The Watkin path up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is considered to be the most scenic but steepest of the main six routes to the top of the highest mountain in Wales with an ascent of 1,015 meters. Often the quietest path due to the loose scree section that joins the Watkin to the Rhyd Ddu path.
We parked early in a free parking area (LL55 4NH) close to the bottom of the Watkin marker stone. These spaces are usually gone pretty quickly but there is a large paid carpark with a toilet opposite the start of the path. The path which initially winds through stunning woodland, is obvious and in good condition, some of the paths were once used by the South Yr Wyddfa Slate Quarry, and many remains of the huge quarry works can still be seen. We walked alongside incredibly beautiful waterfalls and dipping pools that are normally an attraction especially in the warm months.
We soon came across Gladstone Rock, named after the Prime Minster William Gladstone who officially opened the path in 1892, and the first designated footpath in Britain! The path itself' was the creation of Sir Edward Watkin, hence the path's name, an entrepreneur and MP. Soon the path gets steeper as you ascend the southern slopes of Yr Wyddfa. Eventually, we reached a short plateau where we could look over the breathtaking waters of the Glasyn and Llyn Llydaw, the Miners and Pyg tracks and the entire horseshoe. We consumed tea here. Marvellous.
The scree, and easy scramble, came next. Dreaded by many but not as frightening as most believe. It isn't a simple piece of path as it needs considered foot steps and navigation. It is loose scree and a couple of times, due to larger rock faces, we had to use our hands but it is very doable. Ceri does not have a head for heights and did feel a touch unsteady at times but nothing awful. We met up with the steps the stewards of Eryri (Snowdonia) have placed to prevent erosion and make the path a lot safer. It took around 30 odd minutes from the bottom of the scree to the top of the steps.
We then made our way up to the peak. It was an unusually warm Autumn day but was not too busy on top. We did the legally required top of the World photos and arm pumps and headed of to drink tea, again. We decided we would take the Rhyd Ddu ridge path back. It is utterly stunning, some of the best views in Eryri can be found on this ridge. We used this to make our way down to a mining track parallel to the Watkin. The walk down can be a bit steep in places and we needed to use a path that winds through scree, nothing terrible but worth knowing, could be dodgy in bad weather.
We soon connected back up with the Watkin path and followed it back through the forest.
9.4 miles in the end, worth every step.
Thank you for being here, all the best, Ceri & Kat!
/ teainvalhalla
/ teainvalhalla