OS Explorer OL17 map for Snowdon
Route support for Snowdon and surrounding paths.
Snowdon Pyg Track
The Pyg Track is the most popular route up Snowdon for Three Peaks Challenge groups. Starting from the Pen-y-Pass car park on the A4086, the route ascends directly to the summit at 1,085 metres with outstanding views across Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Route Summary
| Distance | 7 miles (11km) round trip |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 723 metres (2,372 feet) |
| Typical Time | 4-6 hours round trip |
| Difficulty | Strenuous, rocky with some scrambling near the top |
| Start Point | Pen-y-Pass car park (LL55 4NY) |
| Grid Reference | SH 647 557 |
Route Map
Elevation profile of the Snowdon Pyg Track route
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Route Description
From the Pen-y-Pass car park, the Pyg Track leaves from the higher level area of the car park. The path begins briefly as tarmac before becoming a well-made stone path ascending south-west above the Llanberis Pass.
The initial section traverses the hillside with views down to Llyn Peris and across to the Glyderau range. The path is clear and well-maintained, climbing gradually at first before steepening.
As you gain height, the terrain becomes rockier. The path passes Bwlch y Moch (the Pass of the Pigs, which gives the track its name) before continuing to climb towards the summit ridge.
A large upright stone approximately half an hour from the top marks the junction with the Miners Track joining from the left. Beyond this point, the path steepens considerably with some sections requiring light scrambling (using hands for balance).
A second marker stone below the final ascent points you towards the summit. The last section is steep and rocky but well-cairned. The summit features the Hafod Eryri building and the trig point marking the highest point in Wales.
Key Waypoints
- Pen-y-Pass car park (359m altitude) - Start from the upper level of the car park
- Bwlch y Moch (500m) - The Pass of the Pigs, rocky terrain begins
- Miners Track junction (850m) - Large standing stone marks the junction
- Final scramble (900-1,050m) - Steepest section, some hand-use needed
- Summit marker stone (1,050m) - Final push to the top
- Summit / Yr Wyddfa (1,085m) - Hafod Eryri summit building and trig point
Navigation Notes
In good visibility, the Pyg Track is clear and well-cairned throughout. In cloud, the upper sections can be confusing where the path crosses areas of bare rock. The junction with the Miners Track is marked by a large standing stone - an important landmark for descent.
The summit area has the Hafod Eryri building as a clear landmark, but in thick cloud the surrounding drops can be dangerous. Take care near the northern edge of the summit ridge.
Download GPX Route
Use this GPX file with your GPS device or smartphone navigation app. The route shows both the ascent and descent via the Pyg Track.
Parking
Pen-y-Pass car park is the starting point for the Pyg Track. Parking must be pre-booked via JustPark, costing from £18 for 8 hours. The postcode is LL55 4NY.
Snowdon maps