Route-specific day plan
One day — Miners' Track
A practical day plan for the Miners' Track from Pen y Pass. This route has two very different characters: an accessible lower section through the mountain lakes that suits families and non-summit walkers, and a steep upper section that completes the ascent to the summit. This page covers both options and the access logistics at Pen y Pass.
About this route
- Distance (full summit)
- 13 km / 8 miles return
- Elevation gain
- 726 m
- Typical duration
- ~6 hours return to summit
- Start point
- Pen y Pass (LL55 4NY)
- Difficulty
- Gentle start; Hard upper section
- Route type
- Out-and-back or circular via Pyg Track
The Miners' Track starts at Pen y Pass and follows a wide, flat path past the copper-mine ruins to Llyn Llydaw — one of the most distinctive walks on the mountain, and accessible to most visitors. Above Llyn Llydaw the path steepens significantly, climbing to Glaslyn and then tackling a steep rocky ascent to the summit ridge. The lower section is genuinely accessible; the upper section is demanding.
Two audiences: This route suits both families and mixed-ability groups who want the lake walk without the summit (turning back at Llyn Llydaw or Glaslyn), and fit summit walkers who want varied mountain scenery and the option of a circular route with the Pyg Track.
Parking and getting there
Pen y Pass — book in advance
Verify current booking requirements and price at the official Eryri NPA Pen y Pass page. Arrive early — even with a booking, the car park fills from 7am on busy days.
Nant Peris Park & Ride (Sherpa S5) — recommended alternative
The Nant Peris Park & Ride (LL55 4UF) is significantly cheaper, does not require booking, and is served by the Sherpa S5 shuttle to Pen y Pass on weekends and bank holidays. This is the practical choice if Pen y Pass is full or you prefer not to deal with peak car park pressure.
Transport and Sherpa guide →Two distinct day options
Option A — The lakes walk (no summit required)
Families, mixed-ability groups, and visitors who want mountain scenery without a full summit ascent
Pen y Pass (booked or by Sherpa S5 from Nant Peris). Begin the Miners' Track. The path is wide, flat, and immediately scenic — the Snowdon Horseshoe visible ahead.
Llyn Llydaw causeway (approximately 2.5 km from start). Cross the 1853 dam causeway with the mountain reflected in the lake. Outstanding on calm mornings. This is a satisfying destination in its own right — many families turn back here.
Glaslyn (optional extension — 1 km beyond the causeway, steeper path). The deep turquoise lake directly beneath the summit crags. Assess the group before continuing above this point — the terrain changes significantly above Glaslyn.
Picnic lunch at the lakeside. No facilities — bring everything you need. Begin return to Pen y Pass.
Back at Pen y Pass. Sherpa bus back to Nant Peris or Llanberis for the afternoon.
Option B — Full summit ascent
Fit summit walkers wanting mountain lake scenery on the approach
Arrive Pen y Pass (or earlier S5 shuttle from Nant Peris). Start walking early — the Miners' Track is longer than the Pyg Track and the upper section is steeper than it looks from below.
Flat approach section past the mine ruins to Llyn Llydaw causeway. The easiest kilometre on any Snowdon route — do not be lulled. The upper section is considerably harder.
Glaslyn. The path has climbed more steeply since the causeway. From Glaslyn the route turns sharply upward — steep, rocky zig-zags requiring care and appropriate footwear.
Bwlch Glas — ridge junction. The Pyg Track joins from the right. Navigation careful in cloud — four paths meet here.
Summit (1,085 m). Hafod Eryri. Allow 30–45 minutes at the top before beginning descent.
Begin descent. Descend via the Miners' Track in reverse, or take the Pyg Track circular option back to Pen y Pass (recommended — shorter descent, different terrain). Allow 2.5–3 hours for descent.
Back at Pen y Pass.
Turnaround logic
The Miners' Track has two natural decision points for summit-bound walkers:
Llyn Llydaw causeway (~2.5 km) — an excellent non-summit destination. If conditions above are poor, or the group does not want to continue, this is a satisfying end-point with outstanding views. Returning here adds no technical challenge.
Glaslyn (~3.5 km) — above Glaslyn, the route becomes significantly steeper and more demanding. If any group member is already struggling at Glaslyn, turn back. The terrain above is not a place to discover you have insufficient fitness or footwear.
Weather: The Miners' Track lower section is relatively sheltered until Glaslyn. Above Glaslyn and on the ridge, wind exposure increases sharply.