The Snowdonia Way: A guide to the trek

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Is it for me?

The Snowdonia Way would suit strong all-round walkers who like to move through terrain, so as to discover, on a cross-country journey. The route does not take to mountain tops or cross high passes, and this follows the Eryi National Park landscape which can be approached along the valleys. To the side are substantial peaks including Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)(1,085m) and Tryfan (917m) – please ask us to build extra days into your trip – while the Snowdonia Way’s highest point is 405m.

What's it like underfoot?
There is a mix of stony, gravelly, rocky and muddy paths underfoot on this trail, and when we have a sustained period of warm dry weather (which is not all the time) we hope the mud becomes hard-pack. The section around Aberglaslyn is the only point on the trail with handrails. This is because this section of trail is right by the river and care is needed in wet weather. Another rocky section to take care on on this trail is the section at the end of Llyn Ogwen on stage 5 just before joining the road.

Navigation
There is substantial navigation to be done on the Snowdonia Way, this being one of those UK trails that is made from long-standing paths. It is overlaid, so to speak, as opposed to being purposefully created as the Snowdonia Way. This makes for an authentic experience as a walker in the area, but makes for intricate route-finding. We issue maps, routecards and GPX tracks to help with your navigation too.

Weather
It can rain in North Wales! This mountainous corner of the British Isles is known for its maritime climate. Clouds blow in and out and the Snowdonia Walker (as Lakeland, as Highland) learns to read the forecast and be grateful for dry spells, even sun and warmth. Our season on the Snowdonia Way runs from early May to mid-September in an attempt to have the best dates for the weather.

Where to stay?
The Snowdonia Way stays in a mixture of B&Bs and guesthouses in the small towns and villages along the trail. Our favourite place to stay in Penrhyndeudraeth is the lovely Wenallt Guest House run by hosts Sarah and Ian. Our clients also enjoy the small and friendly village of Beddgelert. The picturesque stone houses by the river remain unspoilt and there's a fantastic bistro for dinner as well as a couple of pubs.

The route

Here's a brief guide to the route and the places you visit on our classic 8-stage Snowdonia Way trip.

Stage One
Your trip starts in Machynlleth, a pretty market town located in the Dyfi Valley. Although quite long, the first stage is a straightforward introduction to the Snowdonia Way. From Machynlleth the route heads straight for Dovey Forest, passing the old slate mining villages of Corris and Aberllenfenni via the pretty Llefenni Valley. Great views open up to the mountain of Cadair Idris before the Way drops through in woodland to reach Dolgellau. Much of the route is on tracks and lanes meaning navigation is easy and ground can be covered quickly.

Stage Two
A day of thirds. Firstly, the wonderful mature deciduous woodlands on the ascent out of Dolgellau, with some high open hillsides and views back towards Cadair Idris. Secondly, a walk among the pleasant trees in the Coed y Brenin woodlands. Finally, the route takes to the open hillsides with views of the high mountains to the North as you reach Trawsfynydd.

Stage Three
On this stage, you'll cross from Southern Eryri to Northern Eryri, and with that comes a change of landscape. No more rolling hills with big forests, now we enter mountain country with rocky peaks and small woods of native trees. The approach to Penrhyndeudraeth affords fantastic views out to sea across the sandy estuary of the River Dwyryd.

Stage Four
From Penrhyndeudraeth the path rises through forests into the foothills of the Moelwyn Mountains. This stage offers great views down to the coast on the West and to the mountain of Cnicht on the East. Finish the stage by walking through the interesting Pass of Aberglaslyn for a night in the mountain village of Beddgelert at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

Stage Five
Today's stage starts with a pleasant stroll along the Afon Glaslyn past the picturesque lakes of Llyn Dinas and Llyn Glaslyn. From the heart of the Nantgwynant valley, the route then climbs into the Moelwyn hills. From the ridge top, Bwlch y Rhediad, enjoy a wonderful view of the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales. Stay in the small town of Dolwyddelan.

Stage Six
This is perhaps the Snowdonia Way’s boldest stage and the most scenic in terms of rocky mountains. The Ogwen valley section is one of the most spectacular of the whole route, surrounded by the iconic peaks of Tryfan and Carnedd Llewelyn. After passing the Ogwen falls, the route enters the Nant Ffrancon with its glacial features, before finally reaching Bethesda.

Stage Seven
From Bethesda the route climbs along the northern flanks of the Carneddau with views to the Isle of Anglesey. The Aber Falls are a highlight on this stage with an impressive 37m cascade of water! The stage ends with a relaxed walk along a stretch of Roman Road before dropping into the seaside town of Llanfairfechan.

Stage Eight
This final stage offers something totally different again; coastal views and open moor around Tal y Fan. This is an easy stage crossing the Sychnant Pass before dropping to the characterful estuary town of Conwy with its impressive castle and myriad of independent shops. Enjoy a drink at a local restaurant to congratulations on completing the Snowdonia Way!

The Snowdonia Way in context

Hike the Snowdonia Way with Alpine Exploratory

Alpine Exploratory offers a one-week walking holiday along the Snowdonia Way and we welcome you to book our classic 8-stage trip. Alternatively, you may also like to add on some extra nights in Betws-y-Coed or Beddgelert. These would be great starting points to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales. Please contact us to discuss options.

Snowdonia Way

Our self-guided holidays give you what you need to complete the route under your own steam. We book your accommodation in a mix of B&Bs and hotels. We also provide you with detailed routecards, the local maps, lots of notes and offer on-call support from 8am to 8pm whilst you are hiking.

Please ask us any time for more details. Please feel free to describe your walking experience and preferences, and we'll suggest which trek you might enjoy most.

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