With countries changing from ‘green’ to ‘amber’ and ‘red' more often than Boris combs his hair, it is safe to assume that, for the second year running, summer holidays abroad are not likely to go ahead this year. So, if you want a break this summer, it’s time to start planning your staycation
The beauty of the Welsh coast and landscape too often goes unnoticed. When the summer months arrive, we are all too eager to pack our case and jet off to the Med, without considering what our own country has to offer. That said, current travel restrictions are perhaps a blessing in disguise for our Welsh tourism industry.
If you’re up for a challenge and an active trip away, I have just the right suggestion for you – Snowdonia!
Thrust up by volcanic eruptions 450 million years ago, Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd is home to the highest mountain in all of Wales and England. At 1,085 metres above sea level, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is part of the National Three Peaks Challenge, alongside Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike. Snowdon is the busiest mountain in the UK and third most visited attraction in Wales. In 2019, it was climbed by 590,984 walkers, with an additional 140,000 people taking the train. Surrounded by 2,132 square-kilometres of rare flora and fauna, it is needless to say that the views at Snowdon Summit are insane!
There are six main routes that you can take to Snowdon Summit, ranging in difficulty and length.
Last Saturday, I took the Ranger Route up Snowdon. This is an eight-mile moderate, by no means easy, route that starts and finishes at Llyn Cwellyn pay and display car park (postcode: LL54 7YT). Be aware that this is only a small car park and fills up quickly on busy days. By 11am it was chocker and we had to wait for a space. Getting there early doors is definitely the best shout.
The route is well sign-posted and follows a single path to the very top, making it hard to get lost along the way. It begins with a steep, zigzag, gravel track, which levels out for roughly one mile before ascending to the top. This final uphill stretch is when it gets difficult. The path is stony, which helps you keep a good grip if wearing appropriate footwear. I’d definitely recommend a good pair of walking boots. Converse or vans are sure to send you slipping as you clamber up the rocky mountain surface.
For an even more challenging climb for the mountaineers among us, try Snowdon horseshoe scrambling route, beginning at Crib Goch, Wales’ ‘knife-edged’ arête. Be aware that this route requires experience.
On the Ranger Route, we made it to the top in about two hours and back down in roughly the same time. We expected to fly down but found that was not the case. Some would say coming down is harder than going up. Trying to stop yourself sliding down is certainly taxing on the calves and toes as they push to the front of your shoe. I’d advise scheduling five to six hours for this route to account for pit stops and time at the top. You want to spend at least half hour sitting at the summit, taking in the views before starting your descent. On busy days, you might have to queue for a photograph with Snowdon’s triangulation pillar. There is a visitor centre, including a café and gift shop, at the summit.
If sitting back to relax and enjoy the view is more your thing, there is also the option of the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which takes you from Llanberis station right to the peak, passing waterfalls, viaducts, family dwellings from years gone by, and treeless countryside on route. This train journey has been enjoyed by 12 million visitors since 1896.
Whatever you choose, a pint will taste ten times as good after a day packed with adventure. Remember hydration is key!
Snowdon packing list:
Water & lots of it. It may seem like a task, lugging litres of water on your hike, but trust me you’ll thank yourself along the way. However, do keep in mind that the path follows a largely open expanse and slipping off to urinate cannot be done very discretely.
It’s a hefty climb and your appetite will be feeling it. Refuelling at the top will prepare you for your trek back down. Alternatively, there are many delightful spots to stop for a picnic on route.
Sun cream. There’s not much shade in the mountains and you often don’t realise the sun glaring down upon you while bathing in sweat throughout your climb.
Suitable footwear. Walking boots are the best option. The last thing you want is discomfort on your hike.
An extra layer. You might be sweaty on the hike up but as you stop at the summit the temperature drops even on the warmest of days. I especially felt this in my hands; packing a pair of gloves is wise.
This blog post was written by Eve Davies for We Are Wales – an online hub for all things Welsh culture.
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