The Route

We climbed Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) by way of the Watkin Path, a route less travelled, but no less dramatic. It begins in a green hush: mossy woodland, gurgling streams, and cascading falls. But soon, the path grows sharper, rockier, steeper.

Difficulty: Moderate (elevated by rain)

View route on OS Maps

Hafod y Llan: Camp and Comfort

We made base at Hafod y Llan, tucked beneath the hills. A stream carved through the land beside us, birdsong in the trees above. It felt quiet. Ancient.

  • The night before: We arrived under cloud, pitched in soft grass, and prepped our gear beneath the hiss of approaching rain.

  • The night after: Soaked and satisfied, I stepped into what might’ve been the best shower of my life. Warmth returned. Then: a cocktail in hand, snacks in our laps, and rounds of Uno by lantern light, laughter echoing off damp tent.

  • The morning after: A slow, welcome start. Coffee on the stove. Scrambled egg, cheese, and hot sauce wraps. With the tent packed down, we drove to Conwy, wandered the castle and town, grabbed lunch, and carried on home.

The Climb: Into the Mist

The trail opens gently, trees, river, rock, and those unforgettable waterfalls. But by the time we hit 400m, the world had vanished into grey.

  • Visibility: Just 3 metres near the top, the landscape swallowed by cloud.
  • Conditions: Wet. Slippery. Constant wind. Paths turning to streams.
  • Scrambles: One section, soaked in rain, felt like a V0/V1 bouldering problem , easy on paper, trickier in soaked boots.

We reached the summit eventually. No glamour. Just a touch to the trig point, a mouthful of banana and peanut butter wrap, and a quick retreat from the exposed, crowded peak.

What I Wore

  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Long-sleeve base layer
  • Lightweight shell jacket
  • Walking trousers + waterproof overtrousers

Final Reflections

Would I do it again? Without a doubt, but I’d pray for better weather. The Watkin Path is rewarding, and in clear skies, the views must be staggering.

Tip: Skip weekends if you can. Even in storms, Snowdon’s summit draws queues.

Would I recommend the Watkin Path?

Absolutely, but with care. It’s not a casual stroll. it’s one of the most evocative ways up the mountain.

But in bad weather, come prepared.