Climbing Snowdon

[kelfoan]

I will (hopefully) climbing Snowdon on Easter Monday... Any tips? I've never climbed before, am fairly fit but don't like heights! Which route should I follow? What should I wear? How long should I allow?

[Narolines]

Depends on whether you want a long, easy walk or a short sharp one! If you don't like heights stay well away from Crib Goch. My favourite route is the Miners Track, which starts at Pen-y-Pass above Llanberis and goes up past Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn, up the Zig-Zags (the only really steep section) to Clogwyn, and then you follow the railway line up to the summit. If you want an easy but long route, the Llanberis Path follows the railway pretty closely all the way, but it is about 7� miles each way. There's a nice route up from Beddgelert, but it can be a bit difficult to follow in places and if you're not keen on heights Bwlch-y-Saethiau might not suit you. On the whole I'd go for the Miners Track - it's easy to follow, fairly energetic without requiring super-fitness, has some lovely views, passes two lakes and should take you about 4-5 hours. You can vary the route by taking the Pyg Track, which also starts from Pen-y-Pass, but involves a bit more scrambling than the Miners: you could go up by one and down by the other. Look here http://www.harbach.4ever.org.uk/snowdonia/snowdon/rpyg.htm for a bit more info. Enjoy - remember the weather up there can be pretty inhospitable at this time of year, but if it turns out to be a good clear day you'll have both a brilliant view and a super sense of achievement.

[vehelpfulguy]

A few weeks ago a family got rescued from the top of Snowdon because they wore the wrong clothes and left it late so it was dark when they got up there.

If you have never climbed before then starting with Snowdon is a bit drastic.

Wear wind proof and waterproof clothing. Wear 3 or 4 thin layers so you can take off or put on layers as the weather changes.

Wear stout boots or shoes, with ankle support if possible. Dont wear new boots.

Leave plenty of time to get up and back.

Take a rucksack so you can carry clothes you are not wearing, plus some water, and some energy food

It is MUCH colder and windier at the top than at the bottom.

There is a train that goes up and down Snowdon which I assume is running now. Take enough money to come DOWN in it if you need to (it is not cheap).

Climbin can be dangerous

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_west/4819810.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_west/4831080.stm

[Grunty]

Just to reinforce what veryhelpfulguy says. A few years ago on the Pig Track (I will justify that spelling against pyg if required) I met two women who were wearing shorts and high heels. They had no idea of the dangers. On another occasion, high in the Lake District I met a family. Dad was in a suit and tie and the ladies were in dresses. Please consider joining a local walking club and get to know the activity before attempting mountains.

I am told that the Mountain Rescue Team in that area never have training sessions because they are always carrying out genuine rescues.

[mushroom25]

If you look at today's webcam image of the mountain at http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/sites/webcams/pages/snowdon.shtml you'll see that the upper parts of the mountain have a covering of snow, and the paths are bound to be very icy. There have been 2 falls from Bwlch-Glas in the last month (where the Pyg/Llanberis tracks meet), one fatal, due to treacherous conditions.

I would concur with all the other advice posted, and add that even if adequately equipped, never feel too proud to abandon your ascent if the conditions are bad.

[raysparx]

I live near Snowdon, it will be Very cold at the summit with Snow there probably till next Month,if you are going up there,and there will be plenty going up over Easter as you have already been advised,wear correct clothing and carry a whistle,it can be glorious at the bottom but the weather can change within a few minutes,by the time you come down you will be well & truly Knackered

Good luck, & take Care... Ray