Eryri (Snowdonia) is a spectacular mountain landscape and during the winter months it is most spellbinding. Snow blankets the mountains and frost glistens in the morning sun, heightening the natural beauty to dazzling heights only found at this time of year.
Some of the best trails to experience the majesty of winter hiking in Eryri (Snowdonia) include…
Lon Gwyrfai
Llyn Padarn
Moel Elio Horseshoe
The Glyderau
The Snowdon Horseshoe
Planning Your Winter Hike in Snowdonia National Park
Hiking in the winter is a different prospect to the rest of the year. Mountains are by their very nature hazardous environments. In winter the usual mountain hazards are amplified and added to. Maximise safety in winter conditions by doing the following…
Research the best winter walks in Snowdonia National Park, taking into account your experience and skill level
Always check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing winter conditions
Plan your route in advance considering factors such as: snow; ice; and potential avalanche risks
Take the right gear for the weather conditions and your planned route
Be flexible with your plans and route choice. Mountains can be extremely treacherous in winter conditions with snow and ice increasing the hazards
Get an early start, be aware of the sunset time and always take a headtorch
Let someone know your planned route and estimated return time
Essential Winter Walking Skills and Equipment
Walking in the mountains allows access to remote and spectacular places. With this comes a responsibility. The BMC (British Mountinering Council) states...
“Participants … should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions."
To stay safe in winter hikers should…
Learn essential winter walking skills, such as navigating and moving safely on snow and ice
Recognise snow and avalanche risks such as: windslab; persistent weak layers; wet snow; gliding and cornices
Invest in the right equipment, including waterproof and insulated clothing, suitable hiking boots, gloves, a hat and a headtorch
Bring an ice axe and crampons if necessary and know how to use them
Make sure to bring a map, compass, and GPS device or smartphone with a GPS app
Pack a first aid kit, emergency shelter, and warm clothing in case of unexpected delays
Consider taking a winter skills course to learn more about winter walking and winter mountaineering
More info on what to wear can be found in our blog article what to wear in the mountains in winter
Top Winter Walks in Snowdonia
One of the best things about Eryri (Snowdonia) is the variety of walks. Whether you’re looking for a gentle amble along a meandering river or a wild climb up an ice covered cliff; Eryri (Snowdonia) has plenty of winter exploration to offer.
The walks in this guide are listed from easiest to hardest.
Easy winter walks in Snowdonia
North Wales is famous for it's mountains but you don't have to climb them to appreciate their raw, commanding magnificence. Some of the best views and most enjoyable walks are found in the valleys.
The following are easy walks that are relatively flat. They include a variety of habitats and are perfect for the short days and snowy conditions found in winter.
For more ideas check out our blog Best easy walks in Eryri (Snowdonia)
Aber Falls
Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr) is spectacular year round but possibly at it’s best in winter, especially after heavy rain.
The waterfall plunges an impressive 37 meters and is the highlight of the pleasant 4.4km there and back walk or a slightly longer 6.7km circular walk. Other points of interest include a bronze age standing stone and sea views.
The good footpath climbs gradually through the Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve which contains around 10 hectares of alder woodland.
In winter the waterfall can be seen from much further away and from more angles than when the trees are full of leaves.
At a glance
Linear
Length: 4.4km (there & back)
Total ascent: 170m
Estimated time: 2 hours
Lon Gwyrfai
The easy walk between Beddgelert and Rhyd Ddu takes in the dramatic landscape including views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
The multi-use recreational path is suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The track dips in and out of woodland giving it an exciting and at times expansive feel.
The mountain scenery is spectacular and the village of Beddgelert, the start or end of the walk, is one of the most picturesque in the National Park.
At a glance
Linear
8.1km (one way)
Total ascent: 245m
Estimated time: 2h 30m
Llyn Padarn
This popular circular walk around Llyn Padarn lake includes woodland, a waterfall, slateworks and some impressive views of the Llanberis Pass and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
Parts of the path have uneven surfaces and steep drops so might not be suitable for everyone.
The northern shore of the lake is through the Celtic Rainforest of Padarn Country Park. This is the steepest and toughest part of the hike before reaching the quiet road and descending towards the most northwesterly tip of the lake.
From here you will loop around for open and extensive views of the Llanberis Pass. Llyn Padarn is home to Arctic Char fish which are a relic of the ice age.
The Padarn Country Park covers 800 hectares so the walk can be easily extended by exploring some of the other trails.
At a glance
Circular
Length: 8.2km
Total ascent 222m
Estimated time: 2h 30m
Afon Glaslyn
The Afon Glaslyn river path is delightful.
The section between the village of Beddgelert and the railway crossing is suitable for wheelchairs, prams or toddlers. This section can be done as a circular walk along both banks of the Afon Glaslyn river and includes St Mary’s church and Gelert’s Grave.
This short 1.6km loop is the easiest route on this list and pleasing enough.
Most people will find the extended version (5km there and back) more satisfying.
This extends the 1.6km loop by continuing beyond the railway crossing to Nantmor which is a very rough and uneven footpath with steep drops into the powerful river. This however is the highlight of the walk as the valley narrows as the river forces its way through the steep sided gorge. The tremendous power and beauty of nature is embodied in the river.
The high rainfall coupled with the spray from the river create the moist conditions for the rare Celtic Rainforest to thrive.
At a glance
Linear
Length: 5km (there & back)
Total ascent 50m
Estimated time: 1h 30m
Lon Las Ogwen Trail
The track between Llyn Ogwen and Bangor is wonderful.
It is listed here as the most difficult ‘easy’ walk only because of it’s length. No part of it is actually difficult. It is possible to make it easier doing two shorter halves by starting/ finishing in the village of Bethesda. The village is well connected by public transport.
The route runs from the small coastal city of Bangor and climbs slowly through varied scenery before finishing at the Youth Hostel at Llyn Ogwen.
The lower half of the route follows the Afon Cegin river through verdant woodland. The terrain and gradient is pleasant as it follows a dismantled railway which is now a National Cycle Route.
The upper section continues along the cycle track through the sublime Nant Ffrancon valley (pictured) with some of the biggest mountains in the UK on either side. The gradient is surprisingly gentle considering it is surrounded by vast mountains.
The route can be done in reverse which makes it slightly easier as it is all downhill or extended to Capel Curig and beyond.
At a glance
Linear
Length: 18km
Total ascent: 483m
Estimated time: 6h
Challenging Winter Routes
The following walks are serious mountaineering routes in the winter and should only be attempted by experienced individuals with the right skills and equipment.
We have not included an estimated time as it very much depends on the conditions on the day.
For more ideas check out our blog Best mountains in Eryri (Snowdonia)
Moel Eilio Horseshoe
Moel Eilio and it’s two satellite peaks are a spectacular circular route from the village of Llanberis.
The mountain walk is never too steep or challenging. The 360 degree panorama from summit of Moel Eilio is an extravaganza of interest with views of Nantlle Ridge, Mynydd Mawr, Anglesey, the Irish Sea and possibly the best view of Snowdon in the whole of Snowdonia.
The route heads west and uphill from the village of Llanberis before heading up Moel Eilio’s northern spur. The Braich y Foel spur is great too but a little harder to navigate. After summiting Moel Eilio, continue south towards the two satellite peaks Foel Gron & Foel Goch before heading down the good trail towards telegraph valley.
At a glance
Circular
Length: 12.1km
Total ascent 751m
Y Garn & the Northern Glyderau
Consider Y Garn and the Northern Glyderau, a challenging winter walk with steep sections and exposed ridges.
From Ogwen Cottage this is a trek that just keeps delivering with Llyn Idwal, The Devils Kitchen and a Welsh 3000 peak. The walk along the ridge which separates Cwm Cywion and Cwm Clyd always takes your breath away.
Normally the summit of the mountain is the best bit however, with so many points of interest we are not so sure with Y Garn. That said, the summit is spectacular too.
The route can be extended to include some, or all the peaks of the northern Glyderau.
At a glance
Circular
Length: 7.3km
Total ascent: 674m
Pen yr Ole Wen
The East Ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen is a challenging route with steep sections and a short scramble.
The mountain is situated in the Carneddau which is a fantastic place to head in the winter months. It is the most northerly range in Snowdonia and has the most mountains over 3000 feet outside of Scotland.
The route initially follows the Afon Lloer stream. Before reaching the lake the trail launches up the east ridge for a fun scramble before the gradient eases and the views open out.
From the summit you can either retrace your steps or continue to Carnedd Dafydd and beyond.
At a glance
Circular
Length: 8km
Total ascent: 803m
The Glyderau
The Glyderau offers some of the best winter mountaineering in Eryri (Snowdonia). This pantheon mountains includes rocky cliffs, steep ice falls and exposed ridges. There are nine mountains in the range; five of these are three thousanders.
Perhaps the best winter walking route is the two highest mountains in the Glyderau: Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach.
Their names translate from Welsh to English as ‘big Pile of rocks’ and ‘little pile of rocks’ and once there it is easy to see why. Huge cliffs, rocky pinnacles and the infamous cantilever stone can all be found on these giants.
The piles of rocks found on summit plateau are otherworldly. It is here that at a walker will encounter one of the biggest risks when winter mountaineering in Eryri (Snowdonia); post-holing through the gaps between the rocks.
In addition, navigating at the top of the Glyders is challenging and needs to be pinpoint accurate. In winter cornices often form over the north facing cliffs.
At a glance
Circular
Length: 9.5km
Total ascent: 821m
South Ridge of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the tallest mountain in Wales.
One of the best routes to the summit is to attempt the South Ridge of Snowdon, a long, exposed ridge walk with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The ridge can be accessed from either Rhyd Ddu (easier) or the Watkin Path (tougher) and both routes include abandoned slate workings and quiet footpaths.
The Rhyd Ddu route is on the lesser trodden western side of the mountain and has excellent views of Llyn Cwellyn lake.
The Watkin Path route includes woodland, Snowdon’s waterfalls and some scrambling. The steep descent down the Watkin Path is a known accident blackspot and more treacherous in winter.
The highlight of both routes is the ridge between Cwm Tregalan and Cwm Clogwyn. The spur leading to the summit splits two faces forming Snowdon’s distinctive pyramidal peak. The narrow ridge requires a good head for heights and sure footing.
For those starting on the Watkin Path, the route can be extended by continuing onto Y Lliwedd and looping back round. This route is the South Snowdon Horseshoe.
At a glance
Circular (starting on the Watkin Path)
Length: 13km
Total ascent: 1079m
The Snowdon Horseshoe
The loop around Yr Wyddfa’s (Snowdon’s) eastern Cwm links four spectacular summits, three of which are converted three thousanders. It is the best route of its kind outside of Scotland.
Take on the Snowdon Horseshoe; a challenging route for experienced winter mountaineers which is a race against sunset at this time of year. Many parties will get back to the small car park at Pen y Pass wearing their headtorches.
The highlight of the route is the knife edge ridge of Crib Goch which is thrilling on a nice day with dry holds, a long exposed ridge and huge drops. Blanket the cliffs in snow and the holds in ice and the route demands respect, experience and skill.
We cannot stress enough how serious an undertaking this is. Crampons, ice axes and experience of winter mountaineering on similar routes is absolutely essential.
At a glance
Circular
Length: 11.5km
Total ascent 1123m
Explore the magic of winter in Eryri (Snowdonia) with us
We are the Snowdonia experts and can help you plan a walk in North Wales. Get in touch for help, advice or to plan a guided walk in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia)
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Where to stay in winter?
There are lots of accommodation options in the National Park. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, choosing a location with easy access to your chosen walk(s) and activities.
There are a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages.
The best places to stay for a bit of winter magic are…
Llanberis; a popular centre for winter visitors, with a range of accommodation options
Betws y Coed; a great choice for cafes and outdoor shops
Beddgelert; for a quiet and picturesque village in the heart of the National Park
Conwy or Caernarfon; for a castle, harbour and Christmas markets
Why visit Eryri (Snowdonia) in winter?
Snowdonia is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Here are five reasons why winter is the best time to visit…
Winter sees a fraction of the visitors compared to the summer months. The footpaths are quieter and it’s easier to get in and enjoy a range of facilities, including restaurants and shops
Get cosy and relax in a warm and welcoming pub or cafe after a day on the hills
Accommodation is cheaper and you can pick up a bargain
The spellbinding mountain scenery doesn’t hibernate over winter. It actually improves!
Christmas markets; the towns surrounding the National Park have Christmas markets which sell: arts; crafts and artisan food. They are a great place to pick up unique Snowdonia Christmas Gifts
Does it always snow in winter?
The English word 'Snowdon', which first appears in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, makes reference to the Old English/Saxon words 'Snow Dun' meaning 'Snow Hill'.
Due to it's height Snowdon is frequently dusted with snow; hence it's name.
Snow is more common in the mountains than at lower elevation. Every winter Snowdon and the other mountains in the National Park get snow which comes and go's. The first snow is usually in November. After this there are a series of cycles where the snow melts then blankets the hilltops once again. The last snow is usually in April but it can persist into May.
There is less and less snow these days.
Visit the Snowdonia Ground Conditions page for the most up to date info on snow in the mountains
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