Snowdon loop on the Watkin Path from Nant Gwynant — Snowdonia National Park
Snowdon loop on the Watkin Path from Nant Gwynant — Snowdonia National Park
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Snowdon loop on the Watkin Path from Nant Gwynant — Snowdonia National Park
05:22
13.3km
980m
Hiking
Embark on a difficult 8.2-mile (13.3 km) loop up Snowdon via the Watkin Path, starting from Nant Gwynant. This route offers a significant challenge with 3212 feet (979 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 21 minutes to complete. You will begin by winding through ancient woodlands and past the Rhaeadrau Waterfalls, before the path opens up to reveal impressive mountain views and eventually leads to a tough uphill scree climb towards the summit, offering vistas of Snowdon's South Ridge and Yr Aran.
Planning your hike requires good fitness, sturdy shoes, and sure-footedness, especially for the upper sections where the terrain becomes loose, rocky, and very steep. The path starts at a low elevation, giving it the greatest total ascent of all Snowdon routes. In winter, this challenging part demands extreme care and appropriate equipment like micro-spikes or crampons, as the path can lose definition and navigation becomes difficult in poor weather.
The Watkin Path holds historical importance as Britain's first designated footpath, opened in 1892 by Prime Minister William Gladstone, whose speech from Gladstone Rock is a notable detail along the way. This trail is often quieter than other routes, providing a more serene experience, and offers a greater variety of natural scenery, from woodlands to open mountain. You will also pass Bwlch y Saethau, a pass steeped in legend, believed to be where King Arthur fought his treacherous son Mordred.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 6.00 km for 443 m
After 6.99 km for 572 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.68 km
Gladstone Rock
Highlight • Monument
Over 2,000 people gathered here on the side of Snowdon in 1892 to witness Gladstone opening the Watkin Path. From on top of an impressive 12 foot (3.6 m) boulder, the Prime Minister delivered a speech on Justice for Wales, not to mention sung some ‘Cymric hymns’ himself.
A plaque fitted to the front of the boulder commemorates what was sure to have been a memorable occasion, announcing that indeed William Gladstone had stood upon the rock.
Tip by
6.62 km
Snowdon Summit (Yr Wyddfa)
Highlight • Summit
Its glory lies in the myriad routes to the summit. There's everything from the gentle inclines of the Llanberis path to the knife-edged arête of Crib Goch. The south side of the mountain is generally quieter, with the South Ridge in particular a fine route up. The Miners' and Pyg Tracks are straightforward, classic approaches that enter the incredible natural amphitheatre that holds Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn.
To get the summit to yourself, rise early and avoid peak season.
Tip by
7.87 km
Allt Maenderyn (South Ridge of Snowdon)
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Allt Maenderyn — often referred to as the south ridge — makes for a sublime, airy ridge walk that doesn't quite qualify as scrambling territory. The arête makes for a magnificent hike though, with shapely Yr Aran, bulky Moel Hebog and the sinuous Crib Nantlle (Nantlle Ridge) all forming the backdrop.
Tip by
13.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.19 km
4.53 km
1.19 km
966 m
264 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.12 km
2.65 km
2.54 km
1.82 km
1.01 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Saturday 18 July
20°C
8°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
*Warning*
The scramble down the Old Tramway has a difficult slope aspect and would be best avoided in rain or icy conditions.
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