Snowdonia National Park, United Kingdom
By The Alpines · Updated 2025-01-15 · 10 min read
The Snowdon Horseshoe is widely regarded as the best mountain walk in Wales and one of the finest ridge circuits in Britain. Starting and finishing at Pen-y-Pass, this dramatic loop links four peaks via the knife-edge Crib Goch ridge, the summit of Snowdon, and the rocky traverse of Y Lliwedd.
The route packs an extraordinary amount of variety into 12 kilometres: airy scrambling along narrow arêtes, the bustling summit of the highest peak in England and Wales, and a wild return leg over the dark cliffs of Y Lliwedd that most Snowdon visitors never see. The exposure on Crib Goch is real — this is a hands-on Grade 1 scramble with serious drops on both sides.
For confident scramblers, there's nothing else quite like it in Wales. The Horseshoe delivers a genuine alpine feel without leaving the UK, and on a clear day the views from Crib Goch across Glaslyn and the Snowdon massif are among the most spectacular in the country.
Start from the Pen-y-Pass car park and follow the Pyg Track before branching right to climb steeply up to the Crib Goch ridge. The path is well-worn but steepens dramatically as you approach the ridge. The scramble begins in earnest as you gain the crest — exposed moves on good rock with big drops either side. The pinnacles section requires careful route-finding.
From the end of Crib Goch, descend to Bwlch Coch before climbing Garnedd Ugain (the second highest peak in Wales). The ridge continues to Snowdon summit, where you join the crowds arriving via the Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The summit café is open in season.
Descend south from Snowdon towards Bwlch y Saethau, then climb onto the twin summits of Y Lliwedd. This section is quieter and wilder — the north face of Y Lliwedd drops dramatically to Llyn Llydaw below. The scrambling here is easier than Crib Goch but the atmosphere is superb.
Descend from Y Lliwedd to the shores of Llyn Llydaw, then follow the Miners Track back to Pen-y-Pass. This is a gentle finish on a well-maintained path, giving your legs a break after the ridges. The views back up to Snowdon and Y Lliwedd are a fitting end to the day.
The Snowdon Horseshoe is best attempted between May and October when conditions are most favourable. June through September offers the warmest, driest weather and longest days. Early summer is ideal — long daylight hours give margin for a relaxed pace, and the scrambling rock is dry.
Avoid the route in winter unless you have full winter mountaineering experience — Crib Goch becomes a serious alpine ridge requiring crampons, ice axes, and rope. Even in autumn, early frost or wet rock significantly increases the difficulty and risk of the scrambling sections. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, especially in school holidays when Snowdon summit gets very busy.
The Snowdon Horseshoe is a full mountain day with sustained scrambling on exposed ridges. You need confidence on steep, rocky ground with drops either side, plus the fitness for 1,000m of climbing and a 6–8 hour day.
Grade 1 scrambling on Crib Goch with serious exposure — hands on rock above big drops
Sustained exposure on narrow ridges — you must be comfortable with significant drops on both sides
1,000m of ascent over 12km with rough, uneven terrain throughout
Some steep, loose descents between peaks require careful footwork on tired legs
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Last updated: 2025-01-15 · 10 min read