The Snowdon Horseshoe is considered one of the most challenging mountain routes in all of the UK.
The hike combines several classic routes around Mount Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, so you get to experience everything in one go on this exhilarating route.
It involves four challenging scrambles and four peaks – Y Lliwedd, Snowdon, Garnedd Ugain and Crib Goch. It’s especially if you’re a hill walker and not used to scrambles.
The route is called The Snowdon Horseshoe because of the horseshoe-shaped ring of ridges and peaks around Mount Snowdon mentioned above.
The dramatic ridge scrambles are SO worth it. The Snowdon Horseshoe is considered one of the best walks in Snowdonia.
If you want to learn more about the fascinating route, don’t go anywhere, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know for this amazing walk:
Walking/ Hiking The Snowdon Horseshoe
In Snowdonia, there are many fantastic mountain walks, but nothing quite compares to the epic and intense nature of The Snowdon Horseshoe.
The Snowdon Horseshoe can be broken down into four sections:
1) Walk From Pen-Y-Pass To Crib Goch
The start of The Snowdon Horseshoe is the Pen-Y-Pass car park, which fills up quickly, so try and get there early.
You’ll take the PYG Track towards the knife-edge ridge of Crib Goch, which fills your mind with the thoughts of having to scramble the ridge as you approach.
Scrambling the Crib Goch Ridge can either feel very exhilarating or daunting; there’s no in-between.
Although the Crib Goch Route is only rated a Grade 1 scramble, it’s up there as one of the most dangerous routes in the UK.
If you’re a novice hiker, you shouldn’t attempt this section of the Horseshoe; it’s not for the faint-hearted.
You follow the PYG trail for around 450 meters before you fork right at the stile marked Crib Goch.
From there, it’s easy to follow, which snakes up the east side of Crib Goch with a gradual incline on a scree path.
Eventually, you’ll start scrambling, which will feel daunting at first. The terrain is rough, steep, and terrifying, but it gets easier once you get past the initial mind barrier.
2) Walk From Garnedd Ugain & Crib y Ddysgl To Snowdon
Next on your list of mountain peaks are Garnedd Ugain & Crib y Ddysgl. It’s a great section that provides beautiful views of Snowdon and the challenging ridge you just conquered on Crib Goch.
Scrambling to the summit of Garnedd Ugain via Crib y Ddysgl is pretty straightforward, and you shouldn’t have any problems if you pick the right line.
Once you are at the summit marker, take another quick break, enjoy the stunning scenery, and prepare a snack before starting your next section.
You’re now on the direct route to Mount Snowdon’s summit, where you’ll be using the very busy Llanberis Path. Don’t be surprised if you’re joined by hundreds of hikers on this easy stage of the hike.
