Llanberis Ranger Runaround

A fun loop from Llanberis to the summit of Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. The route ascends the peak via the Snowdon Ranger / Cwellyn path, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, followed by a fast descent down the Llanberis path back to the town.

As the highest peak in Wales, it gets busy in summer so be prepared to dodge lots of walkers, especially when descending the Llanberis path. As long as you're well-equipped and the peak is free from ice and snow, winter can be a great time to avoid the crowds (although you probably still won't have it to yourself!).

The route begins on Church Road, off the High Street of Llanberis. From the bottom of the road, head along the road from 600 m / 0.4 miles until you reach a lane (Waterfall View) with a cattle grid on the right. Turn right here and carry along the lane for another 400 m / 0.2 miles until the roads forks; take the right-hand fork here. After 100 m, on the corner as the lane bends around to the right, go through the kissing gate on the left side of the road.

Follow the track across the field, initially heading west. After 100 m, the path forks. Take the left-hand path, heading south until the path rejoins with a farm-road. Turn left on the farm road and continue straight as it turns into a wide gravel track heading up the valley. It's an easy but steady climb for around 3 km / 1.9 miles to the top of the valley.

At the saddle, continue on straight down the path for 600 m / 0.4 miles then take the path to the left: Snowdon Ranger path. From here, it's 4.7 km / 2.9 miles to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Initially, the path is relatively flat as it skirts to the left of Llyn Ffynnon-y-gwas, before the climb kicks up to ascend the ridge to the left of the lake.

When you cross the railway lines and the climb flattens momentarily, turn right to head up the Llanberis path, running parallel to the train tracks. As you near the café building (you read it right - there’s a café at the top!), turn left up the rocky steps that take you to the summit. During summer, there will be a queue here to take photos with the trig point. Granted, it's a great view here over to the mountains on the other side!

Head back down the steps and retrace your footsteps down the Llanberis path. This time, instead of turning left across the train tracks to head down the Snowdon Ranger path, carry on straight on the Llanberis path, parallel to the train tracks. Take the main Llanberis path all the way to the bottom - it's just over 6 km / 3.8 miles from the summit to the end of the track. The path is less technical than the Snowdon Ranger path, offering a nice and fast descent down. Careful not to jelly those legs!

At the bottom of the track, turn right onto the narrow road. Continue for 900 m, then take the first left onto a road (Church Road) that leads under a railway bridge. Continue along this road, back to your starting point.