your comments
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Anthony Richards from Wrexham.
I would like to take a minute to stress the importance of map and compass and good navigational skills when on the carneddau range in poor weather. I was aiming to complete the rest of the welsh 3000ers last wkend by summiting all 7 peaks in the carneddau, the weather was very poor and there was thick cloud over all the summits, visibily down to just 20 metres! All sense of direction vanishes especially when there's very little markers to navigate off and the plataeu is so wide near foel grach. Take extra time to navigate and do it often on this summit in low visibility. There is a stone shelter for r! efuge if needed, which i found to my relief.
Wed Jun 24 12:29:31 2009
Teresa Powell
Climbing a mountain was never on my wish list, so reaching the summit of Snowdon on 11 June was truly amazing. Four of us took the Pyg Track up and returned by the Miners Track. The Pyg Track route was easy to follow, but you do need to keep your wits about you, as rock falls have covered parts of the path. Care also needs to be taken on the Miners track from the top, at times you didn’t have an obvious path to follow. Although steep and hard on the knees, it doesn’t last long before the track levels out to a relatively easy walk back to car park. The weather was on our side all the way even at the top where we could see for miles. It is worth trying to do Snowdon on a clear day. The rewards were breathtaking. But even on a good day we found it can get cold very quickly if a cloud comes over. Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis next.
Tue Jun 23 14:24:13 2009
Mark Tudor
Cheers Geoff, although I have climbed Snowdon many times by all the main routes and as beautiful as she is, i I couldn't agree more, people should take time to explore the other mountains in Snowdonia. My personal favourites are the Rhinogs, which if they were a couple of hundred metres higher would give our beloved Snowdon a run for her money!!
Fri Jun 19 10:31:30 2009
Mike, Warwickshire
Geoff, Having climbed Tryfan and Snowdon, (among many others) I agree with your closing comment on Tryfan. I think it important to point out that while every mountain is dangerous, Tryfan is more dangerous than Snowdon to ascend or descend, especially its higher reaches.Descent can be very precarious as the route may not as clearly defined as one might think.I agree on the Mount bit. But that’s the press for you....
Fri Jun 19 10:31:15 2009
Geoff from Stoke
Ok Mark point taken. You're right, of course, we don't refer to other mountains with the prefix 'mount' eg Mount Tryfan, nah don't sound right. On the subject of Tryfan, it might be smaller, but it's a far better mountain.
Thu Jun 18 09:55:44 2009
Mark Tudor
Geoff from Stoke, it is not a case of splitting hairs over the name, it just saddens me when people get it wrong. The next day on the 1 o'clock news on a item regarding the cafe, the newsreader again called it Mount Snowdon, but the Welsh reporter on the top didn't. Nobody would call Cadair Idris, Mount Cadair Idris would they, so why Snowdon?
Wed Jun 17 10:05:50 2009
Geoff from Stoke
Andrea from Bury, don't be dis-heartened. I did many ascents of Snowdon before I got clear views from the top, now every time I go up I'm rewarded with stunning views especially if you ascend from the other side up the Rhyd Ddu path and it's less populated.
Mark from Widnes if we're going to split hairs over the name then we should refer to her as Yr Wyddfa.
Mon Jun 15 11:14:44 2009
Louise, Pembrokeshire
We climbed the Pyg track on May bank holiday Monday. Started at 7am just to get into the car park. Beautiful weather, in T-shirts in the 7.30am sun, wet weather gear in rucksacks. Superb views from the top, a cloudless sky, it does happen! Back down after 9am, meeting many more walkers going up, the path then became a bit crowded, may consider the Miners track down next time.
Mon Jun 15 10:25:20 2009
Nick Bell from Kent
Maybe you could put some more webcams around Snowdon?
Webteam: This webcam belongs to the First Hydro Snowdon Weather Station and they have three more in the area. See the link to their website on the right of this page.
Mon Jun 15 10:24:28 2009
Mike O - Basingstoke
First time I'd ever climbed a mountain (early fifties now) and didn't find it too difficult, but the weather was good. Did read a lot of information and studied the routes beforehand so was fairly confident that I'd get to the top pending the weather. Went up on 11th June via the Pyg Track and returned by the Miners Track. Left car at the B&B in Llanberis and took the bus to Pen-y-Pass after reading all the comments about the car park being full very early - Got off the bus to find the car park only half full at 9.30am! Four of us took the bus from Llanberis and cost £12. The car park would have been £6. On return at 5pm it was still only half full. Lucky with the weather, mountain was dry and clear, just the odd wisp of cloud over the summit now and again. It was chilly on top, glad I took my gloves. Miners track for the return was a good plan as the route is mainly track for the last mile or so which takes the pressure off the legs and allows the body to recover.You can kinda get hooked on the views, absolutely stunning and at times, when the wind dropped, it was really peaceful. Besides the sheep we even spotted a stoat scampering over the rocks. Looking forward to Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis now.
Mon Jun 15 10:20:01 2009
Maria, Bournemouth
Nice to know the new cafe has opened on top of Snowdon. Is it open all year round?
Web team: Only during the Snowdon Mountain Railway operating season. See Snowdon links for their website.
Mon Jun 15 10:17:51 2009
Andrea, Bury
Thanks Maria. Judging from most of the comments on here blue skies and clear views from the summit are very unusual and don't happen very often! But I'm going to keep on trying anyway.
Wed Jun 10 09:11:30 2009
Maria, Bournemouth
To Andrea Andrews, I climb Snowdon twice a year in March & October for the last seven years and only managed to see the summit with clear blue skies once, so be prepared for a cloudy summit again. I've done the Pyg track, Miners track, Llanberis track, part of Watkin track, Rhyd Ddu track, apart from Crib Coch.
Tue Jun 9 10:29:20 2009
Mark Tudor, Widnes
Could the BBC please inform all of their correspondents and other media people that it is NOT called Mount Snowdon, just Snowdon (which relates to the massif as a whole)it is used more and more often these days by people who should know better.
Mon Jun 8 10:11:44 2009
Andrea Andrews, Bury Lancs
My husband & I went up Snowdon for the first time in April for my 40th birthday we went up via the Pyg track, I can't say I found it easy but neither hard so somewhere in between for me! but enjoyable at the same time. We had spectacular views on the way up but then hit cloud on the summit, so we will be returning soon because i'm dying to see the views from the top.
Mon Jun 8 10:11:18 2009
Anita, Cardiff
Was on Snowdon last week. To Julie from Aber and Peter from Suffolk -we went up by train, only goes to Clogwyn at the moment as cafe not finished yet. Mum returned on train and Dad, sis and 2 children and I walked down. Clogwyn is 3/4 but that is still a long way for those not used to walking. Going down is often harder than walking uphill as there is more pressure put on your joints. It took us 3hrs with the kids, short halfway picnic and stopping to take photos.Llanberis path is your safest bet as weather is so changeable and path very obvious. It was very cold and misty when we got off the train but by half way down it was warm and sunny.
Thu May 28 14:00:24 2009
Alan Telford
Ascended Snowdon via the Pyg Track yesterday with my daughter and two of her friends. Hard work for the girls but harder for me being older. Superbly enjoyable and can't wait to go again, possibly up another route next time. The weather was fine on the way up until we joined the Llanberis Path where the wind hit us like a brick wall, but we reached the top in one piece and went back down the Pyg Track if only for protection from the wind. Love the place.
Wed May 27 12:12:12 2009
Bob, Corby
Peter, just a quick word of warning. We are up here at the moment and the train only runs to Clogwyn station. This is only 3/4 of the way up as the cafe is not yet open.
Wed May 27 10:09:31 2009
Steve Brown, Kent
Went up Llanberis Path on Sunday. Weather fantastic, views spectacular. It was quite crowded due to such fine bank holiday weather - a brilliant experience. I'll have to have a go when it's a bit tougher weatherwise next time.
Wed May 27 09:53:07 2009
Peter, Brandon, flat Suffolk
I am 66 and have an artificial foot. We are going to Snowdonia next weekend. I would like to go up Snowdon by train and walk down. I have walked up and down the Old Man of Coniston successfully, but that was 12 years ago. Any advice please?
Tue May 26 09:15:14 2009
Andree Tyler, Surrey
I went up Snowdon yesterday (Sunday). The weather forecast was rain and strong winds all day. Having travelled five hours to walk it we were going up in wind, rain or hail.It was totally worth it and enjoyable. The sun came out and the sky was blue for most of the walk up along the Llanberis path. It's the first time I've been to Snowdon and seen snow on the top. Absolutelty amazing. As expected, the weather changed after half way and became very windy and cold. We made it to the top in the sprinkling of snow, almost blown off the top, then soaked on the way down when the heavens opened. The view from the top was misty, but you could just about make out the coastline. I clung to that brick pile as though my life depended on it. To anyone planning on going who's never been before, take layers of warm/waterproof clothing. It can be sunny T-shirt weather one minute and raining, cold and blowing a gale the next. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Will be planning the next trip soon.
Tue May 19 09:50:57 2009
Michelle Richardson, Hertfordshire
A small group of us went to climb Snowdon on Saturday. Only one of the group had done it before. I am so pleased I managed to get to the summit despite the wind, hail, rain and low cloud cover. We went via the Pyg Track and returning down the Llanberis Path, stopping at the halfway point for a great cup of tea. We went with clothes we thought we wouldn't need, multiple layers, waterproofs, woolie hats. The only thing I wish I had invested in was a pair of waterproof gloves, mine got soaking wet and that meant freezing hands. I finally got to the finger after being helped the last few steps and clung to that piece of rock for dear life the winds were so strong (I'm am quite small). I want to go back and try a different path and hopefully get a view from the summit, when the aches in my muscles have recovered.
Mon May 18 11:28:40 2009
Mark James, Manchester
I do Snowdon every Thurs morn. I usually go up the Miners and down the Pyg. The weather is always bad. I've only had one good day this year. On this particular day it was bad visibility all the way up, but when I got to the top it is was clear. I had a cloud inversion. It was amazing.
Mon May 18 10:56:15 2009
Julie, Aberystwyth
I am planning a staff team outing going up Snowdon. We are a mixed ability group and a couple may need to go on the train. I don't want to split into more than two routes (plus train). Anyone have any recommendations and advice?
Fri May 15 14:19:44 2009
Richard, Buckinghamshire
Three of us climbed Snowdon last Saturday via Crib Goch, 80mph wind and horizontal hail made it a bit of a handful but a real buzz to have achieved. Like Pam we had hoped for a great view but still had a great time without. Came down the Pyg track - couldn't believe how nice the weather was at the bottom!
Thu May 14 09:17:09 2009
Roy, Liverpool
Re Steve J Cheshire. Myself and a close friend are regular hikers in Snowdonia and in particular the Crib Goch ridge in all types of weather and conditions. Having crossed the ridge in the same manner and pace as the said "nutter" on You-tube, I must admit seeing it from another viewers point of view left me feeling a little uncomfortable and I even had pains in my legs watching it. I consider these guys as ultra confident and very experienced and very passionate about what they do. Anybody who takes it upon themselves to climb what is in my opinion the best mountain ridge in Britain, in any weather condition must accept a degree of risk and the level of that risk is dictated my the level of experience they have. Those who choose to cross the ridge in training shoes or wellies, as I have witnessed on many occasions, are the real "nutters" and show little respect for the mountain terrain or indeed the guys called out to rescue them.
Mon May 11 10:02:44 2009
Pam, Buckinghamshire
Eleven of us have just returned from climbing Snowdon, after never climbing a mountain before. We went up via the miners track not knowing what to expect and were faced with a steep rocky ascent with 80mph winds, hail and rain and thick cloud cover. I seriously thought we wouldn't make it and many other walkers decided to turn back - that wasn't an option for me! When we got to the top there wasn't an amazing view as hoped, just 11 cold and drenched souls surrounded by cloud. We walked down the Llanberis path which was definitely a more comfortable walk once we got to the point where it wasn't hailing. We were very grateful for the cafe at the half way point for a nice warm drink and shelter from the wind and rain! There were thankfully no injuries, just 11 aching but relieved people. We were all glad we completed this personal challenge and have all said looking back that it was an amazing day. We wished we had left a change of clothes in the car and a towel and checked the wind speed before we left.
Mon May 11 09:53:19 2009
Pete from Sheffield
To Ian and Keith: the PYG track DOES have sheer drops (at the zig-zags) and has been the site of the occasional serious accident. However, it can be easily and safely negotiated with a little common sense - stay to the right on the ascent and keep a good handhold on the rock when the path is wet. My preference is to ascend via the PYG and descend on another path. If based in Llanberis, you can use the Sherpa bus to get you to Pen-y-Pass for the PYG track and then return via the more gentle Llanberis path. Then there is no need to use the very busy car park at Pen-y-Pass or to park on the road at the hotel junction.
Thu May 7 11:15:58 2009
Kevin (flat Essex)
To Keith from Suffolk. I go to Wales, in particular Snowdon or the Moelwyns, as often as I can and I have been up the PYG several times. It is a fantastic route with some of the best views available, in my opinion. The first section of the PYG is quite steep and taxing and you can get very tired very quickly, but you mustn't get discouraged. Once you get to the base of Crib Goch (the triangular peak you can see from Pen-y-Pass) it levels out over Llyn Llydaw for about 3/4 of a mile so you get ample time to recover before you hit the steep zigzag section before the junction with the Llanberis path to the summit. The most important thing to remember is to be aware of the fork in the path at the top of the first section. You'll need to take the left fork and go over the stile to remain on the PYG. If you take the right fork you'll be going up Crib Goch which is VERY enjoyable but the hardest route with approx 300' sheer drop on one side. Along the PYG, as you get to Llyn Glaslyn (the smaller lake below Snowdon) you'll pass an obvious obelisk or 'fingerstone' which has been placed on the path. This is to show you the point at which to descend to the Miners path if you choose to go that way down. I usually do go down the Miners for two reasons. 1. It's much easier and quicker back to the car park. 2. If the PYG is busy with people on their way up it can get a bit 'tight' if you're on your way down and you end up stopping to let people through and then possibly having a natter for a while. For me, although the banter is very nice, this makes it very hard to get going again! Whatever you choose to do, you're sure of a fantastic day out if you are properly prepared and most importantly, DON'T take any unecessary risks! Snowdon is beautiful but also dangerous! Have a great day.
Thu May 7 10:05:56 2009
Alex, Cheltenham
Aiming to climb Snowdon next weekend (9th May). Is the Ranger path suitable for beginners? I have climbed Snowdon before, but about 20 years ago when I was a bit younger!
Fri May 1 14:15:07 2009
Ian from flat Hertfordshire
Hi Keith, the Pyg track has no sheer drops, it gets steeper and zig zags across the slope as you get near the top of the ridge before turning south to the summit, although that should pose no problems. At worst you can turn back at any point if you feel at all unsure of the terrain. You are doing the right thing in your depth of preparation and to my mind that puts you halfway there! I'm sure you'll have no difficulty although probably best to go on a good weather day until you're experienced at map and compass work. On the way back you could branch off to return using the Miners track for some added interest. It is a great place to be, all the best, let us know how you get on.
Thu Apr 30 13:43:36 2009
Keith from flat Suffolk
Recently discovered the joys of hill walking and have done, on average, one a month since Sept 08. Funny really because I can't climb a ladder without getting a bit scared. Anyway, I want to go up Snowdon via the PYG track and having studied countless photos, maps and narratives I still am not sure whether I would encounter any sheer drops or anything that may discourage me from trying the climb. I guess I just need one of you experienced walkers/climbers to be straight with me and tell me what to really expect.
Tue Apr 28 13:58:48 2009
GS Berkshire
Went up Snowdon yesterday, started with low cloud, and threat of rain. As we reached the summit, cloud disappeared to be replaced by brilliant sunshine. I know it's been mentioned many times before, but I cannot get over the number of people in jeans and trainers - although full respect to Buzz Lightyear, Darth Vader, Wonder Woman and the rest of their gang - very amusing and at least you had boots on!
Mon Apr 27 10:35:22 2009
Ian Flannery
A big thanks to Llanberis Mountain Rescue and the RAF guys for rescuing me off Lliwedd Bach on bank hol Monday. I'm in Warrington Hospital now recovering after an op to fix bad breaks on my leg. Also thanks to Kevin McGrar from Lincoln for staying with me. Whether you do an easy walk or hard walk, be careful as I got caught out on an easy stretch of on the way down. I was prepared, had all the right gear, but accidents still happen and fast. They are when you're not expecting to slip. PS I'm 39, not 50 as stated by the news.
Mon Apr 27 10:33:26 2009
Paul Warrington
Hi Jess, try going up the PYG track then down the Miners, both start and finish at the same car park, get there early though if you want a space, gets busy during the summer months.
Fri Apr 24 09:19:17 2009
What do think of this webcam?
