Miners’ Track

The opening stretch is a broad, gently rising track past Llyn Teyrn and on to Llyn Llydaw. Take the right fork to cross the Llyn Llydaw causeway, pass the ruined crushing mill of the Britannia Copper Mine, then climb steeply to Glaslyn. Above the lake the path turns to loose, slippery ground as it works up to Bwlch Glas, where a standing stone marks the junction with the Llanberis Path and the Snowdon Ranger Path. A final rocky leg leads to the summit.

Rated hard and strenuous, and a demanding full mountain day rather than a family walk. The easy-feeling first half can be misleading: the upper section is steep, rocky and often slippery underfoot, and it is the part most walkers find hardest. Bring fitness, navigation skills and full hill-walking gear, including boots with good grip and layers for wind. In winter conditions, snow and ice can make the upper route suitable only for experienced walkers with the right equipment and training.

The three lakes give the route its character: Llyn Teyrn, the long causeway crossing at Llyn Llydaw, and Glaslyn set in its steep bowl beneath the summit cliffs. The track itself was built to serve the copper mine, and the crushing mill and barrack remains beside the water are the clearest reminder of that industry. Rugged exposed rock lines the upper cwm, and the Cwm Dyli pipeline running down the valley is an easy landmark to pick out on the way back.

Pen y Pass is the shared access point for this route and the Pyg Track. Parking is limited and uses pre-booking, so plan transport well ahead; the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus service reaches Pen y Pass from Nant Peris, Llanberis and other towns and is often the simpler choice. Do not park in roadside lay-bys or walk the narrow winding road to the pass.

Ordinary dogs are allowed on the routes up Yr Wyddfa, but the upper half here is steep, rocky and uneven, so judge honestly whether your dog is suited to that ground. If you want a longer, more gradual ascent instead, the Llanberis Path climbs at a steadier angle over a greater distance.