The Snowdon Horseshoe: Trail Guide to Snowdonia’s Legendary Ridge Walk

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Route Description

1. Start at Pen-y-Pass & Head Up the Pyg Track

Your adventure starts at Pen-y-Pass. The first section follows the Pyg Track, a rocky but well-maintained path, before you turn off and gain the ridge line of Crib Goch.

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2. Crib Goch Scramble

This is where the Horseshoe earns its rep. The ascent of Crib Goch is a Grade 1 scramble, meaning hands-on in sections — and very exposed.

You’ll climb steep slabs, crest a knife-edge arête, and make your way across with steep drops on either side.

Only attempt in dry weather and if you’re confident with exposure and sure-footed scrambling.

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3. Cross Garnedd Ugain

After Crib Goch, the terrain settles slightly. A short climb leads to Garnedd Ugain, the second-highest peak in Wales. You’ll now be walking above the clouds (if you’re lucky), with jaw-dropping views of Snowdon and Llyn Llydaw below.

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4. Summit Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

From Garnedd Ugain, descend to the main summit of Snowdon, where you’ll briefly join crowds from the Llanberis and Miner’s Tracks. Pause for your summit selfie — and maybe a sandwich — before continuing your loop.

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5. Descend via Y Lliwedd Ridge

The Horseshoe isn’t done yet. Your descent follows the Y Lliwedd ridge, a quiet and spectacular route with rocky, stepped paths and epic views of the Snowdon horseshoe in reverse. It’s long and steady — but less technical than Crib Goch.

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6. Finish Along Llyn Llydaw

A final descent drops you down to the shores of Llyn Llydaw, and you rejoin the Miner’s Track for a gentle stroll back to Pen-y-Pass.

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What to Bring

• Sturdy boots with good grip
  
• Map + compass (OS OL17) — especially important if mist descends
  
• Plenty of water (2L+) and high-calorie snacks
  
• Waterproof layers — it’s Snowdon, after all
  
• Gloves with grip – helpful on Crib Goch scramble
  
• Headtorch + backup battery
  
• Peaky Baggers app to log your peaks and track your route

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Safety Advice

• Do NOT attempt Crib Goch in high winds or rain — seriously
  
• Grade 1 scrambling = hands-on. You must be steady on exposed ridges
  
• Set off early to give yourself plenty of daylight
  
• Watch your footing on the descent from Y Lliwedd – it’s long and uneven
  
• Pen-y-Pass parking fills early — consider the Sherpa bus or park-and-ride
  

If Crib Goch sounds too much, you can still bag the full Horseshoe by skipping that section and ascending Snowdon via the Pyg or Miner’s Track.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Four summits in one go
  
• Arguably the UK’s best ridge walk
  
• Crib Goch = pure adrenaline
  
• Less busy descent route via Y Lliwedd
  
• Full 360° mountain experience — in just one loop
  

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Final Thoughts

The Snowdon Horseshoe is a day you won’t forget — part hike, part high-wire adventure, and 100% worth the effort if you’re up for it.

Just respect the ridge, pick a good-weather day, and go in prepared. If you’re confident with heights and steady on rock, it’s one of the best ridge scrambles in Britain.

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Post-Hike Refuel

Swing by Pete’s Eats in Llanberis or grab a celebratory pint at the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel — a classic mountaineers’ hangout with Everest history.

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Track Your Traverse

Use the Peaky Baggers app to tick off all four summits, track your route offline, and share your ridge-walking achievement with other hillwalkers.

Tag your shots with #PeakyBaggers so we can feature your summit moment!

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Photo by Josh Kirk on Unsplash

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