Everything you need to know about hiking Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) for Sunrise, including the best time of year to go, which route to take and how to work out what time you should set off.
Snowdon Sunrise – Jason Sweet (April 2022)
Climbing Snowdon, the highest peak (1,085m) in Wales, can be a truly remarkable experience, particularly if you are able to reach the summit in time to watch the sunrise. The scenery at the summit is breathtaking, and there is a sense of satisfaction that comes with making it to the top. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know to plan and execute a successful climb of Snowdon for sunrise.
#1 - Research the route
The first step in planning your climb of Snowdon is to decide which route you will take. There are several routes to choose from, and each offers a different level of difficulty and scenery. For a sunrise climb, the most popular routes are the Llanberis Path and the Snowdon Ranger Path.
The Llanberis Path is the easiest route to the summit, and it offers stunning views of Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris. It is also the longest route to the summit, covering a distance of around 9 miles. The Snowdon Ranger Path, on the other hand, is slightly more challenging, but it is also less crowded. This route offers beautiful views of the Nant Gwynant valley and Llyn Cwellyn. My personal favourite however is the Watkin Path although, it is one of the hardest, most challenging routes.
Once you have chosen your route, it is important to research it thoroughly. You should know the distance, elevation gain, and any potential hazards along the way. You should also familiarise yourself with the terrain, as it will help you to determine what gear you will need.
Tip #2 - Choose the right time of year
The best time of year to climb Snowdon for sunrise is during the summer months. During this time, the weather is generally more predictable, and the days are longer. This will give you plenty of time to reach the summit before the sun rises.
It is also important to consider the time of day when planning your climb. In order to reach the summit in time for sunrise, you will need to start your climb in the early hours of the morning. Depending on the route you choose, this may mean starting your climb as early as 2 or 3 AM.
Tip #3 - Check the weather forecast
The weather on Snowdon can change rapidly, so it is important to check the forecast before you start your climb. You should be prepared for rain, wind, and cold temperatures, even if the forecast calls for sunny weather.
If the forecast is particularly bad, it may be best to postpone your climb. Climbing Snowdon in bad weather can be dangerous, particularly if you are not an experienced hiker. It is always better to err on the side of caution and wait for better conditions.
Tip #4 - Dress appropriately
When climbing Snowdon for sunrise, it is important to dress appropriately for the conditions. You should wear warm, waterproof clothing, as well as sturdy hiking boots. You may also want to bring a hat and gloves, as it can be cold at the summit.
In addition to warm clothing, you should also bring a headlamp or flashlight. This will help you to navigate the trail in the dark, particularly if you are hiking before sunrise. You should also bring extra batteries for your headlamp or flashlight.
Tip #5 - Pack the right gear
When climbing Snowdon for sunrise, it is important to pack the right gear. You should bring plenty of water, as well as high-energy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. You may also want to bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee to enjoy at the summit.
In addition to food and water, you should also pack a first aid kit, a map and compass, and a whistle. These items are essential for your safety, particularly if you are hiking alone.
Tip #6 - Start your climb early
If you're planning a sunrise hike to the top of Snowdon, one of the most important factors to consider is the start time of your climb. You'll want to time your ascent so that you arrive at the summit in time to catch the sunrise. Here are the steps to determine the start time for your Snowdon sunrise hike.
Step 1: Check the Sunrise Time
The first step in determining your start time is to check the sunrise time for your chosen date. You can find this information online or by using a smartphone app like Sunrise Sunset or Time and Date.
It's important to note that the sunrise time will vary depending on the time of year. In general, the sun rises earlier in the summer months and later in the winter months. For example, the sunrise time in July may be as early as 5:00 am, while in December, it may not be until 8:30 am.
Step 2: Determine the Length of the Hike
The next step is to determine the length of the hike. This will depend on the route you choose, as well as your own fitness level and hiking experience. For a sunrise hike, the most popular routes are the Llanberis Path and the Snowdon Ranger Path. The Llanberis Path is the longest route to the summit, covering a distance of around 9 miles. The Snowdon Ranger Path is slightly shorter, but it is also more challenging.
In general, it's a good idea to allow at least three to four hours for your hike, depending on your pace and the route you choose.
Step 3: Factor in Time for Rests and Breaks
When planning your start time, it's important to factor in time for rests and breaks along the way. Hiking can be strenuous, especially if you're climbing a mountain, so it's important to take breaks as needed to rest and refuel.
You may want to plan for a 10-15 minute break every hour or so, depending on your fitness level and the difficulty of the hike. This will give you a chance to catch your breath, drink some water, and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Step 4: Account for the Time It Takes to Get to the Trailhead
Finally, it's important to account for the time it takes to get to the trailhead. Depending on where you're staying, you may need to factor in travel time, parking, and other logistical considerations.
If you're staying in a nearby town like Llanberis or Beddgelert, you may be able to walk or take public transportation to the trailhead. If you're driving, be sure to factor in time for parking and any shuttle buses that may be required.
Putting It All Together: A Sample Start Time Calculation
To give you an idea of how to put all of these factors together, let's walk through a sample calculation for a sunrise hike up Snowdon. Let's say you're planning to hike the Llanberis Path, and you want to catch the sunrise on July 1st. According to a sunrise/sunset calculator, the sunrise time on that day is 5:10 am.
Assuming you're a moderately experienced hiker, you estimate that the hike will take you around 3.5 hours. You plan to take a 15-minute break every hour, so you'll need to factor in two 15-minute breaks. You're staying in Llanberis, which is a 10-minute walk from the trailhead. You estimate that it will take you another 10 minutes to find parking and get organized before starting the hike.
Based on these factors, your start time calculation would look like this:
Sunrise time: 5:10
Length of the hike: 9 miles (Llanberis Path)
Estimated time for the hike: 3.5 hours
Estimated time for breaks: 2 x 15 minutes = 30 minutes
Time to get to the trailhead: 10 minutes to park + 10 minutes to organize = 20 minutes
To calculate your start time, you need to subtract the estimated time for the hike and breaks, as well as the time it takes to get to the trailhead, from the sunrise time:
Subtract 3.5 hours from the sunrise time: 5:10 am - 3.5 hours = 1:40 am
Subtract 30 minutes for breaks: 1:40 am - 30 minutes = 1:10 am
Subtract 20 minutes for travel and parking: 1:10 am - 20 minutes = 12:50 am
Based on these calculations, you would need to start your hike at 12:50 am in order to reach the summit of Snowdon in time for the sunrise. It's important to note that this is just a sample calculation, and your own start time will depend on a variety of factors specific to your hike. Be sure to take into account your own fitness level, the difficulty of the hike, and any other factors that may impact your timing.
A Unforgettable Experience...
A sunrise hike up Snowdon can be a truly unforgettable experience, but it's important to plan carefully to ensure a safe and successful climb. Hiking in the dark can be challenging, so be sure to watch your step and take your time to avoid tripping or slipping. If you're hiking with a group, be respectful of other hikers and keep your voices down to avoid disturbing the peacefulness of the early morning hours.
By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you'll be well on your way to planning for your own Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) sunrise hike. If you still don't feel confident to go it alone, subscribe to our mailing list to be kept updated on future Sweet Adventure Sunrise Hikes.
Happy hiking! Jason
Just received my first blog from Sweet Adventures.. Good read, awesome advice.. Looking forwards to many more ( Sonya Mae)