and potential parking location ahead of time
Between March and November you must pre-book parking at Pen Y Pass if you are looking to walk the Pyg or Miners tracks to the summit, Mills said.
There is also a shuttle bus service that transports visitors from select car parks to Pen y Pass.
For more information about the service visit the Snowdonia National Park website.
Think carefully about your route
The AllTrails expert continued: "The options to summit Snowdon vary dramatically in length and difficulty.
"Ascending via Crib Goch, the precariously narrow ridge, is not suitable for all walkers or conditions.
"Have a look at the distances on AllTrails, and read some reviews!
"Once you’ve chosen your suitable route, consider how long it’s likely to take for you to cover the distance and elevation, the expected amount of daylight, and likely weather conditions along the trail.
"You can get a sense for each of these on the AllTrails app.
"There is very little shade for the majority of Snowdon routes so be careful to not over exert around lunchtime where the sun will be at its peak, especially if it’s a hot day, and don’t forget a hat and sun cream.
"Bring layers so you can add or remove clothing as temperatures and weather conditions shift throughout the day."
Consider alternative walking trails to avoid queuing for the summit
Due to its popularity, Yr Wyddfa can get very busy, especially during the summer months, resulting in queues to reach the summit.
But Mills said if you are looking for picturesque climbs, Snowdon isn't your only option.
He said: "There are so many beautiful mountains in Eryri. Yes, Snowdon is the highest, however nearby peaks can offer incredible walks and views."
Some of the "iconic" mountains Mills said you should consider as an alternative to Snowdon include:
- Carnedd Dafydd
- Carnedd Llewelyn
- Tryfan
- Moel Siabod
- Cader Ideris
If you are looking for more ideas, there are 680 verified trails on AllTrails.
To help narrow it down for you, the experts at AllTrails have also come up with a list of the top five best walks in Snowdonia National Park which can be seen here.
Don’t rely on the train to get you down the mountain
While the Snowdon Mountain Railway is a fantastic way of getting up and down Snowdon, for those that don't want to walk, it can sometimes be difficult getting a trip back down from the summit, according to Mills.
He said: "You may not prebook tickets to get down as conditions can change quickly and therefore Snowdon Mountain Railway cannot guarantee the service.
"In good conditions, there is a first come first served queue to descend, however this can be unpredictable."
It is also worth noting that only assistance animals can be taken on the train.
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The Visitor Centre shouldn’t be your only option for refuelling
It is important to be aware the Visitor Centre at the Snowdon summit isn't always open.
Mills said: "The centre stays closed if the trains are not running, so treat it as a bonus if you’re able to buy drinks and snacks there.
"Whether you pack snacks ahead of time or purchase the day-of, make sure you have enough supplies for the whole walk."
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