- Overview -
Come along with us on our annual trip to Wales’ tallest peak, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). We will be splitting into two groups doing separate routes to accommodate different abilities.
- Details -
For this hike, we will board the coach at the main campus entrance next to the security office. This will take us up north to Pen y Pass and drop us off there. This is the start of both hike routes, and they are as follows:
Easier route – Miner’s Track
This route starts from Pen y Pass, with a walk along a gravel path at a gentle incline. We pass by the lake Llyn Teyrn, before reaching the larger Llyn Llydaw. This is home to the UK’s oldest hydro-electric power station. At this stage, the group attempting the harder route will break off and ascend the adjacent mountain, up to Y Lliwedd. Those on the easier hike will cross a bridge over the lake, and continue along the shoreline, passing the remnants of an old copper mine. The gravel then transitions to a path of large rocks, and we begin ascending Yr Wyddfa up a zigzagging path. At the top, we join the last stretch of path up to the summit, where we will sync up with those taking the harder route. We’ll then descend the gentle Llanberis path to the town of Llanberis. We’ll meet the coach here at 17:30. The total distance is around 14.5km with approximately 764m of ascent.
Harder route – Yr Wyddfa via Y Lliwedd
This route also starts from Pen y Pass and begins along the Miner’s path. At the shores of Llyn Llydaw, our route breaks off to the south to begin the steep ascent up to the small plateau below Lliwedd Bach. This is the start of the ridge walk along the top of Y Lliwedd and its two peaks, which has excellent views of the glacial valley and cwm below. The route then joins the Watkin path at Bwlch Ciliau for the final ascent up the scree slope to the summit. We’ll then sync up with those taking the easier route. We’ll then descend the gentle Llanberis path to the town of Llanberis. We’ll meet the coach here at 17:30. The total distance is around 14.5km with approximately 950m of ascent.
This route involves scrambling and a section ascending scree (loose rock). As such, only those with experience on mountains should join this route.
There are toilets at the start and the end of both routes. The toilets at the summit visitor centre may also be available, but could be closed/busy at short notice.
Contingency – Dinorwig Quarry
If the weather is unsuitable for us to go up Yr Wyddfa, mainly if the windspeed is too great, then we will go on a hike around the historic Dinorwig quarry and Llyn Padarn. This route will be discussed when we get to Llanberis if we are unable to attempt Yr Wyddfa.
- Meetings, timings and transport -
We’ll meet at the main campus entrance at 07:15. Both routes should be doable in under 7.5 hours and therefore we should be back in Aberystwyth at no later than 19:30. We will be using a 49-seater coach provided by Mid Wales Travel to get to and from Yr Wyddfa, and the drive is around 2 hours.
-Sign up-
Signing up costs £12.50 to get yourself a seat on the coach.
✨✨✨To sign up head to the SU website (https://www.abersu.co.uk/club/hikingclub/) and under the products tab you’ll find ‘Hiking - Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon’ add that to your basket and checkout.✨✨✨
Sign-up should be available from Thursday morning.
If you miss the sign-up, please email us to be put on a waiting list: hikingclub@aber.ac.uk
- Equipment -
-Walking boots/ or very good trainers*
-Waterproof coat
-Waterproof trousers*
-At least 4 layers of clothing
-At least 2L of water
-Lunch and snacks
-A suitable bag to carry everything
*If you want to check the suitability of your footwear, or borrow equipment (e.g. waterproof trousers), please email us on hikingclub@aber.ac.uk . Please contact us at least 24 hours before the event.
You can view the equipment we have available to borrow on our equipment list: https://prifysgolaber.sharepoint.com/:x:/s/Hiking/EUEPu_aL24tBrflGuOK3QmoBewzUlfi-6ECua_8BGoMcMQ?e=VZ2utf
- End -
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