Snowdon
PYG & Miner's Track
The Pyg Track and Miner's Track pass the stunning lakes of Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn which are situated in an amphitheatre of mountains, ridges and rock which make up the Snowdon Horseshoe.
The Pyg Track (The Classic route) and the Miners Track are actually two different routes and are quite good to do as a circular hike as will be outlined here (up the Pyg down the Miners). They are a popular choice as they start closer to the summit than any other footpath and therefore have fewer metres to climb than the other routes.
Snowdon Route: The Pyg & Miners Track
Who is it for?
The PYG & Miners Track is slightly challenging but is suitable for an average person with a 'reasonable' level of fitness. There are a couple of short sections where you might have to use your hands and a couple of short drops so isn't suitable for people with an acute fear of heights.
What equipment do I need?
We will send you a detailed kit list upon booking and again shortly before the event.
Normal hiking gear is needed and this varies a little depending on the time of year and the forecast on the day. Items that are always required which you may need to go out and buy include walking boots/ walking shoes (not trainers), a waterproof jacket and a rucksack.
We can give you advice about what to buy if you have booked onto one of our walks.
Where does it start?
We will send you out detailed Event Notes by email before the walk which include where and when to meet and parking instructions.
Instructors
All of our instructors are fully qualified Mountain Leaders with a minimum of a 16 hour First Aid certificate. All participants are covered by our Public Liability Insurance.
The PYG & Miners Track: Route Description
The Pyg Track starts in the southwestern corner of the Pen-Y-Pass car park behind the cafe. The first section of the climb is quite steep and a challenge for most but as you gain height your will be able to stop and admire the brilliant views of the Llanberis Pass and the lakes of Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn.
The track continues to ascend past 'The Horns' towards the 'Bwlch y Moch'. This is where the footpath forks with the northerly fork continuing on to the knife-edged ridge of Crib Goch which is clearly signposted. Don't take this! Stick left on the southernmost footpath where you will have fantastic views of Llyn Llydaw lake framed by the rocky cliffs of Y Lliwedd and Snowdon. This section of the hike is fairly flat with a short scrambly step of rock. You will need to use your hands briefly to pull yourself up. This gives the route a real rugged mountain feel and adds to the adventure.
The Pyg Track proceeds west until it suddenly veers to the right and north. On this corner, you will have great views of the lakes of Glaslyn, Llyn Lydaw and the summit of Snowdon which is tantalisingly close. Continue for a short while to 'The Intersection' where the 'Miners Track' and Pyg Track join.
After this, the footpath gets rockier and steeper whilst the views get better and better as you climb. This continues for just over 500m but with 250m of vertical ascent which increases in steepness as the top of the valley climaxes between the two highest mountains in Snowdonia; Snowdon (1085m) and Garnedd Ugain (1065m). Here you will find 'The Fingerstone'. This is where five other routes join to make the final push for the summit.
At 'The Fingerstone', the gradient lessens considerably and it's a nice hike from here. You will be able to see back down the valley you have just climbed up with sensational views of the footpath, mountains and lakes. Proceed to the summit which is just 500m south of 'The Fingerstone' while you admire one of the best mountain views this world has to offer. Sensational!
The descent is the same until you reach the standing stone marker of 'the Intersection'. This is where the Miners track splits from the Pyg Track and heads down a steep rocky slope towards Glaslyn. This lake is where King Arthur is fabled to have cast Excalibur before he sailed off into the mist on his final journey to Avalon! The steep slope is not sustained for much more than 300m after which the route improves significantly and becomes a wide and well-built footpath at a gentle angle to carry you back. The highlight of this is walking along the shores of Llyn Llydaw and crossing the water via a causeway.
