Highlight • Parking
Pen-y-Pass
Hiking
5.0
(305)
Running
5.0
(10)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
Mountaineering
5.0
(1)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
Pen-y-Pass is a renowned mountain pass nestled in the heart of Eryri National Park, Gwynedd, north-west Wales. Situated at the highest point of the scenic Llanberis Pass, at an elevation of 359 metres (1,178 ft), it serves as a crucial gateway to the majestic Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Glyderau mountain ranges. This historic location is not only a significant trailhead but also a viewpoint offering expansive vistas of the surrounding rugged landscapes.
What truly captivates visitors to Pen-y-Pass is its unparalleled access to some of Eryri's most iconic adventures. Hikers consistently praise its superb location as a starting point for popular trails like the Miners' Track and the Pyg Track leading up Yr Wyddfa, as well as the more challenging scrambles on Crib Goch. The area also boasts a rich mountaineering heritage, with the YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, formerly the Gorphwysfa Hotel, having hosted legendary climbers like George Mallory.
Before embarking on your adventure from Pen-y-Pass, it's essential to be prepared. The car park, a key facility for those driving, often requires online booking and payment, and mobile signal can be unreliable on-site for last-minute arrangements. Given its popularity, especially during peak times, Pen-y-Pass can be one of the busiest spots in the park. Always pack appropriate gear for changeable mountain weather and respect the challenging terrain, ensuring you have suitable footwear and clothing for your chosen route.
Pen-y-Pass offers opportunities for exploration throughout the year, though conditions vary significantly with the seasons. The extensive Sherpa bus network provides a convenient park-and-ride service, linking Pen-y-Pass to surrounding towns and villages like Llanberis and Capel Curig, making it accessible even when the car park is full. This hub is ideal for those looking to undertake intermediate walks or more strenuous hikes, with many trails offering rewarding viewpoints.
For those seeking an intermediate challenge, the Pyg Track from Pen-y-Pass offers a fantastic experience. This route provides a good balance of ascent and stunning scenery, making it a popular choice for many hikers. It is one of the Pen-y-Pass popular trails and routes that allows for a rewarding day out without the extreme exposure of Crib Goch.
Visitors often highlight the unique atmosphere of Pen-y-Pass, from the anticipation at the trailhead before a climb up Yr Wyddfa to the sense of achievement upon returning. The historical significance, including its ties to early Everest expeditions, adds another layer to the experience. Mallory's Bar at the youth hostel offers a cozy spot to reflect on the day's adventures, surrounded by mountaineering history.
Whether you're planning a challenging ascent or a more leisurely intermediate walk, Pen-y-Pass offers a variety of routes to discover. Hikers and trail runners can explore numerous paths that wind through this dramatic landscape, each offering different perspectives of the Snowdon massif and the Glyderau. To find the perfect trail for your fitness level and interests, you can explore a wide range of options and plan your visit using komoot.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Pen-y-Pass
4.9
(803)
8,781
hikers
12.3km
04:56
680m
690m
Embark on the Snowdon via Pyg and Miners' Track Loop, a moderate hiking route that takes you to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. This 7.7 miles (12.3 km) journey involves a significant ascent of 2245 feet (684 metres), typically completed in about 4 hours and 56 minutes. As you climb the Pyg Track, you'll experience dramatic mountain scenery, with views opening up towards Llanberis Pass and the imposing cliffs of Y Lliwedd. The return via the Miners' Track offers a different perspective, tracing the shores of Llyn Llydaw and Llyn Glaslyn, providing a varied and engaging experience.
Your adventure begins at Pen-y-Pass, a high starting point that helps reduce the overall vertical climb to Snowdon's summit. Be aware that parking here is very limited and often requires advance booking, particularly during busy periods. It's highly recommended to explore public transport options to reach the trailhead, ensuring a smoother start to your hike. Both the Pyg and Miners' Tracks are rated as strenuous by the National Park Authority, so come prepared with a good level of fitness and essential navigation skills for a safe and enjoyable outing.
This popular circular trail offers more than just a summit experience; it's a journey through the rich history of Eryri / Snowdonia National Park. The Miners' Track, in particular, follows the historic routes once used by quarrymen, passing old mining structures and a notable stone causeway across Llyn Llydaw. This blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage makes the route a distinctive way to explore Snowdon's majestic landscape.
4.9
(427)
5,238
hikers
16.3km
06:35
900m
900m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(42)
269
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 420 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 6 May
12°C
4°C
28 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I secure parking at Pen-y-Pass, and what are the alternatives if it's full?
Parking at Pen-y-Pass is highly sought after and often requires pre-booking online, especially during peak seasons and weekends. The standard charge for any length of stay is £10. Mobile signal can be unreliable on-site, so booking in advance is crucial to avoid issues. If the Pen-y-Pass car park is full or you haven't pre-booked, consider using the park-and-ride service from Nant Peris or Llanberis. The extensive Sherpa bus network provides year-round connections to Pen-y-Pass from surrounding towns and villages, making it a convenient alternative.
What are the best intermediate hiking routes starting from Pen-y-Pass?
For intermediate hikers, the Pyg Track is an excellent choice from Pen-y-Pass. It offers a good balance of ascent and stunning scenery without the extreme exposure of routes like Crib Goch. While it involves some rocky sections and a steady climb, it's generally considered less strenuous than the Miners' Track in its initial stages, though both lead to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). These routes provide rewarding views and a significant challenge for those with some hiking experience.
Is Pen-y-Pass suitable for a winter hike, and what should I consider?
Pen-y-Pass offers access to stunning winter hiking, but conditions can be extremely challenging. The terrain becomes significantly more difficult with snow and ice, requiring specialized gear such as crampons, ice axes, and appropriate winter clothing. Experience in winter mountaineering is essential, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Always check the mountain forecast before heading out and consider hiring a guide if you're not experienced in winter conditions.
Are there any dog-friendly hiking options or restrictions around Pen-y-Pass?
Many trails around Pen-y-Pass are dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially due to livestock grazing and the presence of ground-nesting birds. Some sections of the more challenging routes, particularly those involving scrambling like Crib Goch, may not be suitable for dogs. Always ensure your dog is fit enough for the chosen route and carry enough water for them. The YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass is generally dog-friendly in its bar area, but check specific accommodation policies.
What facilities are available at Pen-y-Pass for visitors?
Pen-y-Pass is well-equipped for visitors. It features a car park (pre-booking often required), an information centre, and public toilets. The YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, a youth hostel, also offers a bar (Mallory's Bar) and a café, providing refreshments and a place to relax. While free Wi-Fi is available at the hostel, be aware that general mobile phone signal in the area can be unreliable.
How crowded does Pen-y-Pass get, especially on weekends or during peak season?
Pen-y-Pass is one of the busiest hubs in Eryri National Park, particularly on weekends, bank holidays, and during the summer months. Its popularity as a starting point for Snowdon routes means car parks fill up very early, and trails can be heavily trafficked. Arriving before mid-morning is strongly recommended, or utilizing the park-and-ride bus service to avoid parking frustrations and contribute to a more sustainable visit.
Can families with children find suitable walks from Pen-y-Pass?
While Pen-y-Pass is primarily a trailhead for more challenging mountain routes, families with older, experienced children who are used to hiking can tackle the Miners' Track or Pyg Track. These routes are demanding and involve rocky terrain and significant elevation gain, so they are not suitable for very young children or those new to hiking. For gentler, family-friendly walks, you might consider exploring other areas within Eryri National Park accessible via the Sherpa bus network.
What is the historical significance of Pen-y-Pass and the surrounding area?
Pen-y-Pass holds rich historical significance, particularly in mountaineering. The road itself was built in the 1830s for transporting ore from Snowdon's mines. The former Gorphwysfa Hotel, now the YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass, has a legendary mountaineering heritage, having hosted figures like George Mallory. Nearby, the Pen-y-Gwryd hotel was famously used by Sir John Hunt's team for training before their successful 1953 Everest expedition, with memorabilia still on display in its Everest Room.
Are there any viewpoints or natural features to look out for on the intermediate trails from Pen-y-Pass?
Absolutely! The intermediate trails from Pen-y-Pass, such as the Pyg Track and Miners' Track, offer spectacular views. As you ascend, you'll gain panoramic vistas of the surrounding Glyderau mountain range and the dramatic Llanberis Pass. Along the Miners' Track, you'll pass old mining relics and the beautiful Llyn Llydaw, a glacial lake nestled beneath Snowdon's peaks, offering fantastic photographic opportunities and a sense of the area's industrial past.
What are the typical durations for intermediate walks starting from Pen-y-Pass?
For intermediate walks like the Pyg Track or Miners' Track to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and back, you should typically allow 5-7 hours. This duration accounts for a steady pace, short breaks, and time to enjoy the views. Factors like weather conditions, your fitness level, and how long you spend at the summit will influence the total time. Always plan for a longer duration than you anticipate, especially in mountain environments.