Snowdon remains one of the UK’s top destinations for hikers.
In 2022, the iconic Welsh mountain welcomed over 700,000 visitors!
Set within the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park, it stands as the tallest peak in Wales and forms a key part of the National Three Peaks challenge.
Its lasting popularity comes from offering a wide range of routes, each catering to different skill levels and hiking abilities.
While all the routes offer amazing hikes, my top choice has always been the Watkin Path.
A challenging yet incredibly rewarding trail, the Watkin Path is famous for its tough ascent and the thrilling scrambling section near the summit.
Steep and exposed, this path isn’t for the faint-hearted, and anyone uncomfortable with heights should think carefully before attempting it.
For seasoned hikers and thrill-seekers, however, the Watkin Path delivers an unforgettable adventure you’re sure to love.
On top of that, this route features one of the most scenic wild-swimming waterfalls in the entire National Park—a perfect reward after a tough climb!
Ready to dive into everything you need to know about this trail? Let’s get started 👇
Full Trail Details and What to Expect
Watkin Path is one of the steepest and most challenging routes up Snowdon, ranked as the second hardest trail after the narrow Crib Goch ridge.
Despite its difficulty, it’s also one of the most scenic trails. The path begins with a gentle climb through ancient woodlands and past a series of sparkling waterfalls, before quickly increasing in challenge after Gladstone Rock.
From there, the long ascent up the mountainside will really test your legs, leading to a thrilling, exposed scramble just below the summit.
Be ready to use both hands and feet as you carefully navigate the eroded and uneven terrain.
A quick tip: if heights make you nervous, try not to look down!
My friend isn’t the biggest fan of scrambling and was definitely surprised by how exposed the upper section of the route felt. Seeing the scramble for the first time was a real shock.
Still, while the climb can get your palms sweating, it’s an incredibly thrilling experience for anyone who pushes through.
Honestly, anyone who completes this route will tell you that the sense of accomplishment at the summit makes it all worthwhile!
Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
Estimated Time: 4–7 hours
Ascent: 3,330 feet (1,015 metres)
Starting Point: Near Pont Bethania, Caernarfon, LL55 4NQ
Grid Reference: SH 627 507
Best Spots and Tips
The ideal place to park for the Watkin Path is the car park at Pont Bethania, located just southwest of Llyn Gwynant. The trailhead starts directly across the road from the car park.
Watkin Path Waterfall Car Park Address: Near Pont Bethania, Caernarfon, LL55 4NQ
How Long It Takes to Hike the Watkin Path
Because of the Watkin Path’s difficulty, hiking times can vary widely.
On average, most hikers complete the trail in 4–7 hours. Your fitness level, the weather, and how often you pause for breaks will all affect the total time.
On our latest hike, we finished in about 4 hours and 30 minutes, only stopping for a 20-minute break at the summit.
How Challenging Is the Watkin Path?
The Watkin Path is widely regarded as the second toughest route up Snowdon, just behind the daring Crib Goch scramble.
That said, for experienced hikers and those with decent fitness, completing this trail shouldn’t be too overwhelming.
Interestingly, despite being one of the harder climbs, it’s not the longest. At 8 miles, the Watkin Path is actually shorter than Snowdon’s easiest route, the Llanberis Path, which stretches 9 miles.
With the right preparation and determination to reach the summit, you’ve got this 💪
Is the Watkin Path Safe for Hikers?
The Watkin Path is generally safe and well-marked until you reach the final scramble over the scree.
This steep, eroded rock section can become slippery in wet conditions, and loose rocks mean you need to be extra careful with every hand and foothold.
The path along the scree isn’t always obvious, and poor visibility can make navigation tricky. With several exposed cliff faces, you must stay aware of where you’re climbing at all times.
For safety, young children and dogs are best kept off this route, and anyone hiking with children should watch them closely throughout the climb.
It’s also wise to avoid this trail in rain or winter unless you have all the proper specialist equipment.
Key Landmark on the Watkin Path
Did you know? The Watkin Path was officially opened in 1892 by Prime Minister William Gladstone.
Over 2,000 people gathered to hear him speak from a large rock beside the trail. This rock is now called Gladstone Rock, and you’ll pass it shortly after the Watkin Path Waterfall and gorges.
Scenic Spot and Hiker’s Reward
Nestled in the shadow of Mount Snowdon, just below Gladstone Rock, lies the stunning Watkin Path Waterfall.
With its series of plunge pools and crystal-blue falls cascading down the mountainside, the Watkin Path Waterfall is arguably the most beautiful wild swimming spot in the entire National Park.
Even better, it remains relatively quiet, likely because the Watkin Path is known as one of Snowdon’s more challenging climbs.
Many hikers choose the easier, more tourist-friendly routes and miss out on this hidden gem.
Given how breathtaking this untouched spot is, it’s probably only a matter of time before it becomes more popular—so now’s the perfect time to visit!
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