Route Summary:
An ideal alternative route to do when it’s too wet to walk up Snowdon via the Watkin Path.
| Distance | Ascent | Time |
| 6.6 km | 349 m | 2 hours |
Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Start and Finish: Nant Gwynant
Facilities:
Cafe, parking WC.
Hazards:
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.
Public Transport:
Sherpa Buses, infrequent, between Beddglert and Pen y Pass/Betws y Coed.
Traveline for UK Public TransportParking and Post Code for Sat Nav (where applicable): LL55 4NR
Quieter than Pen y Pass, but still fills up on good days
Weather Forecast:
Met Office Snowdonia Mountain Weather
Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Recommended Maps: 
Guidebooks:
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Summits and Places on this Route
- Coed yr Odyn - 0.5km
- Craigeryr - 0.9km
- Dinas Hill - 1.5km
- Dinas Emrys - 2.4km
- Yr Aran - 2.5km
Places Nearby
- Allt Maenderyn Wild Camp - 3.2km
- Llynnoedd Cerrig y Myllt - 3.3km
- Snowdon Massif – Yr Wyddfa Range - 3.5km
- Moelwynion - 3.6km
- Llyn Edno Tarp - 3.7km
Routes Nearby
- Walk up Lliwedd from Nant Gwynant - 0.1km
- Moel Meirch from Nant Gwynant - 0.1km
- Walk up Snowdon’s South Ridge from Nant Gwynant - 0.1km
- Eryri Way Day 2 – Nant Gwynant to Capel Curig - 0.8km
- Moel Meirch and Llyn Edno from Nant Gwynant - 1.4km
- Snowdon via The Watkin Path - 1.4km
- An Easy Family Walk Around Llyn Dinas - 1.9km
- Cnicht and Allt Fawr from Gelli Iago. - 2.1km
Accommodation Nearby:
- Nook Snowdonia - 0.9km
- Llyn Gwynant Campsite - 2.8km
- Summit to Savour - 4.6km
- Pen y Gwryd Hotel - 6.1km
- Your Snowdonia Business Here for free? - 6.1km
Campsites Nearby:
- Llyn Gwynant Campsite - 2.8km
- Your Snowdonia Business Here for free? - 6.1km
- Gwern Gôf Uchaf Campsite - 11.3km
- Gwern Gôf Isaf Campsite - 11.3km
- Dol Gam Campsite and B&B - 13.6km
Pubs and Cafes Nearby:
- Mallorys YHA, Pen y Pass - 5.5km
- Pen y Gwryd Hotel - 6.1km
- Your Snowdonia Business Here for free? - 6.1km
- Cynllwyd Cafe – Llyn Crafnant - 15.0km
- The Royal Oak Hotel - 17.7km
Other Businesses Nearby:
- Summit to Savour - 4.6km
- Mallorys YHA, Pen y Pass - 5.5km
- Pen y Gwryd Hotel - 6.1km
- Your Snowdonia Business Here for free? - 6.1km
- Snowdonia Bunkhouse - 6.2km
The Watkin Path up Snowdon is one of the more popular routes to the summit, but can be heavy going when conditions are against you.
This easier alternative follows the lower reaches of the Watkin Path to explore Cwm Llan, before returning along the old quarry tramline to rejoin the Watkin. I makes an excellent plan B if you’re not sure what the mountain has in store!
1 The route starts at the car park at Nant Gwynant, with the Watkin path clearly marked on the opposite side of the road. This initially takes you along a wooded path, a recent diversion to the route, before joining the original Watkin Path a bit further up.
2 the track ascends slowly, and takes in a wide curve before revealing the falls. Continuing above the river, you pass through a gate where the Carry on up the Khyber movie was filmed.
3 You’re high above the river at this point, with its welcoming pools of blue water, but soon at the same level as the river and a rather shocking hydro plant. It should weather into the landscape over time, but the stainless is still shiny nearly two years on.
These waterfalls on the Afon Cwm Llan are worth an excursion in themselves, with the bonus being that they are even more impressive in wet weather.
4 Follow the Watkin path for x metres, passing a building used for commando training during world war two, with the bullet holes still visible in places and then past the Gladstone Rock which commemorates the opening of the Watkin path in 1892 by the 83 year old Liberal prime minister, William Gladstone.
5 Just as the Watkin Path begins to climb in earnest, continue along the faint path that continues parallel to the river towards the quarry remains.
6 Crossing the end of the valley can be soggy at times, but beyond this is an excellent tramway that’s easy to follow. It may be wet in places, but nothing that should worry good boots!
Towards the end, beware the drops to one side, and keep an eye out for the path downhill to the left which brings you back to the hydro plant you passed earlier. Retrace your steps to the start.
You’ll know you’ve missed this junction as the tramway passes through a cutting to the top of a steep incline.
We Recommend the Gwynant Cafe for refreshments and a bite to eat!
