It was named one of the best hikes in the world and it’s easy to see why
Hiking-loving Brits are swapping long-haul flights for a world-class climb right on their doorstep as interest in Wales’ highest peak surges after it was named one of the top 10 hikes on the planet. It will come as no surprise to Welshies that Yr Wyddfa in Eryri was named one of the best hikes in the world by Time Out.
The popular peak can be accessed via hiking trails or the Snowdon Mountain Railway and offers sweeping views at the summit. Time Out’s travel writer Liv Kelly advised that “the Llanberis path is the most beginner-friendly and the Watkin Path is the most challenging”.
She added: “Opt for the Pyg or Miners’ track and you’ll be treated to arguably the most outstanding views of any of the routes. From Pyg, the Snowdon Horseshoe (the ring of peak ridges leading to the summit) will be your backdrop, as well as the distinctive U-shaped glacial valleys that formed these mountains.”
Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), is loved by walkers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Its nine mountain ranges cover approximately 52% of the park and include many peaks that are greater than 3,000ft.
Towering at 1,085m (3,560ft) Yr Wyddfa is already one of Europe’s busiest mountains, drawing around 600,000 walkers every year, with reported queues of up to 45 minutes for a summit selfie on peak days.
There are six main paths to the summit of Yr Wyddfa: Llanberis Path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path, and the Snowdon Ranger Path.
Each of these trails has unique natural features and challenges and it’s important to be prepared for each path as you attempt the summit – especially during the winter season.
Even during the summer months ill-prepared hikers have become stranded, as weather conditions can change rapidly. In recent years mountain rescuers have been urging visitors to prepare properly before hiking in the national park following a huge rise in call-outs this year. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.
Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, whose patch includes Yr Wyddfa, has experienced an increase in call-outs in 2025 and is on track to set a new record for annual incidents.
Volunteer Chris Lloyd said the route up Yr Wyddfa can “bite back” due to its rough terrain and that some walkers are “dressed as if they’re going across the supermarket car park”. He told BBC Radio Wales: “So many are totally ill-equipped and haven’t really thought about where they are going.”
If you want to hike Yr Wyddfa this winter you should take a look at the Adventuresmart guidance that Rambler Cymri developed alongside mountain rescuers and ask yourself three questions before you head out:
- Do I have the right gear?
- Do I know what the weather will be like?
- Am I confident that I have the knowledge and skills for the day?
Check the mountain weather reports and take plenty of layers of warm clothes as well as spares in your backpack. Make sure your phone is fully charged, you have a backup power pack, and remember to pack lots of snacks and drinks to keep you well-fuelled.
Start by choosing a route that suits the fitness level of everybody in your hiking group. Visit Snowdonia recommend the Llanberis path if this is your first time climbing Yr Wyddfa as it’s one of the easier routes up the mountain.
Basic map-reading skills will come in handy when planning your route and will also serve you well on a mountain trail. GPS apps are great until your phone battery runs out so it’s always better to have some navigation ability when attempting a mountain summit.
Several companies in Wales offer navigation courses and Ramblers Cymru also provides resources and training days for hikers looking to improve their map-reading skills.
What you wear will also make a huge difference when hiking up a 3,000ft peak – especially in winter. Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes, socks, and a decent outdoor jacket are a must for mountain hiking.
In wintry conditions you’ll need to take extra clothing such as thermal layers, a warm fleece jacket, gloves, and a hat, preferably with Thinsulate lining.
Avoid cotton if you can as it holds moisture which will make you feel chilly when the temperatures drop.
Wool and synthetics are ideal base layers and can be paired with warm fleeces and a breathable shell jacket.
Make sure to pack a headtorch, compass, map, water bottle or hydration pack, whistle, first aid kit, mobile phone and, if you are hiking in the middle of winter, a lightweight, compact survival blanket.
