Combining Snowdon routes

Several Snowdon routes can be combined to create circular walks or traverses — adding variety and reducing the repetition of retracing the same path. This guide covers the practical options from the most accessible to the most serious.

Pyg Track + Miners' Track circular

Distance: ~11–13 km·Duration: 5–6.5 hrs

The most popular route combination from Pen y Pass. Ascend via the Pyg Track's dramatic ridgeline, descend via the Miners' Track's lakeside walking and mine ruins. The two paths join below the summit crags and diverge at Pen y Pass. No extra transport is needed. The total effort is broadly equivalent to either route alone, but the variety makes it significantly more satisfying.

Logistics

Park at or bus to Pen y Pass. Walk the Pyg Track to the summit. Descend via the Miners' Track (or reverse order). The Miners' Track descent passes Glaslyn and Llyn Llydaw — good for a late afternoon light if timing allows.

Transport: Both routes start and end at Pen y Pass — no transport needed

Important caveats

Pen y Pass car park requires advance booking on busy days — see the parking guide.
The Pyg Track requires confident footwork on rocky terrain throughout.
The Miners' Track upper section above Glaslyn is steep and rocky — as demanding as the Pyg Track.

Pyg Track guide →Miners' Track guide →Parking — Pen y Pass →

Experienced walkersHard to Hardest

Watkin Path + Rhyd Ddu Path traverse

Distance: ~12–13 km one way·Duration: 6–8 hrs one way

A challenging traverse linking the two western-approach routes. Ascend via the Watkin Path from Pont Bethania in Nant Gwynant, summit, and descend via the Rhyd Ddu Path to Rhyd Ddu village (or reverse). This is a point-to-point walk with different start and end points, requiring two cars or a bus connection.

Logistics

Park one car at Pont Bethania (Watkin Path) and a second at Rhyd Ddu, or use the Sherpa S4 bus which connects Nant Gwynant to Beddgelert and the S3 which connects Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert — a connection is possible but requires planning. The Watkin Path ascent combined with the Rhyd Ddu descent (or vice versa) is a long day.

Transport: Two cars required, or a bus connection back from Rhyd Ddu to Nant Gwynant

Important caveats

The Watkin Path upper section involves steep, loose scree — the most physically demanding of any standard route.
The Rhyd Ddu descent involves Bwlch Main ridge — exposed with drops on both sides; requires a head for heights.
Transport logistics must be planned carefully in advance.
This combination is for experienced walkers only.

Watkin Path guide →Rhyd Ddu Path guide →Public transport guide →

Good for mixed groupsEasiest to Moderate

Llanberis Path up + Snowdon Ranger descent (one-way)

Distance: ~13–14.5 km total·Duration: 6–7.5 hrs

Ascend via the Llanberis Path — the easiest and clearest route — and descend via the Snowdon Ranger Path to Llyn Cwellyn on the western side. Both paths join at Bwlch Glas on the summit ridge, making the combination straightforward in terms of navigation. A good option for groups who want the Llanberis Path's gradual ascent but want to avoid descending the same busy path.

Logistics

The Snowdon Ranger Path finishes at Llyn Cwellyn car park. A second car parked there, or a Sherpa S3 bus from the Snowdon Ranger trailhead back towards Caernarfon (connecting to Llanberis), makes the logistics workable.

Transport: Bus or second car at Llyn Cwellyn (Snowdon Ranger trailhead)

Important caveats

Requires transport arrangement between Llanberis and Llyn Cwellyn.
The Sherpa S3 timetable should be verified before planning — services are seasonal.
The Snowdon Ranger descent crosses exposed terrain on the upper section — wind exposure is significant on the western side.

Llanberis Path guide →Snowdon Ranger Path guide →Sherpa bus guide →

Mountaineers onlySerious scramble — Grade 1

The Snowdon Horseshoe

Distance: ~12 km circular·Duration: 7–9 hrs

The Snowdon Horseshoe is a classic mountain circuit traversing Crib Goch, Garnedd Ugain (Crib y Ddysgl), Yr Wyddfa (the summit), and Y Lliwedd in a single day. It is widely regarded as one of the finest mountain routes in Britain. It is NOT a walking route.

Logistics

The Horseshoe begins and ends at Pen y Pass. The route goes: Pyg Track to Bwlch y Moch, then the Crib Goch ridge (Grade 1 scramble), Garnedd Ugain, the summit, and returns via Y Lliwedd and the Miners' Track.

Transport: Starts and ends at Pen y Pass

Important caveats

Crib Goch is a Grade 1 scramble with sheer drops on both sides and several hundred metres of exposed ridge. It requires mountaineering experience, a head for heights, and the ability to use hands and feet confidently on steep rock.
In winter or icy conditions Crib Goch requires crampons, ice axe, and full winter mountaineering competency. It is not a route for walkers.
Do not attempt the Horseshoe based on reading a description of it. Experience on other exposed ridges — ideally with a guide or with friends who know the route — is a prerequisite.
The Horseshoe is described here for completeness. It is outside the scope of this site's standard walking route guidance.

Pyg Track guide →Safety guide →