🏴 Hiking Guide · Wales 🥾 Practical Guide Hiking the Miners’ Trackup Snowdon A Practical Guide from Pen-y-Pass · Yr Wyddfa, Wales 📍 Pen-y-Pass Start & Finish 📏 6.5km one way Distance ⛰️ 770m ascent Total climb ⏱️ 5–6 hrs return Estimated time 🏔️ 1,085m Summit height 🎯 Moderate Difficulty Moderate difficulty — suitable for ... Walking the Miners’ Track from Pen-y-Pass: A Complete Guide
A Practical Guide from Pen-y-Pass · Yr Wyddfa, Wales
If you're planning to climb Snowdon — or Yr Wyddfa, to give Wales' highest peak its proper Welsh name — the Miners' Track from Pen-y-Pass is one of the most rewarding routes you can take. Scenic, historically rich, and more sheltered than some alternatives, it's a firm favourite for both first-timers and seasoned walkers.
Here's everything you need to know before you set off.
Pen-y-Pass sits at the head of the Llanberis Pass, 5 miles up from Llanberis and 5.5 miles from Capel Curig. Plug LL55 4NU (grid ref SH 647 557) into your satnav and you'll find it on Google Maps easily.
Parking is limited and pre-booking is required in season (28 March – 1 November 2026). With only 68 spaces, it sells out fast — especially at weekends. Booking is handled through JustPark (via their website or app).
| Duration | 2026 Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 hours | £25 | Pre-book via JustPark |
| 8 to 12 hours | £35 | Pre-book via JustPark |
| 12 to 24 hours | £45 | Pre-book via JustPark |
| Blue Badge holders | Free | First-come, first-served — no pre-booking needed |
⚠️ Important: The car park is manned around the clock and your registration plate is checked on entry. Maximum vehicle length is 5m. Do not park on the roadside — it's a clearway, and illegally parked vehicles will be towed.
If the car park is booked up, don't worry — you have good options.
Nant Peris Park & Ride
3 miles down the pass. Buses run every 15 minutes at weekends and school holidays (every 30 minutes otherwise). First bus up at 07:15, last bus back at 19:30.
Pen y Gwryd Car Park
About a mile towards Capel Curig. Pay-and-display: £4 up to 4 hours / £8 all day — cash only. Use the signed off-road path to reach Pen-y-Pass, not the narrow road.
Sherpa'r Wyddfa Bus
Connects Pen-y-Pass with Llanberis, Caernarfon, Beddgelert, Porthmadog, and Betws-y-Coed. On a busy summer weekend, often the smartest choice of all.
The Miners' Track threads together mountain lakes, industrial history, and dramatic scenery in a way that few routes in Britain can match. Here's what you'll encounter stage by stage.
Pen-y-Pass to Llyn Teyrn
Easy · Gentle warm-upThe first stretch is deceptively gentle. From the car park, a wide, well-maintained path heads south-east across open moorland. On a clear day, the views back down the Llanberis Pass are already worth stopping for. Llyn Teyrn is the first lake you'll reach — a quiet, shallow pool that many walkers stride straight past without appreciating. Take a moment here.
Llyn Teyrn to Llyn Llydaw
Moderate · Historic · Most PhotographedLlyn Llydaw is where the route really opens up. You'll cross the famous causeway — one of the most photographed spots on the mountain — with the dramatic north face of Snowdon reflected in the water on calm days. The original copper mines that gave this track its name once operated around these shores, and you can still spot remnants of the industrial past as you walk.
Llyn Llydaw to Glaslyn
Moderate · Stunning LakeGlaslyn — the vivid blue-green lake nestled in the cwm above — marks the foot of the final climb. The route continues to be beautiful here, and this is a natural spot to pause, refuel, and take in the surroundings before the real ascent begins.
Glaslyn to the Summit — Yr Wyddfa (1,085m)
Strenuous · Steep & RockyThis is where the path earns its reputation. The gradient steepens significantly, and the terrain becomes rockier underfoot. Take your time, pick your footing carefully, and save some energy — this section demands it. The path zigzags up to meet the PYG Track before the final push to the summit. On a clear day the views stretch all the way to Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Wicklow Mountains.
"On a clear day, the views from the summit of Yr Wyddfa stretch across to Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Wicklow Mountains — a reward that makes every steep step worthwhile."
Gear Up Properly
Even in summer, Snowdon's summit can be cold, wet, and windy. Waterproofs, layers, and sturdy walking boots are non-negotiable.
Check the Forecast
Check the Met Office Snowdonia mountain forecast and the MWIS forecast before heading out. Never rely on valley weather.
Start Early
The Miners' Track is popular. The car park and path both get very busy by mid-morning on weekends — an early start makes a real difference.
Fuel & Facilities
Café and toilets at Pen-y-Pass. A café bar at the YHA opposite the car park. The Hafod Eryri summit café is also open during the season.
Descent Options
Return the same way, or loop back via the PYG Track for a slightly different perspective. The two routes share the upper section, splitting lower down.
Carry a Map
Always carry a physical map and compass. Leave a route plan with someone. Don't rely solely on your phone — signal can drop on the mountain.
🏔️ Tackling the National Three Peaks? The Miners' Track (or its neighbour, the PYG Track) is the standard Snowdon route for the National Three Peaks Challenge — and it makes for a memorable start or finish to a brilliant adventure.
The Miners' Track threads together mountain lakes, industrial history, and dramatic scenery in a way that few routes in Britain can match. It's not a stroll — that upper section will test your legs — but the sense of achievement when you reach the summit of Wales makes every step worthwhile.
Pack your waterproofs, check the forecast, start early, and give yourself the time to savour it. You'll come back down with muddy boots and a very big smile.
Whether you're visiting the UK on a tourist visa, planning to study, or looking to set up a business — our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Book a consultation today.
