Yr Wyddfa – Expert Route Guides

hiking

Hiking

Eryri

hiking book

Sarah Lister

Vertebrate Publishing

Snowdonia

Snowdon

Yr Wyddfa

Yr Wyddfa – Expert Route Guides

By Hilary Pullen

Published on August 30, 2024

5 min read

In the North of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), you will find Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest peak in Wales and the tallest mountain in the British Isles south of the Scottish Highlands.

Kate and her dog Nonny

We had the pleasure of speaking with Eryri expert Kate about this iconic Welsh mountain and her new guidebook which features 15 routes on and nearby Yr Wyddfa. Yr Wyddfa, 15 routes to enjoy on and around Snowdon is part of the fantastic new Mountain Walks series from Vertebrate Publishing, which we are proud to stock in the Ordnance Survey Shop.

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Yr Wyddfa stands at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) above sea level, it has long been a favourite of hikers and climbers. Over half a million people visit Yr Wydffa each year, many of them reaching the top not on foot by one of the many Snowdon paths but via the Victorian railway track built in 1896.

The Yr Wyddfa Massif has a diverse range of landscapes, from the jagged ridges of Crib Goch to the rolling slopes of Y Lliwedd. Shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial forces, it features striking elements such as precipitous ridges and corrie valleys but is also full of beautiful fauna and flora.

Did you know?

Edmund Hillary and his team spent the winter training and honing their mountaineering skills on the slopes of Snowdon and the Glyderau before their successful Everest summit in 1953!

Meet Kate Worthington, author of Yr Wyddfa, 15 routes to enjoy on and around Snowdon

How did you feel to be chosen as author and expert for the Yr Wyddfa Route Guide Book?

It was a privilege to be offered the opportunity to create content for Vertebrate Publishing: I was truly thankful and flattered to be thought of as someone who could lend their voice and experience to the process of creating Mountain Walks – Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon. I really hope that my varied walking experience and writing skills create a really useable resource for all sorts of walkers and runners to enjoy and refer to for planning their own adventures. Sometimes it takes recognition from others for me to fully believe in myself and appreciate the experience and skills that I do have. I am thankful to Vertebrate for recognising I held these qualities in the first place.

Can you tell us a little about your passion for Yr Wyddfa and Eryri and how it came about?

I have lived and worked as a Mountain Leader in Eryri since 2010, gaining my qualification in 2006 before that. And even though I had visited Eryri in my childhood and early twenties, it wasn’t until I was living and working here that I was able to dial into the area’s unique landscape and varied qualities – from high, rugged mountain terrain to quieter hills and lonely valleys that beckon adventures away from the most obvious summits on many people’s ‘tick lists’. And living in the mountainous valley of Nant Peris, underneath the Yr Wyddfa massif, offers an amazing insight into how daily weather patterns change and are impacted by the high ground that surrounds us. I am constantly in awe of the landscape around the house, and this inspires and delights me every day – even the very windy and wet days, of which there are many! I have spent many years working out walking/running routes for a diverse range of people, as well as for my own personal enjoyment and freedom; offering opportunities to learn more about different areas and communities. I have also supported many conservation projects with Snowdonia National Park and the Snowdonia Society, as well as 10 years of the ‘Real 3 Peaks Challenge’ on Yr Wyddfa, co-ordinating clean-up activities on major paths.

Can you give some advice to beginner hikers thinking about visiting this area for the first time, which route do you think would be best to start with and why?

Dinorwig Quarry with a view of the Yr Wyddfa Massif

I would suggest looking at Route 2 – Nant Peris & Chwarel Dinorwig (Dinorwig Quarry). The route itself offers a great introduction to the local area around Llanberis, with magnificent views of Yr Wyddfa, informing walkers of the type of terrain they may encounter on longer, higher outings. The walk itself offers interest in its own right, helping walkers to appreciate the history and influence of the quarry workings that have shaped the village of Llanberis. And one can test navigation confidence and use of kit in a less committing environment. The experience can be extended by visiting the Slate Museum before or after the walk. As the walk is based from Llanberis, this also affords walkers the opportunity to find out more about local transport services, the Snowdon Railway and other essential information that will benefit planning for other walks.

A Fascinating Walk!

I was lucky enough to be sent Kate’s book and decided to test out this route around Dinorwig Quarry. The route instructions were really easy to follow, it’s a fascinating walk with so much history to take in alongside the stunning views Hilary (Editor)

Dinorwig Quarry Route

Can you choose your favourite routes from the book and tell us why they are special to you

Route 4 – Nantgwynant & Llyn Gwynant – I love the varied nature of the Rights of Ways around this valley, passing through native and planted woodland as well as open fields and quieter lanes, with the eastern side always quiet. It’s good to have a lower-level route options for winter days or poor weather and the paths themselves are always interesting underfoot to add interest.

Explore Llyn Gwynant on OS Maps

Route 10 – Foel-goch & Elidir Fawr – because this route extends to the hills directly behind my house and I look at the summit of Elidir Fawr every day. I access this route, or part of it, quite often for personal walks or runs with the dog and always enjoy the changing seasons and views it offers.

Explore Elidir Fawr on OS Maps

Route 15 – Tour of Yr Wyddfa – because I love the concept of travelling ‘around’ Yr Wyddfa, appreciating the mountain’s different valleys and characters. It’s a clever way to enjoy the terrain and I have enjoyed this loop with the dog in numerous weathers. If I extend the route slightly. I can also run or walk direct from home – which is a real privilege.

Explore Yr Wyddfa on OS Maps

Find out more about the authorwww.raw-adventures.co.ukInstagram – @mtnrunningkate

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We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking kit so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.

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By Hilary Pullen

Meet Hilary, Editor of Get Outside – the Ordnance Survey Blog. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram @nearlyuphill and read her guides to walking in North Wales on her blog. Drop her an email hilary.pullen@os.uk if you are interested in posting an article on Get Outside.