Route-specific day plan
One day — Pyg Track
A practical day plan for the Pyg Track from Pen y Pass. The shortest route to the summit — rocky and rewarding, with outstanding views from early in the ascent. Parking logistics at Pen y Pass are the most important thing to plan before you leave home.
About this route
- Distance
- 11 km / 7 miles return
- Elevation gain
- 726 m
- Typical duration
- 5–6 hours return
- Start point
- Pen y Pass (LL55 4NY)
- Difficulty
- Hard — rocky, steep sections
- Route type
- Out-and-back, or circular via Miners' Track
The Pyg Track is the shortest of the six main routes. Starting from Pen y Pass at 359 m — the highest trailhead — reduces the total elevation gain. The route is rocky and demanding, with some sections requiring hands in one or two places. Views of Crib Goch and the Horseshoe open immediately. The classic circular option ascends via the Pyg Track and descends via the Miners' Track.
Who this suits: Fit walkers comfortable on rocky terrain; those wanting the most direct summit route; those with good footwear and experience on uneven paths. Not suitable for very young children or anyone unsteady on rough ground.
Parking — the most important thing to plan
Option 1 — Pen y Pass (pre-booked)
Book in advance via the platform specified on the Eryri NPA Pen y Pass page (verify current booking platform before travelling). Arrive by 7am on peak days — the car park fills regardless of bookings if arrivals are late. Current charges are among the highest of any Snowdon car park — verify before travelling.
Pen y Pass official booking page →Option 2 — Nant Peris Park & Ride (recommended alternative)
The Nant Peris Park & Ride car park (postcode LL55 4UF, approximately 3 miles below Pen y Pass) does not require booking, is significantly cheaper, and is served by the Sherpa S5 shuttle directly to Pen y Pass on weekends and bank holidays. This is the recommended strategy for peak days — park at Nant Peris, take the bus, start the Pyg Track from Pen y Pass without the stress of the car park.
Sherpa S5 timetables change seasonally — verify at the official Sherpa page before travelling.
Transport and Sherpa guide →Option 3 — Llanberis Park & Ride
Park in Llanberis and take the Sherpa S1 to Pen y Pass. This adds bus journey time but avoids all Pen y Pass parking pressure. Useful if you are already based in or near Llanberis. On return, take the Sherpa bus back to Llanberis — or walk down the Llanberis Path (adds approximately 4 km and 1.5 hours).
Day flow
Times are estimates for a reasonably fit adult in good summer conditions. The Pyg Track is shorter than the Llanberis Path but steeper — adjust your expectations accordingly.
Ascent — Pen y Pass to summit via Pyg Track
Arrive at Pen y Pass (or at Nant Peris P&R to catch the first Sherpa S5). The car park and bus are both busiest from 8am — earlier is better. The YHA hostel café may be accessible for a hot drink before starting (verify current non-resident access).
Begin the Pyg Track. The first kilometre climbs steeply from the car park — this is the most abrupt start of any route. The gradient eases once you reach the ridge above.
Bwlch y Moch — the first significant col. Outstanding views of Crib Goch ahead and the Llanberis Pass below. The Pyg Track continues left; the path right leads to Crib Goch (a Grade 1 scramble — not a walking route). Do not follow walkers turning right unless that is your intention.
The path traverses above Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn becomes visible below. The zigzags above Glaslyn are the steepest section — take your time on the rock steps.
Bwlch Glas — ridge junction. The Miners' Track joins from below right; the Llanberis Path joins from the left. The standing stone marks the junction. Clear in good conditions; navigation-critical in cloud.
Summit (1,085 m) and Hafod Eryri. Allow 30–45 minutes. The Pyg Track approach gives you time to descend by 1pm if you started at 8am — which is advisable on busy days.
Descent options
Return via Pyg Track. The same path in reverse. Descending the zigzags above Glaslyn requires care — the rocky steps are slippery when wet. Allow 2–2.5 hours back to Pen y Pass.
Circular descent via the Miners' Track. From Bwlch Glas, descend towards Glaslyn and pick up the Miners' Track at the lake junction. This gives a more varied day — less technical than the Pyg descending, past Llyn Llydaw and the causeway. Returns to Pen y Pass. Add approximately 30 minutes versus the Pyg Track return.
Where the day becomes more committing
Bwlch y Moch is the first natural decision point. Views from here tell you the state of the upper mountain. If the summit is completely obscured and cloud is thickening, assess whether to continue.
The Glaslyn zigzags are the steepest and most demanding section. In wet conditions or ice, these require particular care. If conditions above look icy or very wet, consider whether your footwear and group capability are adequate.
Bwlch Glas in cloud — the junction of four paths at the ridge is the most navigation-critical point on this route. In good visibility it is clear. In cloud, without a map and compass, it is confusing. Do not proceed above Glaslyn without basic map-reading capability.
Turnaround and fallback plans
If Pen y Pass is full and you have no booking: Drive to Nant Peris P&R and take the Sherpa S5 shuttle. Do not park on the A4086 roadside — this is illegal and dangerous.
If the summit is not achievable: The lower Miners' Track from Pen y Pass to Llyn Llydaw (3 km, minimal elevation) is a worthwhile alternative. The causeway crossing and views of the Horseshoe from the lakeside are outstanding even without the summit.
Return transport: If descending to Pen y Pass by mid-afternoon, the Sherpa bus returns to Llanberis or Nant Peris. Verify current last-bus times before setting off.