Conquering Snowdon

OK, so Snowdon isn’t exactly in London, but for all you adventurers out there, I think you’ll be interested.

In July 2017, I finally realised a personal ambition and finally climbed Mount Snowdon. I’m a bit of a sucker for adventures and views so climbing Snowdon had been something I’d been wanting to do for quite a while.

Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, at an elevation of 1,085 metres above sea level, and the highest point in the British Isles south of the Scottish Highlands. It is located in Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd.

Along with 2 other friends from uni, we set off from London Euston train station for Llanberis, a small village at the foot of Snowdon where we would start our ascent to the top. There are many paths up Snowdon, but careful research shows that  Llanberis Path is the easiest way up even though it does not offer the best views compared to the other paths.

I normally would elect for a tougher route for the challenge and better views, but given my lack of fitness and training, I thought best not to get ahead of myself.

The climb to the summit via the Llanberis route is easy but it’s not all plain sailing though. The hike gets pretty steep and requires care just like all the others paths. There are steep drops and I was scared to stary too close to the edge. There are 9 in total, each varying levels of difficulty).

Once we arrived at the summit, it was windy and sadly the views were shrouded in a thick mist. We were in fact among the clouds, that’s how high up we were. Nevertheless, we made it to the very top and took the obligatory selfie before heading to the warmth of the summit cafe for some much-needed rest.  It was packed so we weren’t exactly able to put our feet up for a bit but hey ho.

As we emerged again to begin our descent back down,  the clouds had passed and we were finally treated to this breathtaking view. Fair to say, the 3-hour climb to the top was worth it and  I don’t think any pictures could do it justice. You just have to be there to really take in the majesty of it all.

Can you see the path? I can’t recall what this one was called but it wasn’t the Llanberis Path.

Back down the Miner’s Path we go

Rather than take the same Llanberis route, we decided on taking the Miner’s Path back down. While it offered some of the best views than the other paths, it was definitely a lot trickier and quite dangerous to climb down unless you’re careful. The Miner’s Path is one of those paths that might be suited for more experienced / confident climbers. I must have been feeling courageous at the time or up for a challenge.

I found it tough going and I don’t think I’m alone when I say climbing down is more dangerous and difficult than climbing up. I’m still counting my lucky stars that on the day of my climb, the weather remained dry – it could have been so much more difficult. At one point we accidentally strayed off the path and ended up having to climb back up a waterfall we just cleared!

Nevertheless, we made it back down in one piece and taken some great pics for keep sake. Although it was hairy at times going back down, in hindsight I’m glad I did it. The views were that good. Would I do it again? Hell yeah!

For you adventurers out there, you must climb Snowdon. The views are breathtaking and the challenges are real.

Don’t fear if you want to climb but worried about your lack of mountaineering experience. I had literally no training but still managed it but I’d advised to start on the Llanberis Path.

I’d recommend going in the summer to really see Snowdon in all its glory and when the elements are at its kindest. Definitely right there in terms of my best achievements.