The scenic Miners’ track gently weaves its way around the breathtakingly beautiful Snowdon lakes. But don’t be fooled by its leisurely, serpentined start. This walking route has a demanding and undeniably steep final ascent to reach the summit of the highest peak in Wales.

So, is this route the right choice for you, or would you enjoy the Pyg track more? Let’s suss it out.

Why is it called Miners’ track?

The Miners’ track (Welsh name: Llwybr y Mwynwyr) is exactly what it says on the tin. This path was solely built for the miners, to gain access to the old copper mine up at Glaslyn.

What distance and elevation is the Miners’ track

This walking route makes roughly an 8.5 mile round circuit, with an ascent of 723 metres/ 2372 feet.

Wheres the car park for Mount Snowdon?

Parking at Pen-y-Pass has to be pre-booked online. Spaces in this carpark fill up quickly (especially during peak season) so it’s essential to book your parking space in advance on the pen-y-pass website. If you don’t have a booking you’ll be turned away at the entrance to the carpark.

To find this carpark enter postcode LL55 4NU or ///brush.ringers.recline.

Don’t worry if this carpark is fully booked, you have another option – the Nant Peris park and ride.

Pen-y-Pass park and ride

To get to the Nant Peris park and ride use postcode: LL55 4UG or ///stall.seagull.verbs.

Parking here was much cheaper than the Pen-y-Pass carpark (which cost £20 for 8 hours). Whereas, Nant Peris only cost £5 for all day parking, and a return bus ticket set you back £3 each.

The Sherpa buses ran roughly every 15 minutes so this option was no hindrance at all. Be aware that the bus timetable alters a little throughout the year. You can check the timetable by clicking here.

Is the Miners’ track / Llwybr y Mwynwyr suitable for beginners?

The Miners’ track leads you in with a false sense of security with its leisurely start. In fact, the first 3/4 of this route consists of a (mostly) gravelled path that’s either a gentle incline or reasonably flat. Therefor, the majority of this mountain trail is strangely beginner friendly, and makes a good option for children too.

However, there is a downfall to all this easy walking…

Because you’ve gained barely any elevation along the way, that sadly means you’re left with a shorter distance to tackle the incline to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Making the last 1/4 of this walk a fierce ascent! Not only is this last section incredibly steep, it’s also made up of boulders and scree that makes it extra challenging to navigate.

After a scramble up the mountain, the Miners’ track merges with the Pyg track for the final challenging climb to the top.

Snowdonia National Park Authority has categorised this route as Hard/Strenuous. Personally I would say it’s easy most the way, until you begin the demanding scramble towards the summit.

Is Snowdon busy?

We went up in August and the queue to touch the summit trig point was a whopping 45 minutes long!

There were a select few queue jumping too, running up the back way and taking selfies. All I can say is – Don’t be that person!

They were getting boo’ed and shouted at by angry folks who had been patiently waiting in line.

Is the Miners’ track harder than the Pyg track?

Snowdonia National Park Authority have classed both of these routes as hard/strenuous. To be honest, they are hard in different ways. As these paths are very different from one another, it will be down to personal preference as to which you find easier/ prefer.

The Pyg track has a far steeper incline from the very beginning, and consists of a rocky path with gigantic stone steps. However it does flatten out in the middle, giving you a little bit of respite before it begins the tough ascent to the top.

Whereas, the Miners’ track is less gruelling for the majority of the way, making it ideal for beginners. Yet its final ascent is so steep and demanding, plus it goes on for longer than the Pyg track.

How easy is the Miners’ track to follow?

This route is simple to follow, as the majority of the gravelled path follows the natural curves of the lakes. It’s only when you begin to scramble up the mountain that you lose it’s distinctive pathway. Regardless of the lack of gravelled path, you can still clearly see which direction you need to go. It will just be down to you to navigate the rocks how you best see fit.

Eventually you will arrive at a stone marker, which lets you know you’ve joined with the Pyg track. These two routes now merge together for the final climb up to the summit.

What time of year is best to climb mount Snowdon?

March-November is your best bet for good hiking conditions. July and August will welcome the warmest weather, but those months will also attract the crowds.

Only experienced climbers should attempt Mount Snowdon during the winter months. It can become a dangerous place, and you would need all the right gear to navigate the icy paths with limited visibility.

Is the Miners’ track ok for Children?

The lions share of this walk is ideal for children. Theres a short gentle hill to begin with, but the bulk of the way is an easy stroll along a mostly flat gravelled path. On the other hand, the scramble for the last quarter of the walk would be a real challenge for young children. It’s an incredibly steep climb and has lots of big boulders to clamber up.

If you want something easier for children, perhaps opt for the Llanberis path instead.

Can you do the Pyg track and Miners’ Track together?

As both the Pyg track and Miners’ track begin at Pen-y-Pass carpark. You have the option to head back down Snowdon along a different route, creating yourself a perfect little hiking loop.

This is a brilliant option as you get to experience alternative paths, whilst soaking up the vistas from another aspect.

It’s down to you to decide which way you’d like to go. We opted for up Pyg and down Miners, and I would do it the same way again!

Click here to read about the stunning Pyg track. It was my favourite.

Map of the Miners and Pyg loop

Time it takes to walk up the Miners’ track

It’s advised this route will take around 6 hours (there and back) You might do it far quicker than this though, or potentially much slower if you have little ones in tow!

Snowdon’s summit café – Hafod Eryri

On the peak of mount Snowdon, you’ll find the impressive summit café.

Be aware that the café isn’t open all year round, it’s only open from late spring until sometime in October. It’s also worth noting that the café can close when the weather is absolutely dire.

Inside they sell hot and cold refreshments, along with a selection of much deserved snacks. Grab yourself a little pick me up before making your descent back down the mountain.

If the cafe is open you’ll be able to go for a quick toilet stop too.

Take a ride on the Snowdon mountain railway

Did you know Snowdon has it’s very own railway line? With this option, you can sit back and relax whilst the train does all the hard climbing work for you. This mountain railway takes you right up to the summit, and the hour long journey gives you plenty of time to soak in the incredible views along the way.

A return ticket costs £38 per adult or £28 per child on the diesel train. But if you want to go all out and catch a ride on the fabulous steam train. Then you’ll need to purchase a ‘heritage’ ticket which costs a little more at £50 per adult and £40 per child.

On the diesel train, there is an option to purchase a one way ticket which is £10 cheaper. This gives you the flexibility to take a scenic ride up the mountain, but to walk back down yourself.

Book train tickets here.

Places to stay near Snowdon

During our North Wales trip, we stayed in Llanbedr. Where we got to call this gorgeous shepherds hut our home for the weekend. It was up in the mountains and it even had it’s very own log fired hot tub!

One of the closest places to stay near Snowdon, is at the Pen-y-Pass hostel. This is an ideal pick for those who seek breathtaking sunrise summits.

Or head to the small town of Llanberis for some other nearby accommodation and camping options.

Hopefully this has helped you decide if you want to take the magnificent Miners’ track to the top of Mount Snowdon. I really recommend turning it into a loop with the Pyg track, as the views are out-of-this-world stunning! Oh, and make sure you wear some sturdy walking shoes, this is not the place for flip flops and trainers. Trust me.

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