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Y Lliwedd from the summit of Snowdon (Walk 1)

WALK ONE

Snowdon Horseshoe

The Snowdon Horseshoe from above Capel Curig

This route is the classic walk in North Wales, arguably in the whole of Wales, and is a must for all strong walkers. ‘Strong’ is the operative word here, because the circuit is very tiring and can leave even experienced walkers jaded towards the end. Sadly, its appeal draws walkers who are not prepared for the exposed narrowness of the Crib Goch ridge, nor the descent of Snowdon followed by a weary climb onto Y Lliwedd. But it is quite spectacular and deservedly popular.

The Route

The early part of the circuit is shared with the so-called Pyg Track (see ssss1), which leaves the Pen y Pass car park in a westerly direction, heading for the pointed cone of Crib Goch seen in the distance. The track rises in a series of rocky steps beneath the long ridge leading to an unnamed minor summit just to the east of Bwlch y Moch. This ridge, which can be gained quite easily after the initial steepness of the Pyg Track, is by far a more rewarding way to begin the ascent not least because the unnamed summit is technically the first nail in the Snowdon horseshoe – one for the purists, then.