Hike to the Summit of Mt. Snowdon via the Llanberis Path

Mount Snowdon has a very rich history and is the most hiked mountain in the United Kingdom and for good reason. There are many different ways to hike to the summit, some are an easy walk and others require technical equipment. The peak can be covered in snow with high winds in winter, and warm with clear blue skies in summer. The mountain is also famous for its use by Edmund Hillary prior to his ascent of Mt Everest in 1953.

The Llanberis Trail is the easiest route to the summit and probably the most enjoyable. The route is 9 miles round trip but is very casual in elevation gain. There is the Snowdon Cafe at the start and finish of the trail that serves beer, food and dessert. A halfway house has picnic tables and place to rest, and if you can't make the hike to the top, there is also a train that takes you to the summit when it is free of snow. The trail follows the tracks through the beautiful Welsh country side. With very few trees in the area, the unobstructed views begin very shortly into your hike. The beautiful rolling green hills, rocky peaks, and beautiful lakes make for amazing photo opportunities.

The trail is very clearly marked as it winds its way to the summit. The trail starts at the parking lot and follows a paved road past some private residences and their farms to the gate of the Llanberis Path. The trail follows a fence to a second gate and you get your first glimpse of the summit. The trail had plenty of people of all different ages and physical conditions. There were individuals mountain biking the trail, trail running, small children with dogs, and even serious backpackers using the trail on their trek across the national park.

The visitor center claims the trail takes 6 hours round trip, but it can be done it much less time. From car to car, with about 30 mins to eat lunch at the summit, 30 mins to grab a couple beers at the bottom, it was a 4 hours round trip casually hiking. The views at the summit are simply spectacular with 360 degree views of the Welsh coastline and Snowdonia National Park. Also bring some English pence to place into the cool "money post" about two thirds of the way to the top. The post has hundreds of coins that travelers have pushed into the post on their hike up.