Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, the most famous mountain in Britain, and the most climbed mountain in the world. It’s a peak that’s popular with hikers of all ages and abilities, but what’s it like for children? Read on for our guide to climbing Snowdon with kids.
There are many things to consider before climbing a mountain like Snowdon (or Yr Wyddfa to give its Welsh name) with kids. The first is that at 1085m high, Snowdon is a very big and very serious mountain. If your children aren’t used to hiking or hillwalking, then it’s a big ask for them to start with such a big objective.
The second is the weather. Snowdonia National Park is officially the wettest place in Britain, with heavy rain, high winds, and low temperatures very common on the high summits, even in summer. So having the right gear is very important for kids, and not just adults.
And thirdly there are 10 recognised routes up Snowdon, some of which are suitable for children and others (such as Crib Goch) which most certainly aren’t. So choosing the right way up the mountain is vitally important, especially when walking with kids.
If that hasn’t put you off and you still want to plan an ascent of Snowdon with your children, the good news is that it’s a wonderful thing to do as a family. Snowdon isn’t just Wales’ highest peak, it’s also one of the finest mountains in Britain with scenery and views that live long in the memory.
So scroll down for LFTO’s ultimate guide to climbing Snowdon with children.
Is Snowdon suitable for kids?
The simple answer to this question is yes, but there’s a lot to take into consideration before planning your trip. If your child has done some hiking before and is used to the exertion of walking up and downhill for sustained periods, then climbing Snowdon is an achievable goal for them.
In our experience, we wouldn’t recommend it for children younger than 5 or 6 years old, because this is a very long day on rocky mountain terrain. You’ll know your kids better than we do, so if a short local stroll at the weekend sometimes turns into meltdown territory, then maybe save a peak like Snowdon until they’re a little bit older. But if your kids like a challenge, have plenty of energy, and can handle a full day on their feet, then Snowdon could be right up their street.
What's the best time of year to climb Snowdon?
Unquestionably, if you're climbing Snowdon with kids, avoid the winter. As well as wet and wild, Snowdon sees its fair show of snow and ice in the winter months, making it a very dangerous mountain unless you're very experienced and have all the right mountaineering gear and skills.
Instead, wait for the longer and warmer days of spring, summer, or even early autumn. You can never be sure what the weather will throw at you, but try to wait for a settled forecast that at least gives you a chance of good views. And if the heavens do open on the day you're planning to climb Snowdon, don't be afraid to cancel. Your kids won't thank you for a day of miserable uphill trudging.
School holidays and weekends can get very busy on Snowdon (we're talking thousands of people in a single day), but busy trails also make for a good atmosphere on the mountains which your children may enjoy. So it all depends what kind of experience you prefer.
How long does it take to climb Snowdon with children?
It’s best not to think about how long it will take to climb Snowdon with kids in terms of hours, because a lot of factors will determine the duration of your walk. It’s more sensible to treat this as a full day on the mountain, meaning you start early (the first bus out of Llanberis is at 8.10am) and simply finish when you finish.
Experienced and fit hillwalkers could probably bash up and down the mountain in 4 or 5 hours, but that’s not a realistic expectation for young children. You may experience energy crashes and the occasional tantrum along the way (we’ve all been there), so just make sure you don’t expect too much of them. Take plenty of breaks, eat plenty of snacks, and take your time.
And also, don’t push your luck. They may get halfway and decide climbing Snowdon just isn’t for them. If that’s the case, we’d recommend turning back and saving the mountain for another day. It’s a long way to the top and a long way back, especially with a child who’s decided they don’t fancy it.
What is the best route up Snowdon for kids?
View our MAPPED DIGITAL ROUTE GUIDE to Snowdon’s Pyg Track in OS Maps
We’ll kick off this section by saying there are no easy routes up Snowdon for children, but some are certainly less challenging than others. One very popular route with families is the Llanberis Track, which starts from the town of Llanberis at the base of the mountain. This path follows the Snowdon Mountain Railway for much of the way to Snowdon’s summit, meaning it isn’t too steep and avoids the more rocky and scrambly sections you’ll find on other routes.
However, the route we’d recommend is the Pyg Track, which starts from Pen-y-Pass. Not only is this an exciting trail with spectacular scenery, but it also passes two beautiful mountain lakes and starts at a height of 359 metres, so involves less ascent to the summit. You also get the option of descending via the Miners’ Track, which takes you right down to the shores of both Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw to create a memorable loop walk.
Our advice would be to catch the Snowdon Sherpa bus from Llanberis up to Pen-y-Pass, because parking at the Pass is both limited and very expensive. The bus ride is exciting in itself, giving your kids their first look at the mountain they’re about to climb. There are also toilets at Pen-y-Pass, plus the excellent YHA Pen-y-Pass hostel which is a great place to stop off for a celebratory drink or bar meal on your way back down.
The Pyg Track starts right from Pen-y-Pass car park, winding around the smaller peak of Carreg Gwalch to Bwlch y Moch, where the views really crank up a notch. Ignore the path that forks right up to Crib Goch – this is a rocky and exposed mountain ridge suitable for experienced hikers and mountaineers only – and continue on the obvious trail that passes above Llyn Llydaw and then Glaslyn.
Across the lakes you get stunning views of the 898m peak Y Lliwedd, with Snowdon’s awesome summit pyramid dominating the landscape ahead. From here it looks so far away you’ll hardly believe you can reach it, but you’ll eat up the distance quickly on the Pyg Track and once the path starts to steepen you’ll make quick progress past Glaslyn towards Bwlch Glas.
This is probably the toughest section for kids, as the path zigzags back and forth and becomes more rocky and loose. Take plenty of stops for water and snacks and to admire the views, and before you know it you’ll reach the large stone finger post at Bwlch Glas, where many of the routes up Snowdon converge.
From here, turn left and follow the train line up to the summit, which you can’t miss because it’s marked by a huge grey cafe and a trig point that will probably have hundreds of people queuing at the base of it for their summit selfies.
The good news is that the views from here stretch across Snowdonia National Park and out to the west coast of Wales. If you climb Snowdon on a clear day, it's an amazing place to stop for lunch and drink in your surroundings.
The downside is you’ve still got a long walk back to Pen-y-Pass, but it’s a beauty of a route. Start by retracing your steps to Bwlch Glas and back down the steep latter sections of the Pyg Track, but then break off right just above Glaslyn and follow the Miner’s Track down to the lakeshore.
If it's warm enough Glaslyn is a wonderful place for a paddle, and make sure you tell your kids the story of King Arthur and Excalibur while you’re there. Legend suggests that not only is Glaslyn bottomless and home to a giant water monster named Afanc, but it’s also the final resting place of Arthur’s legendary sword.
The final stretch of the walk drops down to Llyn Llydaw, then follows its northern shore before crossing the spectacular Causeway before returning to Pen-y-Pass where the regular Sherpa buses will shuttle you back to Llanberis.
What essential kit should you take up Snowdon?
As mentioned above, Snowdon is a serious mountain that generates serious weather. So not only should adults be wearing good hillwalking gear that can cope with the conditions (the absolute minimum are waterproofs, warm layers, hiking boots, and a good backpack), but you should make sure your kids are properly kitted out too.
Children feel the cold far more than adults do, so make sure you have plenty of warm layers for them, plus a full set of waterproofs so their clothes don’t get soaked if it rains. The little mountaineer in our photos is Sonny, who’s our editor Oli’s son. Sonny was 6 years old when he climbed Snowdon and was kitted out in Jack Wolfskin kids’ clothing.
We’d recommend Jack Wolfskin as the standout brand for children’s hiking kit, because they really do create clothing that’s a mini version of the adult equivalent. Not only does it perform brilliantly well in all conditions, but it’s so durable that Sonny’s already passed his set from Snowdon down to his younger brother.
Other items to consider:
- Good walking shoes or boots: our top recommendation is the excellent Scarpa Rush Kids GTX)
- Kids’ backpack: so they can carry their own snacks and feel like proper little hikers (ours is the Osprey Talon Junior)
- Snacks (lots)
- Water (lots)
- Map and compass
- Fully charged phone and camera
- Spare clothes: because kids always get wet and dirty
- Walking poles: for you, and also for your kids if they like using them
- Sun cream: in case the sun actually comes out
- Hat and gloves: even on a fine day it can get very cold on the summit
Where’s the best place for families to stay when climbing Snowdon?
Snowdonia National Park is full of great accommodation options, but you probably don’t want to travel too far on the day you climb Snowdon. So here are a few suggestions that will allow you to start close to the mountain:
YHA Pen-y-Pass: If you’re walking our suggested route up the Pyg Track and down the Miners’ Track, this is the dream place to stay. The route starts and finishes from the hostel, where you can book private en-suite family rooms. Space is limited though, so get in early and book your room.
Llanberis: This is the town right at the base of Snowdon, where you can eiter walk directly to the summit via the Llanberis Track or catch up a bus up to Pen-y-Pass to the start of the Pyg Track. Finds good deals for rooms on Expedia or Booking.com
The Rocks, Plas Curig: We’re huge fans of this 5-star, dog-friendly hostel based just a few miles from Snowdon near Capel Curig. It’s a wonderfully quirky place with superb facilities and superb views of the surrounding mountains. Find rooms here.
About the author
Oli Reed (above) is the editor of LFTO and Trail magazine, and the dad of two young boys. He built up to this ascent of Snowdon with his 6-year-old Sonny by first climbing Stanage Edge in the Peak District, then Helm Crag and Cat Bells in the Lake District. Last summer they also climbed Scafell Pike (so watch out for a future guide to that) and this summer they're heading for the big one on Ben Nevis!