Snowdon, Watkin Path, Snowdonia
Tough on the legs but easy on the eye, the Watkin Path offers a challenging but scenic alternative to thTeHuEsFuAaClTrSoutes up Snowdon.
More peaceful than the popular routes, and less technical than Crib Goch, the Watkin Path offers an ascent of Snowdon that balances challenge and reward. Widely regarded as the toughest of the paths, it makes the most of the available height gain, setting out some 300m lower than those starting at Pen-y-Pass. The views throughout are outstanding, and an enjoyably different perspective on the classic Snowdon vistas.
The early miles climb gently up into Cwm Llan, passing a series of waterfalls and the remnants of former mine workings. Later on the hard work really begins, tackling steep, rough terrain in the approach to the top. Take some well-earned breaks to admire the views: out across Cwm Tregalan; the brooding crags of Clogwyn Du; Yr Aran’s pyramidal peak; and, up ahead, the summit of Snowdon itself. Thanks to a crowdfunding campaign led by the BMC, a new, 160m traditional stone path offers a safer and more enjoyable route across the scree slopes, with further work planned to tackle the lower section.
From the top, the return trip traverses the ridge above Clogwyn Du, before descending back into Cwm Llan.