Eryri (Snowdonia) Mountains Guide: The Best Hiking Routes in Wales

When discussing mountain hikes in Eryri (Snowdonia), how could we begin anywhere other than the famed highest peak in Wales. Although Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is not the only mountain available for you to climb in Eryri, it is by far the most legendary amongst adventurers, and the sense of achievement you’ll feel once you’ve placed your hand on the summit is a feeling you’ll carry with you.

Home to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, breathtaking lakes and sweeping valleys, anyone embarking on the journey to Yr Wyddfa is in for a treat. There are six routes for climbing Snowdon, each suited to different levels of fitness boasting their own unique perspective of the Eryri (Snowdonia) landscape. 

Mountain height: 1,085 metres (3,560 feet)

Length of walking route: 7.5-13km dependent on the walking route you select 

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous 

Dog friendly: Well behaved dogs on certain routes

How to prepare for climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Crib Goch

For those looking for an exhilarating hike rather than a sky stretching summit, Crib Goch provides an adrenalin fueled adventure along a challenging rocky ridge that promises eerie scenery and chafed palms. 

This grade 1 scramble is often considered deceptive in its early stages, beginning on a well trodden path any old hiker could manage with ease, but the scramble itself is one that should be attempted only if you are fully prepared. It is possible to hire a guide for this walk as it is recognised as one of the most manageable scrambles. However, if you are seeking a simple clamber up mountainous pathways, one of our other suggestions would be more suited to you. 

Crib Goch is almost entirely exposed with sheer drops on either side of its knife-edge ridge and this, in part, is what makes it an ideal starting point for seasoned hikers interested in joining the community of people who take scrambling in their stride. After immersing yourself in the craggy landscape and meeting other climbers just like you, you’ll have your next scramble scribbled in your diary within days of your return. 

Mountain height: 923 metres 

Length of walking route: 12km

Difficulty: Strenuous 

Dog friendly: No



Tryfan

Often left in the shadow of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is a 918 metre marvel whose route commences near Ogwen Visitor Centre and concludes at double monoliths known as Adam and Eve. Overlooking the breathtaking Lake Olwen, this mountain is known for its daunting terrain that forges every route, so while Yr Wyddfa might be the legend, Tryfan is considered the prize. 

This is not a route that should be attempted unless you are an experienced climber familiar with scrambling as there is no way to reach the top without using your hands to navigate the ridge. Even Tryfan South Ridge, the easiest route from Bwlch Tryfan, covers this ground. Those willing to tackle the climb have a wild venture in their future, joined by mountain goats who may inspire feelings of inexperience or awe depending on how you like to look at it. 

If you’re considering tackling this mammoth hike, you could take any of the following routes:

• Tryfan North Ridge 
• Tryfan South Ridge 
• Tryfan Heather Terrace 

Mountain height: 918 metres 

Difficulty: Strenuous to difficult 

Dog friendly: No

Glyder Fawr

If Crib Goch sounds a little too strenuous and Foel-Ganol leaves you wondering what the bigger mountains have in store, Glyder Fawr is a brilliant next step. At 1,001 metres, it is the highest point in the Glyderau range and the fifth highest mountain in Eryri.

Rocky ridges, striking boulders, and sweeping views of the unmistakably Welsh landscape make this hike feel like a proper mountain adventure from the moment you begin to climb. You’ll also have the chance to see some of the area's most famous natural landmarks, including the distinctive Castell y Gwynt and the Cantilever Stone, which appears to balance rather improbably on the mountainside.

There are several ways to approach Glyder Fawr, with routes varying in length and difficulty. A popular route takes in both Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach, creating a challenging day in the mountains with plenty of scenery to keep you distracted when your legs start asking why you thought this was a good idea.

Mountain height: 1001 metres 

Length of walking route: 9km

Difficulty: Difficult

Dog friendly: No

Cadair Idris

Cadair Idris offers another spectacular mountain adventure, with a generous helping of whimsical Welsh folklore thrown in for good measure. Standing at 893 metres, Cadair Idris is one of the most famous peaks in southern Eryri. Its name translates as ‘Idris’s Chair’; legend tells  of this giant who once perched upon the mountain, his chair now a sight for sore feet as well as eyes. The old tales claim that anyone who dares spend a night upon the summit will wake as either a madman or a poet, both for those who are literarily inclined, so it might be best to confine your journey to the hours between dawn and dusk when light catches the surface of Llyn Cau. 

There are three main routes to the summit: the Minffordd Path, the Pony Path and the Llanfihangel y Pennant Path. The Minffordd Path is one of the shortest options at around 9km, but don't let the distance fool you; it has a significant ascent and is graded strenuous by Eryri National Park.

Cadair Idris is a serious mountain walk, so good preparation is essential. Strong footwear, waterproof layers, plenty of food and drink and a careful eye on the weather forecast should all make their way into your rucksack. In poor weather, the mountain can feel very different indeed.

Mountain height: 893 metres

Length of walking route: 9km-16km dependent on the walking route you select

Difficulty: Strenuous/hard

Dog friendly: No

Crafnant Circular Walk

Not every mountain adventure requires hours of huffing up steep and perilous terrain. Sometimes, the very best way to fully appreciate the wild forces that make Eryri (Snowdonia) one of the most mystical, magnificent areas in the UK is to overlook the mountains with your family and a preprepared snack. The Crafnant Circular Walk is a rather splendid example. 

Taking you around Llyn Crafnant near Trefriw, this gentler route offers a completely different experience from the high mountain hikes covered above. Instead of scrambling over rocks or tackling steep ridges, you can enjoy the peace of a sweeping lake and impressive mountain views without quite the same level of exertion.

At around 5.7km, the circuit of Llyn Crafnant is a relatively easy walk, with only a modest amount of ascent. Much of the route follows a good path, although some sections can become muddy after wet weather, so waterproof footwear is still a very sensible idea.

Mountain height: No major mountain summit

Length of walking route: 5.7km

Difficulty: Easy to moderate 

Dog friendly: Yes, well behaved dogs on leads are welcome

Foel-Ganol

A child summit of Carnedd Llewelyn, Foel-Ganol is a ridge walk that requires far less patience and training than Crib Goch, with a wide ridge track that allows anyone with a small amount of hiking experience to dive into the experience without facing the full force of whistling Welsh winds. The route takes you away from some of the busier paths in Eryri, offering the chance to enjoy the open countryside and far reaching views accompanying you along the way. 

It’s the sort of walk where you can take your time. Stop for a flask of tea, admire the views, and perhaps let the children clamber over a few rocks without worrying that you’re holding up a stream of determined summit seekers. On a clear day, the surrounding peaks provide an impressive backdrop, making this a lovely introduction to ridge walking without the more technical challenges found on Crib Goch.

And, of course, there’s something rather satisfying about reaching a summit that isn’t necessarily on everyone's list. You don't always need to tackle the highest mountain to feel like you've had a proper adventure in Eryri (Snowdonia).

Mountain height: 536 metres 

Length of walking route: 8km

Difficulty: Moderate

Dog friendly: Yes, when on a lead

When your feet are in desperate need of a rest and your heart is full of laughter, Rhyd Y Galen Caravan Park provides the perfect spot to slip off your walking boots whilst remaining submerged in the stunning landscape. Our caravan park, campsite, glamping accommodation is a great base for exploring everything North Wales has to offer without removing yourself completely from the experience.