How High Is Snowdon? - Our Great British Adventure

Snowdon, often referred to as “Yr Wyddfa” in Welsh, is the highest peak in Wales and England and a prominent figure in the Snowdonia National Park. It’s an iconic mountain with spectacular views and a rich history and attracts tons of visitors each year. But, you’re here to find the answer to the question – how high is Snowdon?

Well, you’re about to find out! We’re also going to compare it to other mountains in the UK.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the heights and features of Snowdon, discuss the various routes to the summit, and make some interesting comparisons with other prominent peaks that can be found throughout the UK.

The Height Of Mount Snowdon

To truly understand Snowdon’s majestic status, let’s begin with the basics – how high is Snowdon?

Snowdon’s elevation is 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) above sea level. While this might not sound as towering as some of the world’s highest peaks, it’s quite impressive for the United Kingdom.

It only loses out on the top spot to Ben Nevis in Scotland which is 300 metres taller than Snowdon. But as you know, we love Wales here on Our Great British Adventure so the surrounding Welsh beauty whilst climbing Snowdon is unbeatable.

Routes To The Top Of Snowdon

Reaching the summit of Snowdon can be thrilling and there are several routes to choose from. Each one offers a unique experience so let’s take a look at some of the most popular routes:

Llanberis Path

The Llanberis Path is one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly routes to Snowdon’s summit. It starts in the village of Llanberis and gradually twists its way to the top, offering stunning views of Llyn Padarn and the surrounding hills. This path is recommended for first timers and is approximately 4.5 miles each way.

Pyg Track

The Pyg Track is a moderately challenging route that begins at Pen y Pass. This trail offers breath-taking views of the famous Snowdon Horseshoe and the picturesque Glaslyn Lake. It’s about 3.5 miles each way and is considered a good option for those with some hiking experience.

Miners’ Track

Starting at Pen y Pass, the Miners’ Track is another option that takes you along Llyn Llydaw and past the ruins of old copper mines. This route is approximately 4 miles each way and provides some fantastic views of Snowdonia.

Rhyd Ddu Path

The Rhyd Ddu Path is a less crowded and relatively moderate route that begins at the village of Rhyd Ddu. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Snowdon’s north ridge. This trail covers around 7.5 miles round trip.

Watkin Path

The Watkin Path is considered the most challenging route to the top of Snowdon and covers approximately 8 miles in total. It begins at Nant Gwynant and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Snowdonia, including the cascading waterfall of Afon Cwm Llan.

Each of these routes has its own distinct charm and character and almost everyone can manage to reach the summit given the array of paths to take.

Comparing Snowdon To Other Mountains In The UK

Now that we’ve covered the height and walking options for Snowdon, let’s take a moment to compare it with other notable mountains in the UK.

Snowdon vs. Ben Nevis

As previously mentioned, Snowdon’s elevation stands at 1,085 meters. Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, reaches 1,345 meters.

Ben Nevis is indeed the tallest of the two, but Snowdon has its Welsh charm and the surrounding beauty of Snowdonia. However, both are magnificent in their own right.

Snowdon vs. Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike is located in the Lake District of England and is the highest mountain in England. It stands at 978 meters, making it shorter than both Snowdon and Ben Nevis.

Despite its slightly lower elevation, Scafell Pike is still a challenging and rewarding climb.

Snowdon vs. the Rest

The UK is home to many other notable peaks including the likes of Helvellyn, Skiddaw, and Cross Fell. Each of these mountains offers its own set of adventures, but Snowdon continues to be a prime destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts due to its picturesque surroundings and accessible routes. And it’s in Wales – who doesn’t love Wales?!

How Long It Takes To Walk Each Path

Climbing Snowdon is a must, it should be on your bucket list if you haven’t already conquered it. However, you need to consider how long it takes to walk these paths to the top and back.

Each path varies in regards to start to finish times and your hiking experience and the weather conditions can also affect this. Here’s a general idea of how long it might take to climb Snowdon via some of the popular routes:

Llanberis Path: One of the most accessible routes, the Llanberis Path is often completed within 6 to 7 hours. This is a great choice for beginners, and the gentle gradient contributes to a more relaxed pace.
Pyg Track: Hikers often take around 5 to 6 hours to complete the Pyg Track, including rest stops and taking in the sights. It’s a moderate hike, making it slightly quicker than some other routes.
Miners’ Track: The Miners’ Track typically takes around 6 to 7 hours to get to the top and then back to the starting point. The picturesque scenery along the way may encourage you to pause for photographs and enjoy the surroundings.

Rhyd Ddu Path: The Rhyd Ddu Path can be completed in roughly 6 to 7 hours, providing ample time for you to savour the unique landscapes and panoramic vistas of Snowdonia.
Watkin Path: This is the most challenging route up Snowdon and usually takes between 7 to 8 hours. The demanding terrain and stunning natural features are well worth the effort.

Keep in mind that these estimated times are for the full route (to the top and back) including rest stops and enjoying the scenery. Weather conditions can make or break these times – we were slowed down by snow and wind on our first climb.

It’s essential to be prepared and allow for extra time if needed. Regardless of your chosen path and pace, the exhilaration and sense of accomplishment you’ll experience when reaching the summit of Snowdon are guaranteed to make you want to do it all over again. Heck, you might even want to climb all the mountains the UK has to offer!

Conquer Snowdon, The 2nd Highest Mountain In The UK

The journey to the top of Snowdon is as much about the experience as it is about the destination. The time it takes to climb the mountain will vary, but what remains consistent is the awe-inspiring beauty and sense of achievement you’ll find when you reach the summit of this iconic peak in Wales. Get to it and let us know how you got on!