Highlight • Viewpoint
Y Lliwedd
Hiking
5.0
(57)
Running
5.0
(2)
Mountaineering
5.0
(2)
If you’ve ever walked the Miners’ or Pyg tracks, it will have been Y Lliwedd that caught your eye due south. With a towering, brutal cliffs, views of it are almost as good as views from it. It also forms part of the Snowdon Horseshoe, which uses Crib Goch to ascend and Y Lliwedd to return by. With a summit at 2,946 feet (898 m), this is still a hefty mountain to ascend, Snowdon or no Snowdon.
So much to look at you’ll need regular stops
Perhaps most hikers who reach Y Lliwedd’s airy top do so after already having nailed Crib Goch and Snowdon herself that day. There’s a not insignificant re-ascent after coming down from Snowdon’s summit, and this horseshoe is only for experienced hikers with a head for heights.
If arriving at Y Lliwedd after first scaling Crib Goch, you will already have marvelled at the mountain’s phenomenal north facing cliff. After picking your way along the ridge to Y Lliwedd, the walk turns into a scramble to reach the exposed, rocky summits of West and East Peak. A breathtaking ridge, looking down to the north brings astounding views of Llyn Llydaw and Crib Goch.
This is no mountain for complete beginners or those with any fear of heights; its sides are perilously vertiginous. Good weather makes the hiking trails up Y Lliwedd a special kind of perfect whilst in snowy conditions it should only ever be attempted by those with the requisite experience and equipment.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Gwarchodfa Natur Genedlaethol Yr Wyddfa
Tips
December 13, 2019
Hiking
November 6, 2018
Hiking
March 10, 2023
Running
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Y Lliwedd
4.8
(90)
949
hikers
12.4km
05:51
870m
870m
The Snowdon Horseshoe is a difficult hiking route that promises epic mountain scenery and panoramic views across Eryri / Snowdonia National Park. This circular trail covers 7.7 miles (12.4 km) and involves a significant 2853 feet (870 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 50 minutes to complete. As you navigate the route, you will experience the vast Cwm Dyli, with the dark waters of Llyn Llydaw visible far below. You'll also traverse iconic sections like the Crib Goch Ridge, a true knife-edge scramble, before summiting four major peaks, including Snowdon Summit (Yr Wyddfa) and Y Lliwedd. Prepare for expansive vistas across the rugged peaks of Snowdonia on this challenging adventure.
Before you set out, be aware that this route is extremely challenging and demands a strong head for heights, good physical fitness, and prior scrambling experience. It is crucial to avoid the Snowdon Horseshoe in poor weather, high winds, or icy conditions, as these can make the route dangerous. The trailhead at Pen y Pass is a popular starting point, but parking often requires advance booking, so plan your visit carefully to secure your spot. Always check local conditions and forecasts before attempting this demanding hike.
This iconic route is renowned for its dramatic landscape, wrapping around the vast Cwm Dyli and offering a unique perspective of the region's geology. It stands out in Snowdonia for its combination of high peaks and exposed ridge walking, making it a true test of mountain skills. The trail's distinct character, with its challenging scrambles and breathtaking vistas, sets it apart as a premier mountaineering experience in the park. It's a journey that connects you deeply with the rugged beauty and ancient history of Eryri.
5.0
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hikers
17.4km
06:07
860m
860m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.5
(8)
50
hikers
15.0km
06:52
1,160m
1,160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 860 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Tuesday 21 July
21°C
8°C
6 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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