Llwybr y Mwynwyr
Miners' Track
A gentle lakeside start, a dramatic copper-mining history
Introduction
The Miners' Track is a route of two distinct characters. Its lower section is genuinely flat and accessible — a wide, well-surfaced path across open moorland that leads past Llyn Teyrn and across the famous Llyn Llydaw causeway, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. This makes the first few kilometres suitable for families who want to reach the lakes without summiting. The upper section is an entirely different matter: a steep, rocky ascent from Glaslyn to join the Pyg Track below the summit crags, then a final zigzag climb to Bwlch Glas.
Route overview
From Pen y Pass the wide track descends slightly before levelling to an almost flat traverse past Llyn Teyrn and across the 1853 Llyn Llydaw causeway, built originally to serve the Britannia Copper Mine. The causeway affords iconic views of the Snowdon Horseshoe reflected in the lake. The path continues along Llyn Llydaw's northern shore, passing copper mine ruins, to turquoise Glaslyn. Here the easy walking ends abruptly: a steep, rocky zigzag ascent takes you to the junction with the Pyg Track, from where the route to Bwlch Glas and the summit is shared.
- Start point
- Pen y Pass car park (LL55 4NY, SH 647 557) at 359 m
- End point
- Yr Wyddfa summit / Hafod Eryri visitor centre (1,085 m)
- Ascent profile
- Flat to gently descending for the first 2 km, then flat to gently rising past the lakes, with a sudden steep and sustained rocky ascent from Glaslyn to the Pyg Track junction, and a further steep section to Bwlch Glas.
- Route type
- out and back
Terrain and navigation
Terrain: The lower section has a well-constructed wide track and is unusually accessible underfoot. The causeway may be slippery in wet conditions. Above Glaslyn the terrain becomes steep and rocky, similar in character to the upper Pyg Track. Walking boots are essential.
Navigation: Clear throughout. The path from Pen y Pass to Glaslyn is wide and obvious. The ascent above Glaslyn follows a clear but steep path that joins the Pyg Track. At Bwlch Glas, ensure you take the correct path south to the summit.
Route landmarks in order
- 1Pen y Pass — trailhead
- 2Llyn Teyrn — first lake
- 3Llyn Llydaw causeway (built 1853)
- 4Llyn Llydaw shore — Britannia Mine ruins
- 5Glaslyn — turquoise lake below summit crags
- 6Junction with Pyg Track above Glaslyn
- 7Bwlch Glas — junction with Llanberis and Snowdon Ranger paths
- 8Summit and Hafod Eryri
Steep or exposed sections
- Steep rocky ascent from Glaslyn to the Pyg Track junction
- Ridge from Bwlch Glas to the summit — exposed to wind
Scenery and photography
Llyn Llydaw (the largest of Snowdon's mountain lakes) and turquoise Glaslyn are the highlights. The causeway crossing offers one of the most photographed views on any Welsh mountain. The ruined Britannia Mine buildings at the lakeside add industrial atmosphere.
Deceptively gentle at the start — a favourite trap for underprepared walkers. The lake scenery is outstanding and the copper mining history gives the lower section real narrative interest. The abrupt change in character at Glaslyn is the route's defining feature.
Photography notes
The Llyn Llydaw causeway with the Horseshoe reflected in the lake is one of Snowdonia's most iconic images, particularly in morning light before walkers arrive in numbers. Glaslyn's blue-green copper-tinted water is striking when the sun is overhead. The mine ruins at the lakeside provide foreground interest.
Who this route suits
Suited for
- Families with children who want to reach the lakes (first 3–4 km)
- Those combining with the Pyg Track for a circular ascent
- Walkers interested in industrial and mining history
- Experienced walkers seeking a varied route
Not suited for
- Those expecting the entire route to be as easy as the start
- Young children attempting the full summit ascent
- Winter walkers without full mountaineering equipment above Glaslyn
Advantages
- The most accessible lower section of any route — suitable for families visiting the lakes
- Outstanding lake scenery and industrial heritage
- The Llyn Llydaw causeway is one of Snowdon's most photographed locations
- Can be combined with the Pyg Track as a circular route
- An electric mobility vehicle service from Eryri NPA may be available for the lower section (verify with NPA)
- Same car park as the Pyg Track — convenient if combining routes
Considerations
- The deceptively easy start leads some walkers to underestimate the difficulty of the summit section
- Requires advance booking and premium pricing at Pen y Pass
- The upper section above Glaslyn is rocky and steep — very different from the lower path
- Can be very busy on the lower section at peak times
Seasonal considerations
The lower lake section is accessible in most weather. The causeway can be slippery in wet or frosty conditions. Above Glaslyn, winter conditions require full mountaineering equipment. The lower path can be muddy in winter and spring.
Preparation advice
- Book Pen y Pass parking well in advance; the Nant Peris Park & Ride Sherpa shuttle is an excellent alternative
- If visiting with children, plan a clear turnaround point (Llyn Llydaw or Glaslyn) and be realistic about their capability for the summit section
- Carry enough water — no reliable safe water sources exist even on the lower section
Common mistakes to avoid
- Being lulled into underpreparation by the easy start — the summit section is as serious as the Pyg Track
- Not allowing enough time — walkers often spend longer at the lakes than planned
- Attempting the full route in trail shoes or trainers
Safety warnings
- The easy lower section is misleading. The ascent above Glaslyn is steep, rocky, and serious in poor conditions.
- In winter, the upper section above Glaslyn requires ice axe and crampons.
- The Llyn Llydaw causeway may be underwater in very high-water conditions — check before assuming it is always passable.
Getting there — transport and parking
- Nearest car park
- Pen y Pass (LL55 4NY)
- Postcode
- LL55 4NY
As for the Pyg Track — Pen y Pass serves both routes. Advance booking required on busy days.
Sherpa’r Wyddfa services
- S1 (Caernarfon–Llanberis–Pen y Pass–Betws-y-Coed)
- S5 (Nant Peris P&R shuttle to Pen y Pass, weekends)
The Nant Peris Park & Ride removes parking pressure and is the recommended approach on busy days.
Nearby facilities
- Pen y Pass YHA: café, bar, toilets
- No facilities between Pen y Pass and the summit
- Hafod Eryri (summit): café, toilets — May to October, weather permitting
Alternative routes
Miners' Track — frequently asked questions
Finish planning this route
Ready to plan your day?
Step-by-step day plan for the Miners' Track — timing, parking, turnaround logic, and what to expect.