If you are holidaying in Snowdonia and are moderately fit, climbing Snowdon is definitely something you should consider on your holiday.

Out of the three highest peaks in the UK, Snowdon is probably the friendliest for the Novice Walker to climb. Apart from anything else, in the summer months there is a cafe at the top where you can get a welcome cup of tea – or mug of soup if the weather is cold! And if you’re feeling tired after the strenuous climb up you can get the train back down.

There are six different walks up Snowdon – or you can cheat and take the train. You don’t even need to come down the same way as you went up – the Sherpa bus travels around the different starting points of the walks in the summer months which means you can always get back to where you parked your car.

Snowdon is still an arduous walk – depending on the path you choose you’ll be walking 7 to 10 miles, and the shorter walks are not necessarily the easiest. Most people will spend about 6 hours on the mountain reaching the summit and back, although fitter walkers, and particularly those taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge will be overtaking most of the other walkers.

A number of people climb Snowdon in the summer, so you won’t be walking alone. But the sense of camaraderie adds to the day, as everyone is very encouraging. Especially, it seems, those on the way down!

One word of warning, the cafe is only open when the train is running. Trains run from mid May to the end of October all the way to the summit, but from mid March, and part of November, they stop at the half way point, Clogwyn. In summer trains get very crowded, so it’s best to arrive early or book in advance. If you have young children the train is certainly the best way up to the top of Snowdon.

If you are planning to walk up the Miners and Pyg tracks are probably the easiest. Both start at the same point. Snowdon is 3,560 ft high, and these walks start 1,170 ft up so you have a better start than if you try the Watkins Path, for example, where you’ll be ascending 3,300 ft in total! However all paths have some fairly steep parts to them, so none can be described as an easy stroll. Whichever route you take up the mountain look out for the markers showing the way down. There are some routes which are not suitable for anyone but the most experienced walkers. There are some sheer drops so care should be taken.

Check the weather forecast before you start your walk, but always carry waterproofs with you. When you park your car on a bright sunny day you may still find yourself climbing through thick cloud as as you reach the summit.

One of the best things about Snowdon is that you can climb it more than once, and see different fabulous views each time by taking a different route.

Trish Haill has a wide range of interests. With a degree in Psychology and many years experience as a Manager leading on Business Transformation and Change, Trish enjoys relaxing by researching a wide range of subjects and writing about her interests for others to share. Serious Walks for Novice Walkers has more information about climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, and true life tales from walkers.

Trish Haill has a wide range of interests. With a degree in Psychology and many years experience as a Manager leading on Business Transformation and Change, Trish enjoys relaxing by researching a wide range of subjects and writing about her interests for others to share. http://www.mountainwalk.co.uk has more information about climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, and true life tales from walkers.

Author Bio: Trish Haill has a wide range of interests. With a degree in Psychology and many years experience as a Manager leading on Business Transformation and Change, Trish enjoys relaxing by researching a wide range of subjects and writing about her interests for others to share. Serious Walks for Novice Walkers has more information about climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, and true life tales from walkers.

Category: Travel
Keywords: scafell pike, novice walkers, highest mountain in england