Eryri weather turns fast, and the summit of Yr Wyddfa is a different world from the car park in the village below. It’s always colder, windier, often wrapped in clouds when the valley is clear. A lot of the call-outs Llanberis Mountain Rescue attend aren’t dramatic; they’re people who got cold, tired, or benighted without the small kit that could have kept a bad afternoon from becoming a serious one. This list splits into “always” and “conditions/party dependent.”
My partner completed her Mountain Leader assessment and even though she now works as an Director of Events she always carries the same kit on the hill, even with an experienced group. You’ll find what she always carries in the always carry list below.
Updated: 31 July 2026 by Crib Goch Outdoor Staff
Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon Route Secrets
Llanberis Path: The Classic Route
This scenic trail begins in the village of Llanberis and gradually ascends over a distance of approximately 9 miles (14.5 kilometers). The path offers stunning views of Llyn Padarn, the Electric Mountain, and the historic Dolbadarn Castle. While it is the longest route, it also provides a more gradual and accessible ascent, making it suitable for beginners and families. The Llanberis Path rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramas and a sense of achievement upon reaching the summit.
Snowdon Ranger Path: A Historic Trail
The Snowdon Ranger Path is another popular route that starts from the Snowdon Ranger Youth Hostel. This historic trail was historically used by Victorian visitors who sought to experience the beauty of Snowdon. The path covers a distance of around 8 miles (12.8 kilometers) and offers a blend of stunning views, including the serene Llyn Cwellyn and the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside. As you ascend, you’ll encounter remnants of old mining activity, adding a touch of history to your journey. The Snowdon Ranger Path provides a rewarding and immersive experience for hikers seeking a historical perspective.
Miners’ Track: A Scenic Journey
The Miners’ Track is a picturesque and relatively easy route, starting near the Pen-y-Pass car park. This trail spans approximately 8 miles (12.8 kilometers) and showcases the scenic beauty of Snowdon. As you hike, you’ll pass by the enchanting Llyn Teyrn and Llyn Llydaw, offering tranquil spots to rest and take in the surroundings. The Miners’ Track also takes you past the ruins of old mining buildings, giving you a glimpse into the area’s industrial past. This route offers a delightful journey for hikers seeking a blend of natural beauty and historical charm.
Pyg Track: A Steeper Challenge
The Pyg Track is a more challenging option for those seeking a steeper ascent to Snowdon’s summit. Starting from Pen-y-Pass, this trail covers a distance of approximately 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) and provides stunning views of the glacial Cwm Glas Mawr and the Pyg Track ridge. As you progress, the path becomes steeper and more rugged, demanding a moderate level of fitness. The Pyg Track rewards hikers with dramatic vistas and a sense of accomplishment as they reach the summit. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous hikers looking for a more challenging route.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the crown jewel of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, offers a range of routes that caters for hikers of all abilities. Each route promises a memorable experience, where panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment await you. Alternatively you can hire a guide, they won’t carry your pack, but they will make the journey all the more enjoyable and safe.
What you should carry when climbing Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
Should you go it alone we implore you to go prepared and check the weather. Part of being prepared is having the right kit, it’s a question we get asked a lot in our Outdoor Shops: What do I need to climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). So we’ve broken it down into a couple of lists, starting with The Non-Negotiables / The always-carry list, that we’ve bundled together as a kit to save you money:
Yr Wyddfa Snowdon Mountain Summer Safety Kit Standard
- Map of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
- Compass
- Waterproof phone Case
- Head torch
- Whistle
- First aid kit:
- Emergency shelter / survival bag
- Midge Spray
- Sunscreen
Additionally you should also always carry, some things we don’t sell like:
- Fully charged phone – so you can call for help if you need it.
- Food and water – plus emergency snacks.
That said we do sell some Food and Nutrition and have recently added Power Packs to our range.
It’s not a big list, but it can make a big difference on the mountain, plus when mine isn’t in a rucksack ready for a hike it’s kept in the car, just in case.
What Clothing and Footwear you should wear when climbing Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
- Waterproof jacket trousers – In the summer this would be a shell.
- Trousers – In the Summer this could be overtrousers
- Warm layer – additional to what you set off in.
- Hat and gloves – even in summer, on the tops it can be 12°C colder.
We’ve a seperate blog post when for help deciding which footwear is appropriate for climbing Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) called: Are Hiking Boots Essential for Climbing Snowdon Yr Wyddfa? A Complete Guide
Conditions / party-dependent additions
- Water purification – for longer routes
- Stormproof matches – firestarter for remote or overnight trips.
- Reusable hand warmers – cheap morale and cold-hands insurance.
- Tick removal tool & Bite relief – bracken and long grass, spring to autumn.
- Smidge Headnet – if you’re spending time near a river or lake
- Sun protection – the tops burn even in a breeze, wear sun hats, sun glasses, sunscreen etc. There’s no shelter from the sun.
- Walking Poles – Can help lighten the load on your legs both up and down
Before you leave the car (the free stuff)
The non kit related safety precautions you could and should take, since mobile signal is poor in sections and you won’t be easily accessible by road.
- Check the mountain forecast (MWIS / Met Office mountain), not just the town forecast.
- Tell someone your route and expected return.
- Download what3words and know how to read an OS grid reference, both get read out to Mountain Rescue.
- Using GPS apps on the hill can drain your phone battery especially in the cold, rain can make this form of navigation difficult. Always have a plan B
- Register your phone for the emergency SMS service (text the word register to 999, then reply ‘yes’ when you receive a message). This is a great backup as it works when a call won’t connect.
- In an emergency: 999 or 112, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Crib Goch Warning
Crib Goch catches a lot of people out so it’s worth mentioning, the beginning looks like any other path on the mountain but trust me when i say it is not a walk, it is a Grade 1 Scramble, it’s exposed and dangerous, and not for the inexperienced. You will be on your hands and knees crawling along a knife edge ridge if you’re not crag fast that is. This route is for experienced walkers that are confident on exposed mountain ridges, with good navigational skills. It is not a footpath!
Optics: Bonus Kit for the Summit
Reach the summit and take in a breathtaking view, if there’s some space left in your pack why not consider taking a pair of binoculars with you to take advantage of the best vantage point in Cymru (Wales). Learn about Binoculars to search out wildlife that call Eryri home, look down at castles in the distance and ships sailing on the sea. Shop Binoculars and Monoculars today.
Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon Conclusion
Having the right kit won’t guarantee your safety on the mountain but it can help reduce the risk. Plan accordingly, be mindful of the weather and proceed with caution and an honest assessment of your own abilities, and don’t be afraid to turn back if you need to. The mountain will be still be there for your next attempt. Stay safe, have fun and see you out there.
What should I always carry while walking in Snowdonia?
Whatever the forecast says, carry the kit that lets you navigate, call for help and stay warm if things go wrong. That means a map and compass and the ability to use them, waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer beyond what you set off in, hat and gloves, food, water and an emergency snack, a head torch, a whistle, a first aid kit, an emergency survival bag or shelter, and a fully charged phone with a power bank. Eryri weather changes fast and the summit of Yr Wyddfa is colder, windier and often in cloud when the valley below is clear. Most of the kit above weighs very little and lives permanently in the bottom of your rucksack on the hill or in my van when I’m off it; the point is that it’s already there on the day you need
How do I call Mountain Rescue in Wales?
Dial 999 or 112, ask for Police, then ask for Mountain Rescue. Mountain Rescue teams in Wales are voluntary but are called upon by the police who cannot reach you on the hill, so asking for the police first is the correct route, you can’t dial a team directly. Be ready to give your location as accurately as you can (an OS grid reference or what3words), the number of people in your group and what’s happened.
If you have signal but it’s too weak for a voice call, you may still be able to send a text. Emergency SMS to 999 only works if you have registered your phone in advance, text the word “register” to 999 and follow the reply. It takes a minute at home and is worth doing before you ever need it. If you have no signal at all, try moving to higher ground or a ridge if safe to do so. Note that a 999 call can sometimes connect via another network when your own has no coverage. Failing that, make as much noise as possible with a whistle.
Do I need a survival bag for a day walk?
Yes, the one I carry weighs ~100g and fits within the palm of my hand, so why not. It’s the single most important item that can change the outcome when a day’s walk goes wrong, and it’s among the cheapest and lightest things in your pack. The scenario it exists for is simple: someone twists an ankle and can’t walk and the group is now stationary on an exposed hillside for the hours it takes to get help to them. Walking generates a lot of heat and once you stop, especially if you’re wet, windblown or have been sweating, you cool down far faster than people expect, even in mild weather. A survival bag gives you shelter from wind and rain and traps warmth around a casualty who can no longer generate their own. For a group, a two- to four-person emergency shelter is a worthwhile step up, because it keeps everyone together and warm and makes a long wait considerably more bearable. Either way, it’s a few hundred grams for the one piece of kit you’d genuinely regret not having.
