Hiking and Wild Camping in Snowdonia National Park - A Compilation
A 1 hour 20 minute video compilation hiking some of the best walking routes and mountains in Snowdonia National Park. Wild camping on some of the mountains, and just passing through some of the others.
This video, simply called “Snowdonia National Park” journeys through Tryfan, Snowdon, Crib Goch and much more.
It was lovingly produced over hundreds of hours of hiking, many nights of wild camping and far too many Pot Noodles.
Here’s THE MAP!!!
Locations within Snowdonia National Park include…. (in video order, timestamps available in the YouTube description)
The Ogwen Valley
The Ogwen Valley is a picturesque valley located in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, United Kingdom. It was the starting place for many of these hikes and wild camps. The valley is named after the River Ogwen (Afon Ogwen), which runs through its centre, and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Carneddau and Glyderau mountain ranges.
The landscape of the Ogwen Valley is truly stunning, with rugged mountains rising steeply on either side of the valley floor. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Snowdonia's highest peaks, including Tryfan, Glyder Fach, Pen yr Ole Wen and many of the other locations featured in this video. The valley is also home to Llyn Ogwen, a beautiful mountain lake that is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking.
Aside from its natural beauty, the Ogwen Valley is also steeped in history and mythology. Legend has it that the valley was once home to a fierce dragon named Yr Wyddfa, who was eventually defeated by the hero Llewelyn. Visitors can explore the ruins of a 13th-century castle that once stood at the head of the valley, or learn about the slate mining industry that once thrived in the area.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ogwen Valley offers a wealth of opportunities for hiking, climbing, and wild camping. The area is home to some of Snowdonia's most challenging and rewarding hikes, including the popular ascent of Tryfan's North Ridge. With its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, the Ogwen Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Snowdonia National Park.
Llyn Bochlwyd
Llyn Bochlwyd is a small but beautiful mountain lake located in the Glyderau range of Snowdonia National Park. The lake is surrounded by rugged mountains, including the imposing cliffs of Tryfan, and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views. It is a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and wild swimming. Despite its relatively small size, Llyn Bochlwyd is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park.
Glyder Fach
Glyder Fach is a mountain peak located in the Glyderau range of Snowdonia. It is one of the most distinctive peaks in the area, known for its unique rock formations and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. At 994 meters tall, it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers looking to experience the natural beauty of Snowdonia. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and lakes below, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area. On this occasion, wild camping on Glyder Fach, I have a rather wet experience, but don’t let that put you off. Glyder Fach and its ridge to Glyder Fawr is simply stunning.
Llyn Ogwen
Llyn Ogwen itself is a beautiful mountain lake located in the Ogwen Valley. The lake is fed by the streams and rivers of the Glyderau and Carneddau, and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of their wonderful mountains. It is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and hiking, with several trails leading to and around the lake. The lake's crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park.
Llyn Idwal
Llyn Idwal is a small but stunning glacial lake located in the Glyderau range of the National Park. The lake is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, including the famous Tryfan and the Glyders, and is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views. It is a popular spot for hikers and climbers, with several trails leading to and around the lake. Llyn Idwal is also known for its unique geological features, including the Idwal Slabs and the Devil's Kitchen.
The Devil’s Kitchen
The Devil's Kitchen is a dramatic and rugged mountain pass located in the Glyderau range of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, known for its steep and challenging trails, unique geological features, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The pass is flanked by towering peaks, including Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach, and is home to several distinctive rock formations, including the famous Castell y Gwynt (Castle of the Winds). Despite its ominous name, The Devil's Kitchen is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rugged terrain of Snowdonia National Park. I’m unsure how it got its name, The Devil’s Kitchen, but a passing hiker did once tell me that it was something to do with how the cloud often seemed to rise up from the evil-looking cliffs. Something I myself have witnessed on a few occasions from across the valley. A rather fitting name I think.
Y Gribin
Y Gribin is a stunning ridge located in the Glyderau, and I use it here for access from Glyder Fawr, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes. Y Gribin is known for its challenging terrain, with steep drops and exposed sections, and is recommended for experienced hikers and climbers only. Despite its difficulty, Y Gribin is a must-visit destination IMO. On this occasion, I’m treated to incredible painting-like morning clouds wafting around the Glyderau and Tryfan. Magical.
Tryfan
Tryfan is a majestic mountain peak located in the Ogwen Valley of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. It is known for its distinctive shape, with a rugged and rocky profile that is easily recognizable from a distance. At 917 meters tall, it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, with several trails leading to the summit. The climb is challenging, with steep sections and scrambling required to reach the top, but the views from the summit are breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Pen yr Ole Wen
Pen yr Ole Wen is a mountain peak located in the Carneddau range of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. At 978 meters tall, it is the seventh-highest peak in Wales and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and coastline. The climb to the summit is challenging, with steep ascents and descents, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Pen yr Ole Wen is one of my favourite mountains, I’ve since been back MANY times.
Carnedd Daffyd
Carnedd Dafydd is a mountain peak located in the Carneddau. The climb to the summit is challenging, with steep ascents and rocky terrain, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
Pen yr Helgi Du
Pen yr Helgi Du is located in the Carneddau range of Snowdonia National Park. At 833 meters tall, it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. Pen yr Helgi Du is known for its distinctive profile, with a steep escarpment and rocky outcrops that offer a challenging and rewarding climb for adventurous hikers and climbers.
Ffynnon Llugwy
Ffynnon Llugwy is a picturesque lake in Snowdonia National Park. It became a little less picturesque in my video, as I made the late decision for a bit of wild swimming, but was ill-equipped, so I went skinny dipping. Don’t worry, there is no twig and berries.
Pen y Pass
Pen y Pass is a mountain pass located in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. It is situated at the foot of the iconic Mount Snowdon, and is a popular starting point for hikers and climbers looking to summit the mountain or explore the surrounding peaks and valleys. The pass is also home to a visitor center, cafe, and car park, making it a convenient and accessible hub for exploring the park. Pen y Pass offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with rugged mountains, glacial valleys, and cascading waterfalls all within easy reach. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rugged terrain of Snowdonia National Park.
Crib Goch
Crib Goch is a sharp-edged ridge located in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. It is a popular destination for experienced hikers and climbers, offering a challenging and exhilarating scramble to the summit. The ridge is known for its steep drops and narrow exposed sections, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Crib Goch is often included as part of the popular Snowdon Horseshoe, a challenging circuit that takes in several peaks in the area. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a thrilling adventure and breathtaking views of the rugged landscapes of North Wales. However, due to its challenging nature and potentially hazardous conditions, it is important to only attempt Crib Goch with appropriate skills, experience, and equipment.
Garnedd Ugain
Garnedd Ugain, also known as Crib-y-Ddysgl, is a mountain peak located in the Snowdonia National Park. At 1,065 meters tall, it is the second-highest peak in Wales after Snowdon itself. It is often climbed as part of the popular Snowdon Horseshoe, a challenging circuit that takes in several peaks in the area. The climb to the summit of Garnedd Ugain is steep and challenging, with rugged terrain and some scrambling required. However, the views from the top are well worth the effort, and it’s a great mountain to tick off the list while visiting the nearby Snowdon and Crib Goch.
Snowdon Summit
Snowdon summit is the highest point in Wales. At 1,085 meters tall, it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and coastline. The summit can be reached by several hiking trails of varying difficulty, including the popular Llanberis Path, Miners' Track, and Pyg Track. For those who prefer not to hike, a scenic train ride is also available to take visitors to the summit. At the top, visitors can enjoy views from the Hafod Eryri visitor center and cafe, as well as explore the ancient cairn that marks the highest point in Wales. Snowdon summit is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the natural beauty and rugged terrain of Snowdonia National Park.
Y Lliwedd
Y Lliwedd is a mountain peak located in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, situated adjacent to Mount Snowdon. At 898 meters tall, it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The peak is often climbed as part of the Snowdon Horseshoe, a challenging circuit that takes in several peaks in the area. The climb to the summit of Y Lliwedd involves some steep and exposed sections, making it suitable for experienced hikers and climbers. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Snowdon and the surrounding peaks, as well as stunning vistas of the rugged Snowdonia landscape. Y Lliwedd is a great mountain, and although I didn’t camp there in this video, it offers many great wild camping spots in the area of Snowdon mountain.
Llyn Llydaw
Llyn Llydaw is a glacial lake located in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. It is situated at the foot of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, and is a popular destination for hikers and tourists. The lake is surrounded by rugged mountains, including the iconic Crib Goch and Y Lliwedd, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can hike to Llyn Llydaw from several starting points, including the popular Pen y Pass car park, and can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake from its shores. The lake is also home to several legends and myths, including the story of the submerged city of Cantre'r Gwaelod.
The full SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK video
10 Tips for hiking and wild camping in Snowdonia National Park
Be prepared for changing weather conditions: Snowdonia National Park is known for its unpredictable weather, so make sure you bring suitable clothing and gear for all types of weather conditions.
Research your route and plan ahead: Make sure you know your route and have a plan in place, including alternative routes in case of unexpected weather or other factors.
Respect the environment: Leave no trace and take all your rubbish with you, respect wildlife and plant life, and stick to designated trails and campsites.
Follow the Countryside Code: Be mindful of other hikers and campers, respect private property, and keep dogs under control.
Be aware of safety hazards: Snowdonia National Park has rugged terrain, steep drops, and unpredictable weather conditions, so make sure you stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks.
Bring suitable equipment: Bring suitable camping equipment, including a good quality tent, sleeping bag, and mat, and bring enough food and water for your trip.
Know your limits: Be realistic about your fitness level and experience, and choose a route and campsite that is suitable for your abilities.
Check local regulations: Make sure you know the local regulations regarding camping and hiking in Snowdonia National Park, and follow them, as much as possible...
Let someone know your plans: Let someone know your itinerary, including your route, expected arrival times, and emergency contact details.
Enjoy the experience: Snowdonia National Park is a stunning natural landscape, so take the time to appreciate the beauty of the environment and the challenge of the hike
Equipment
My hiking and camping equipment is pretty basic. I don’t really use anything fancy, and to be honest, I quite enjoy getting by with cheap camping gear. It’s not that I’m too cheap to buy the good stuff, although there may be some truth in that, it’s more that I quite like being uncomfortable. In a strange way.
I make some recommendations on the MY GEAR section of the website. You’ll find a big list of all my camera gear there too, but while shooting this video I pretty much exclusively used just a couple of things. A Sony A7iii camera and a Sony Zeiss 16-35mm lens. I kept it basic. More room in my bag for steak, noodles and beer.
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Cheers