UK — Llanberis
The Snowdon Horseshoe, a demanding 12km UK ridge walk in Eryri, offers a 5-6 hour odyssey across dramatic alpine peaks. This iconic route, starting and ending at Pen y Pass, features exposed sections and requires sure-footedness. Traverse rugged terrain and breathtaking panoramas on one of Britain's finest mountain circuits.
Distance: 12.0 km
Elevation Gain: 975 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 5-6 hours
The Snowdon Horseshoe is widely regarded as the finest ridge walk in the United Kingdom, offering an exhilarating 12-kilometre circuit that traverses the most dramatic peaks of the Eryri (Snowdonia) massif. This is not a mere mountain walk; it is a high-altitude odyssey that demands a steady head for heights, sure-footedness, and a deep respect for the vertical environment. The route begins and ends at the iconic Pen y Pass, ascending the notorious "knife-edge" ridge of Crib Goch, continuing over the pinnacles of Crib y Ddysgl to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)—the highest point in Wales and England at 1,085 metres—before completing the circuit via the twin peaks of Y Lliwedd. With a total elevation gain of approximately 975 metres, the Horseshoe provides a continuous panoramic spectacle of glacial lakes, jagged ridgelines, and the vast expanse of the North Wales coastline.
The Snowdon Horseshoe is the definitive mountain experience for those seeking to move beyond traditional hiking into the realm of scrambling. The route follows the rim of a massive glacial cirque (cwm), encircling the deep blue waters of Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn. It is a landscape defined by the raw power of the last Ice Age, where glaciers carved deep troughs into the volcanic rock, leaving behind the narrow, serrated ridges that form the "Horseshoe" today. The journey is a masterclass in mountain architecture, transitioning from the broad, well-trodden paths of the lower slopes to the airy, adrenaline-inducing heights of the Crib Goch ridge, where the ground falls away hundreds of metres on either side.
The psychological heart of the walk is undoubtedly Crib Goch (the "Red Ridge"). This Grade 1 scramble is legendary among British mountaineers. It is not technically difficult in terms of rock climbing, but its extreme exposure—where the ridge narrows to less than a metre in width—makes it a formidable challenge for the uninitiated. On a clear day, the views from this vantage point are unparalleled, stretching across the Glyderau and Carneddau ranges to the north and the Irish Sea to the west. However, the Horseshoe is a fickle beast; the weather in Eryri is notoriously volatile. The mountains act as a barrier to Atlantic weather systems, meaning that a sunny morning at Pen y Pass can transform into a sub-zero, cloud-shrouded gale on the summit within an hour. This variability adds a layer of serious commitment to the route.
Completing the Horseshoe is a rite of passage for any serious hillwalker in the UK. It combines the physical exertion of a steep mountain ascent with the mental focus required for sustained scrambling. Unlike the more popular and crowded paths like the Llanberis Path or the Miners' Track, the Horseshoe offers a more intimate, albeit more dangerous, connection with the mountain. It requires walkers to use their hands as much as their feet, finding holds in the rhyolitic tuff and navigating through boulder fields. The reward is a sense of achievement that few other day hikes in the British Isles can provide—a true mountain day that lingers in the memory long after the descent to the valley floor.
The mountains of Eryri have been a focal point of human activity for millennia, from Neolithic axe factories to Victorian copper mines. The Snowdon Horseshoe itself sits at the centre of this rich tapestry. The geological history of the range dates back over 450 million years to the Ordovician period, when massive volcanic eruptions deposited layers of ash and lava. These were later folded and uplifted, then sculpted by glaciers during the Pleistocene epoch. The very rock you grip on Crib Goch is a testament to this violent volcanic past, composed of hard, weather-resistant rhyolite that has withstood the erosive forces of wind and ice.
In more recent history, the Snowdon Horseshoe became a training ground for the golden age of British mountaineering. In the early 20th century, legendary climbers such as George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine honed their skills on these ridges before their ill-fated 1924 Everest expedition. Later, in the 1950s, Sir John Hunt’s team, including Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, used the rugged terrain of the Snowdon Horseshoe and the nearby Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel as a base for their successful 1953 Everest ascent. The hotel, located just down the road from the start of the trail, still houses a collection of memorabilia from these expeditions, serving as a living museum of mountaineering history.
The cultural significance of the mountain, known in Welsh as Yr Wyddfa, is deeply rooted in Celtic mythology. Legend has it that the summit is the tomb of the giant Rhitta Gawr, who was defeated by King Arthur. The name "Eryri" is often translated as "The Place of Eagles," though modern scholars suggest it derives from the Latin "oriri" (to rise). For the Welsh people, the mountain is a symbol of national identity and resilience. The preservation of the Welsh language in the surrounding valleys, such as Llanberis and Beddgelert, adds a profound cultural layer to the hiking experience. Walkers are encouraged to use the traditional Welsh names for the peaks and features, respecting the linguistic heritage of the landscape.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Snowdon Horseshoe is a vastly different proposition depending on the time of year. During the peak summer months (June to August), the rock is generally dry, providing excellent friction for scrambling. The long daylight hours allow for a leisurely pace, and the summit café (Hafod Eryri) is usually open, providing a rare opportunity for a mountain-top refreshment. However, summer also brings the largest crowds, and the narrow ridge of Crib Goch can occasionally suffer from "traffic jams" at the more technical sections.
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are arguably the best times to attempt the Horseshoe. The air is often clearer, providing sharper views, and the vibrant colours of the heather and grasses create a stunning mosaic on the valley floors. However, these shoulder seasons require careful monitoring of the weather. Late spring snow patches can linger on the north-facing gullies of Crib Goch, turning a Grade 1 scramble into a lethal slide for those without an ice axe and crampons. Similarly, autumn gales can make the exposed ridges extremely hazardous.
Winter (November to March) transforms the Snowdon Horseshoe into a serious alpine mountaineering route. When covered in snow and ice, Crib Goch is no longer a scramble; it is a technical climb that has claimed many lives. The exposure is unforgiving, and the "Bad Step" becomes a major obstacle. Only those with significant winter mountaineering experience, equipped with crampons, ice axes, and the knowledge of how to use them, should attempt the Horseshoe in winter conditions. The weather can be brutal, with wind chill temperatures dropping well below -10 degrees Celsius and visibility frequently reduced to a few metres in "whiteout" conditions.
Regardless of the season, the "Snowdon weather" is a factor that must be respected. The mountain generates its own microclimate. It is common for the summit to be shrouded in mist while the coast is bathed in sunshine. Rainfall is high, with the area receiving over 4,500 mm annually. Walkers should always check the Met Office mountain forecast specifically for Yr Wyddfa before setting out, as general lowland forecasts are often dangerously misleading.
Phase 1: Pen y Pass to Bwlch y Moch
Phase 2: The Ascent and Traverse of Crib Goch
Phase 3: Crib y Ddysgl to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Summit
Phase 4: Descent to Bwlch Ciliau and Y Lliwedd
Phase 5: Y Lliwedd to Pen y Pass via the Miners' Track
Important Notes:
The Snowdon Horseshoe is a serious undertaking that requires physical fitness and, more importantly, a "head for heights." If you suffer from vertigo or are uncomfortable with steep drops, this is not the route for you. Before attempting the Horseshoe, it is highly recommended to have completed several other mountain walks in Eryri, such as the Pyg Track or the ascent of Moel Siabod, to gauge your fitness and comfort level with rocky terrain.
Logistically, the biggest challenge is parking. Pen y Pass is one of the most popular trailheads in the UK, and the car park is small. During the peak season (March to October), parking at Pen y Pass MUST be pre-booked via the JustPark website or app. If you do not have a booking, you will not be allowed to park. A much better alternative is to use the "Sherpa'r Wyddfa" bus service, which runs frequently from Llanberis, Nant Peris, and Betws-y-Coed. Llanberis serves as the primary base for the area, offering numerous gear shops, supermarkets, and cafes.
As the Snowdon Horseshoe is a day hike, there is no accommodation on the trail itself. However, there are several excellent options at the trailhead and in the surrounding valleys.
Nearby Options:
What's NOT provided:
There are no permits required to walk the Snowdon Horseshoe. Access to the mountains in Wales is free under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000. However, the management of the area is strictly controlled to protect the environment and manage the high volume of visitors.
Parking Permits (Pen y Pass):
Sherpa'r Wyddfa Bus:
Group Sizes: While no permit is needed for individuals, organised groups or charity events with more than 10 people are encouraged to register their event with the Snowdonia National Park Authority to avoid overcrowding and environmental damage.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Snowdon Horseshoe (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Snowdon Horseshoe, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Eryri is the adventure capital of the UK. If you have extra days, consider these activities:
The "Bad Step" and Exposure: The primary danger on the Snowdon Horseshoe is the exposure on Crib Goch. A slip here can be fatal. If you find yourself "frozen" by fear, do not try to push through; carefully retreat. The ridge is not the place to discover you have a severe phobia of heights. The "Bad Step" is a short vertical section that requires basic rock-scrambling technique. Always maintain three points of contact (two hands, one foot, or two feet, one hand).
Weather Hazards:
Mountain Rescue: In the event of an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for "Police" and then "Mountain Rescue." Be prepared to give your exact location (grid reference or What3Words), the number of people in your party, and the nature of the injuries. The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team is one of the busiest in the UK; please respect their volunteer status by being well-prepared.
Winter Warning: As mentioned, the Horseshoe is a different world in winter. Do not attempt it in snow unless you are an experienced winter mountaineer. The "Red Ridge" becomes a white nightmare for the unprepared.
Crib y Ddysgl (Garnedd Ugain): Often overlooked in the rush to the Snowdon summit, this is the second-highest peak in Wales (1,065 m). The scramble up its eastern ridge is delightful and offers a different perspective of the Horseshoe. The summit is marked by a large trig point and is usually much quieter than the main Snowdon summit.
The Copper Mines: On the descent via the Miners' Track, you will pass the ruins of the Britannia Copper Mine. These Victorian-era structures, including the crushing mill and the barracks, offer a glimpse into the harsh lives of the miners who worked these mountains long before they were a tourist destination. Do not enter any old mine shafts as they are extremely unstable.
Llyn Llydaw and the Causeway: The Miners' Track crosses Llyn Llydaw via a man-made causeway. The lake is deep and cold, and the views of the Snowdon Horseshoe reflecting in its waters on a still day are iconic. Legend says that Sir Bedivere threw King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, into this lake (though nearby Llyn Ogwen also claims this honour).
Glaslyn: The "Blue Lake" sits directly beneath the summit of Snowdon. It is a classic glacial tarn, surrounded by towering cliffs. It is a popular spot for a quick (and very cold) wild swim for the brave-hearted after completing the scramble.
With over 500,000 people visiting Yr Wyddfa every year, the environmental impact is significant. The Snowdonia National Park Authority and the National Trust work tirelessly to maintain the paths and protect the fragile alpine environment. As a visitor, you have a responsibility to minimise your impact.
Leave No Trace Principles:
