Snowdon - Llanberis Path
#1
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From: Tellins, Home of Super Leagues finest, and where a "split" is not all it seems.
Snowdon - Llanberis Path
This Sunday I will rise from my slumber at a ludicrously early hour, drive to Wales and walk up and then down Snowdon.
This is training for the planned Scafell Pike walk later this summer. Which having seen Julia Bradbury do it on the tele seems to be currently my ultimate challenge for 2007!
We've chosen the Llanberis path as it seems to be very easy but still 5 hours of uphill climbing which is what the test is about... We need a walk to get used to muscle use/burn, energy levels, required equipment etc...
As it is going to be a nice day will I be OK in running shoes as opposed to my gargantuan walking boots?
Has anyone done it before, any recommendations? Is parking OK? Will the hut at the top be open to give me a cardio massage? How many litres of beer (I mean sugary drinks and water) should I take? Do I need a passport? Is the summit an anti climax or are the views stunning?
This is training for the planned Scafell Pike walk later this summer. Which having seen Julia Bradbury do it on the tele seems to be currently my ultimate challenge for 2007!
We've chosen the Llanberis path as it seems to be very easy but still 5 hours of uphill climbing which is what the test is about... We need a walk to get used to muscle use/burn, energy levels, required equipment etc...
As it is going to be a nice day will I be OK in running shoes as opposed to my gargantuan walking boots?
Has anyone done it before, any recommendations? Is parking OK? Will the hut at the top be open to give me a cardio massage? How many litres of beer (I mean sugary drinks and water) should I take? Do I need a passport? Is the summit an anti climax or are the views stunning?
#3
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From: Tellins, Home of Super Leagues finest, and where a "split" is not all it seems.
Poodom! I didnt think of it like that!!! Your entire sense of achievement destroyed by some al duffers and snotty kids...
Still it'll be a first for me and it's all planned and arranged now...
Still it'll be a first for me and it's all planned and arranged now...
#4
Loads of parking available.
Didn't quite get to the summit myself last year as the train wasn't working due to slippage of the track so had a large icecream instead. Have done all the mountains in the lakes before though and Ben Nevis twice.
Didn't quite get to the summit myself last year as the train wasn't working due to slippage of the track so had a large icecream instead. Have done all the mountains in the lakes before though and Ben Nevis twice.
#5
In theory you could do it in trainers, and many run up that path in them, but IMHO hill-walking is trainers is always a bad idea. I also assume that you mean five hours for the lot, as it's about 2.5 up and 2 down for a moderately unfit adult. That path is the easiest, but longest, and essentially follows the railway. Much/all of it is properly laid path (it was sand when I went up in about 1997) to stop erosion.
Water? I litre each will probably be fine unless it's very hot. Unless it has changed, the cafe won't be open yet IIRC? At this time of year there's a 50% chance you won't see anything due to low cloud, but you might be lucky.
M
Water? I litre each will probably be fine unless it's very hot. Unless it has changed, the cafe won't be open yet IIRC? At this time of year there's a 50% chance you won't see anything due to low cloud, but you might be lucky.
M
#6
I did it when I was 9 years old, so it can't be that tough! I'm not trying to be smart, but I honestly don't remember it being a real grueler (sp?) and I certainly didn't have walking boots. It didn't take 5 hours either, but the view from the top was magnificent (summer of '76) Sadly, I suspect visibilty will not be so good nowdays.
It should be quiet at the top though, as the train only goes up to Clogwyn Station (2500ft) at the mo, as they are building a new complex at the top, so it shouldn't be overrun with idiots who couldn't be bothered to walk it.
I would dearly like to go up again, maybe one day.......
Geezer
It should be quiet at the top though, as the train only goes up to Clogwyn Station (2500ft) at the mo, as they are building a new complex at the top, so it shouldn't be overrun with idiots who couldn't be bothered to walk it.
I would dearly like to go up again, maybe one day.......
Geezer
#7
Yep pretty straightforward. The path while long isn't particularly steep or technical. Pretty sure you could get a Landrover to the top using it.
As for using running shoes, yeah fine if that's what you want to do. I'd prefer to wear my boots, it will get you used to walking in them for future expeditions, they'll protect and support your ankles (it still can be tough on the legs when descending) and my Gore-Tex boots really aren't gargantuan - quite light and comfy really - so I don't mind wearing them at all.
As for using running shoes, yeah fine if that's what you want to do. I'd prefer to wear my boots, it will get you used to walking in them for future expeditions, they'll protect and support your ankles (it still can be tough on the legs when descending) and my Gore-Tex boots really aren't gargantuan - quite light and comfy really - so I don't mind wearing them at all.
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#8
Agree with CD that you should wear your boots in. We climbed Scafell Pike last week on this route which was superb (we didn't do the extension). But it is very rocky and you definitely need boots there. Total time car to car = 6.5hours (one 12 year old and one "moderately unfit adult" ). We went up Grains Gill and down via the Corridor Route. HTH
#9
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From: Tellins, Home of Super Leagues finest, and where a "split" is not all it seems.
Coolio... Just 2.5 hours to the top? I'll be up photographed and down before luncheon!
I cant see me wearing the boots (mine are hi-tek_ because I bought them a size bigger than needed so I could line them with winter walking socks... it's going to be 23degrees on Sunday so I will have sweaty soggy feet and look like a pot bellied big foot
Speedking, re Scafell,I'll be back in touch in a few months with a thread about that expedition! Looking forward to that little country stroll...
I cant see me wearing the boots (mine are hi-tek_ because I bought them a size bigger than needed so I could line them with winter walking socks... it's going to be 23degrees on Sunday so I will have sweaty soggy feet and look like a pot bellied big foot
Speedking, re Scafell,I'll be back in touch in a few months with a thread about that expedition! Looking forward to that little country stroll...
#10
#11
I did the Lanberis park last week to the summit of Snowdon with my Mountain bike!!! Sure you can't ride all of it up as the path is a right mess and very bad condition in places but it was a HUGE grin on the way down. Quite a difference from Essex!!
There's nothing @ the summit at the present as they are in the middle of rebuilding all of it, so make sure you have plenty of fluids and food. Even the half way cafe was closed when we went up!!
Oh and the road that leads to Lanberis from Betws y coed is superb in every way, smooth with long sweeping bends and amazing scenery. Just watch out for the welsh old bill in the 30mph limits.
Pics of the track on the way up and a view from close to the summit (we was in cloud when we got to the 1085M top)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00103.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00109.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...les2007052.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...les2007048.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00105.jpg
There's nothing @ the summit at the present as they are in the middle of rebuilding all of it, so make sure you have plenty of fluids and food. Even the half way cafe was closed when we went up!!
Oh and the road that leads to Lanberis from Betws y coed is superb in every way, smooth with long sweeping bends and amazing scenery. Just watch out for the welsh old bill in the 30mph limits.
Pics of the track on the way up and a view from close to the summit (we was in cloud when we got to the 1085M top)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00103.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00109.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...les2007052.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...les2007048.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00105.jpg
Last edited by B0DSKI; 28 April 2007 at 07:26 AM.
#13
I did the Lanberis park last week to the summit of Snowdon with my Mountain bike!!! Sure you can't ride all of it up as the path is a right mess and very bad condition in places but it was a HUGE grin on the way down. Quite a difference from Essex!!
There's nothing @ the summit at the present as they are in the middle of rebuilding all of it, so make sure you have plenty of fluids and food. Even the half way cafe was closed when we went up!!
Oh and the road that leads to Lanberis from Betws y coed is superb in every way, smooth with long sweeping bends and amazing secenery (Sp?) Just watch out for the welsh old bill in the 30mph limits.
Pics of the track on the way up and a view from close to the summit (we was in cloud when we got to the 1085M top)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00103.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00109.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...les2007052.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...les2007048.jpg
There's nothing @ the summit at the present as they are in the middle of rebuilding all of it, so make sure you have plenty of fluids and food. Even the half way cafe was closed when we went up!!
Oh and the road that leads to Lanberis from Betws y coed is superb in every way, smooth with long sweeping bends and amazing secenery (Sp?) Just watch out for the welsh old bill in the 30mph limits.
Pics of the track on the way up and a view from close to the summit (we was in cloud when we got to the 1085M top)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00103.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...I/DSC00109.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...les2007052.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88...les2007048.jpg
Out of interest would they allow you take the train up with a bike? I suspect not, but I've always wondered.
#14
5 weeks without rain when we was there last week and as you say very very dry and dusty.
Car park is £4 all day, almost opposite where the train station is. The walk/Ride starts a little bit futher down the road, over the cattle grid and is V steep @ the beginning lol.
Last edited by B0DSKI; 28 April 2007 at 07:20 AM.
#15
Abdabz
Just noticed you said about wearing trainers. I'd not if i was you M8 the rock is sharp in places and i recon it'd cut the soles to ribbons if your planning on going right to the summit
Just noticed you said about wearing trainers. I'd not if i was you M8 the rock is sharp in places and i recon it'd cut the soles to ribbons if your planning on going right to the summit
#16
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From: Tellins, Home of Super Leagues finest, and where a "split" is not all it seems.
Cool, cheers Bodski I'll start in my training pumps but take my boots with me just in case.
Great pics looking forward to seeing the view from the top tomorrow... Will need to take the suncream too!
Great pics looking forward to seeing the view from the top tomorrow... Will need to take the suncream too!
#17
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From: From Kent to Gloucestershire to Berkshire
Here gives some decent pictures of Crib Goch. Great walk/scramble/almost a climb at points. Much more fun than the LLanberis path.
I'll second the nomination for Pete's Eats.
I'll also comment that something like a decent pair of Merrells or similar "lightweight boots" are perfectly adequate for Llanberis path, pyg track of miner's track. I've gone through 3 or 4 pairs of this kind of thing over many years and never found a walk in the UK they've not been up to in normal weather (although the time I did the pyg track in -35ºC chill factor, 2' deep snow, you needed more!). A good pair is pretty much up to trainers for every day use, lasts ages and does the mountains much better than any "normal trainer".
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From: From Kent to Gloucestershire to Berkshire
It is indeed. That view is always great for demonstrating the paths for those who've not done Snowdon before; Miners track coming up from by the lake, pyg track half way up to the side, Crib Goch scrambling along the ridge itself.
Les - I agree, the pictures make me realise it's a few years since I was last up there and I want to go back again (for the full horeshoe, of course!)
But back on track (bad pun not originally intended) - has Abdabz survived the "motorway"? (as the climbers call the Llanberis path)
Les - I agree, the pictures make me realise it's a few years since I was last up there and I want to go back again (for the full horeshoe, of course!)
But back on track (bad pun not originally intended) - has Abdabz survived the "motorway"? (as the climbers call the Llanberis path)
#22
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From: Tellins, Home of Super Leagues finest, and where a "split" is not all it seems.
Well, good morning all and ouch... Parts of my legs are aching today so I'll be walking like metal mickey this time tomorrow... But here's how it panned out..
8am we left St Helens and stopped at the first welsh macdonalds on the *** for stodge... Then a relaxing a suprisingly quiet drive to Llanberis, parked the car in the £4 car park at 10.20am, donned the back packs and wandered off...
The first climb up the tarmac track woke us both up and we followed the signs through the couple of gates that seem almost there just to let you know you're leaving civilisation (well almost) as there is more civilsation on Snowdon than there is in Llanberis!
The path is a doddle up to the half way cafe (which was open)... We stopped here for five mins for a bite to eat unaware of what lay ahead...
Once past the half way cafe, the path got rougher, more stoney and because it was so dry it was dusty and slippy, but we pressed on and it slowly became more obvious to us what lump of rock we were actually going to scale...
The vertical cliffs and tarn at the bottom came into view next as did the much steeper section where they are clearly trying to lay boulders at present to aid the less able walker (like me )...
At this point we are beginning to realise that there is a fine amount of tidy ladyage on the hills and everyone's saying hello and it's all so jolly friendly
We begin the 'steep' part of the ascent and by the time I get to the railway bridge that crosses the footpath, I need a breather... Heart rate 140+... Pooped, sweating like a paedo on a schoolbus... So I take my new bottle of lucozade from my bag and turn the lid, and in formula one podium fashion am now covered in sticky glucose beverage... Abdabz brother laughs. Abdabz is sticky
I then realise how high we have come... Now altitude doesnt bother me, vertical drops do though! That viewpoint scared me a tad, but we must press on...
On the next part of the steep climb, I stopped twice more for breath... It was getting hard now, 2 hours in and nearly at the top...
Then we reach the plateu part near the top... The views of both down pyg and miners down below, Abdabz feeling woozy and staying on the railway side of the path ...
Then it becomes obvious where the actual summit is, and from where we are standing I am plopping my dudleys Still, phobias aside, I've not come this far to not make it, so with head down looking at the track we push on...
A chuffing queue to get to the viewpoint and about 100 milling about at the actual summit...
Quick photo and then 15mins back down we stop for lunch...
Going down was a nightmare, it was only now I regretted doing it in trainers, sliding on the pebbly dusty track going over on ankles every 10mins we were! How one of us didnt sprain something I dont know!!
The descent was gruelling on the tops of my legs and knees (my own fault for weighing 13 stone) and the second half of the descent was a tad yawnful...
That said, I had a real sense of achievement doing it. It confirmed that my next challenge, Scafell is do-able...
So my lower calfs are aching, my upper thighs are aching, I am sunburnt (far more on my left than my right ) and my left wrist is really sore (why, I dont know). All that said, what a great day out
I recommend it to anyone...
One thing I forgot to mention were the mental unicyclists carrying their unicycles up to the summit?!?! WTF is all that about
8am we left St Helens and stopped at the first welsh macdonalds on the *** for stodge... Then a relaxing a suprisingly quiet drive to Llanberis, parked the car in the £4 car park at 10.20am, donned the back packs and wandered off...
The first climb up the tarmac track woke us both up and we followed the signs through the couple of gates that seem almost there just to let you know you're leaving civilisation (well almost) as there is more civilsation on Snowdon than there is in Llanberis!
The path is a doddle up to the half way cafe (which was open)... We stopped here for five mins for a bite to eat unaware of what lay ahead...
Once past the half way cafe, the path got rougher, more stoney and because it was so dry it was dusty and slippy, but we pressed on and it slowly became more obvious to us what lump of rock we were actually going to scale...
The vertical cliffs and tarn at the bottom came into view next as did the much steeper section where they are clearly trying to lay boulders at present to aid the less able walker (like me )...
At this point we are beginning to realise that there is a fine amount of tidy ladyage on the hills and everyone's saying hello and it's all so jolly friendly
We begin the 'steep' part of the ascent and by the time I get to the railway bridge that crosses the footpath, I need a breather... Heart rate 140+... Pooped, sweating like a paedo on a schoolbus... So I take my new bottle of lucozade from my bag and turn the lid, and in formula one podium fashion am now covered in sticky glucose beverage... Abdabz brother laughs. Abdabz is sticky
I then realise how high we have come... Now altitude doesnt bother me, vertical drops do though! That viewpoint scared me a tad, but we must press on...
On the next part of the steep climb, I stopped twice more for breath... It was getting hard now, 2 hours in and nearly at the top...
Then we reach the plateu part near the top... The views of both down pyg and miners down below, Abdabz feeling woozy and staying on the railway side of the path ...
Then it becomes obvious where the actual summit is, and from where we are standing I am plopping my dudleys Still, phobias aside, I've not come this far to not make it, so with head down looking at the track we push on...
A chuffing queue to get to the viewpoint and about 100 milling about at the actual summit...
Quick photo and then 15mins back down we stop for lunch...
Going down was a nightmare, it was only now I regretted doing it in trainers, sliding on the pebbly dusty track going over on ankles every 10mins we were! How one of us didnt sprain something I dont know!!
The descent was gruelling on the tops of my legs and knees (my own fault for weighing 13 stone) and the second half of the descent was a tad yawnful...
That said, I had a real sense of achievement doing it. It confirmed that my next challenge, Scafell is do-able...
So my lower calfs are aching, my upper thighs are aching, I am sunburnt (far more on my left than my right ) and my left wrist is really sore (why, I dont know). All that said, what a great day out
I recommend it to anyone...
One thing I forgot to mention were the mental unicyclists carrying their unicycles up to the summit?!?! WTF is all that about
#24
Nice one Abadabz Seems strange reading about somewhere i was so recently.
Think i'll stick with 2 wheels on my bike though
And as for the left wrist hurting...............You never enjoyed the summit THAT much did ya
Think i'll stick with 2 wheels on my bike though
And as for the left wrist hurting...............You never enjoyed the summit THAT much did ya
#25
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From: Tellins, Home of Super Leagues finest, and where a "split" is not all it seems.
Hee hee, nah B0DSKI.. Plenty descending on bikes and plenty carring and pushing them up! Almost as many unicycles!!
Cheers for all the advice. The timing was spot on - 2.5hrs up and 2 down including stops... We didnt hang about!
It's only now, looking at my piccies that it's all sinking in (height, distance, effort etc).
I dont have a hosting thingy like photobucket to share them with you guys but there are some beauts if anyone wants some mailing over
Cheers for all the advice. The timing was spot on - 2.5hrs up and 2 down including stops... We didnt hang about!
It's only now, looking at my piccies that it's all sinking in (height, distance, effort etc).
I dont have a hosting thingy like photobucket to share them with you guys but there are some beauts if anyone wants some mailing over
#27
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From: Tellins, Home of Super Leagues finest, and where a "split" is not all it seems.
Not sure if these will work but here is a sample few:
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0018.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0014.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0033.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0025.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0023.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0001.jpg
Plenty more but you get the idea
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0018.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0014.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0033.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0025.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0023.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0001.jpg
Plenty more but you get the idea
#29
Not sure if these will work but here is a sample few:
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0018.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0014.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0033.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0025.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0023.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0001.jpg
Plenty more but you get the idea
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0018.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0014.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0033.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0025.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0023.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/DSCF0001.jpg
Plenty more but you get the idea
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