Grading: Difficult

Time: 2 hours to the summit for a reasonably fit person - allow 1.5 - 2 hours for the descent

The PYG track starts from the top right of the car park at Pen-y-pass. The shortest and arguably the most popular way to the summit and by default the most crowded. The path starts of fairly level but there are a few areas where rock steps need to be negotiated and in winter conditions there could be ice on these and care should be taken. The monolith of Crib Goch is in front of you and dominates this section of the path, which also has magnificent views towards Llanberis. The path gradually steepens and further rocky sections require care before you reach the col and the junction with Crib Goch. Half an hour from the car park to this point is a reasonable time. A wooden finger post point to the start of Crib Goch and the PYG continues over the wooden style on the left.

Great views down to Llyn Llydaw and across to Lliwedd at this point. The next section of the PYG continues fairly level for some distance with a few water courses crossing the path which may be ice in winter. Above is the ridge of Crib Goch and in the distance the summit of Snowdon can be seen. Some large cairns are passed as the path turns to the right below Crib-y-Ddysgl. One hour from the col should put you at the junction with the miners track which can you can descend back to the car park at Pen-y-pass. This makes for a pleasant circular route of some 3-4 hours.

To continue upwards to the summit follow the next section of the PYG path which steepens and in winter can be very icy. It can be difficult at this point to find the correct path and care should be taken. In winter conditions there may well be snow from this point onwards and crampons may be required.

The final section ahead is well marked though and should be easily visible as it zig zags to the finger post which marks the junction with the Llanberis path. Follow this to the summit cairn and Hafod Eryri for refreshments.

You can return by the same route or choose to follow the Llanberis path down from the summit.