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Re: snowdon

I walked that path a couple of weeks ago on that glorious Saturday we had..

T'was a wonderful walk with great views all day. I came down via the Bwlch Main and Clogwyn Du.

The only thing I would warn of (and it sounds obvious..) but it really is uphill aaaalll the way there, with a particularly steep finish up a scree path. If any of your party may be put off by the sight of the summit pretty much from the off, don't take 'em.

Absolutely cracking walk, easy navigation and once up on the col between Yr Llewedd and Snowdon there are (at least there were for me) stunning views down to Llyn Llydaw and over to the other ranges around.

Here's a couple of pics to whet your appetite! In Feb you may even have snow....

Re: snowdon

Most likely to be covered in snow and ice in February isnt it ? So the "huge line of people" wont be there and havent done the Watkins path but would advise that a full on winter walk up Snowdon is a serious proposition for any newbie.

Re: snowdon

I went up in jan this year and it was absolutely heaving.  I've never seen so many people on a hill in my life.  Easy walk btw, even for a newbie.

Why do you want to climb Snowdon so badly? Is it because its the highest in Wales? There's better hills in the UK than Snowdon.  Snowdon probably used to be a nice hill to climb, but its been spoilt by the thousands of people who climb it every single day of the year.

Re: snowdon

Pete, I would agree with Vick, Snowdon is very likley to have snow and ice on it in February and as the final section of the Watkin path is pretty steep, If you are new to walking then I would recommend you wait until spring before attempting it. This route although popular is not as popular as the pen y pass routes which can as people have hinted at turn into a bit of procession. As Hillhiker1 has shown in his pics if you get the right day the views are excellent. I say if Snowdon and the Watkin path is the mountain and route you want to do go for it and enjoy it, but I would still recommend you wait for spring due to the winter conditions.

Re: snowdon

PhilR said:

The only person who can answer if he will be comfortable going up in what is likley to be winter conditions is Pete himself if he is great & if he isn't, so what. The main thing is that "he" enjoys it.
 

------ End Quote ------

Totally agree

 

Re: snowdon

peterleogh said:

 Hy ive been waliking for about 6months now ,  me and a freind have decided to climb snowdon in febuary next year , we have checked the routes out and going to use the watkins trail ! has anyone walked it and if so any hints /tips thanks pete

Hi Peter
 

If you've only been walking for 6 months, Vick makes a very valid point.  Snowdon has the potential to be a dangerous place in winter conditions if you are not properly prepared and trained.

So, check the conditions , if you are in any doubt err on the side of caution, and do something differet - the Glyders from PenyPas can be a safer winter route, and come back to Snowdon when YOU feel confident. 

Please ignore those posters who through an inappropriate sense of unfunny humour, or through a pathetic desire to appear macho play down the risks. 

Re: snowdon

Myself and a group of friends have been doing the Snowdon Horsehoe every February for the last 15 years, and this includes descending down the Watkin path en route to Y Lliwedd. Conditions have varied from dry rock in glorious sunshine, through gales and rain to firm/icy snow. Last year was particularly challenging due to the iciness in places - Crib Goch was out of the question for us. Those in our group without ice axes and crampons were unable to get to the summit via the Miners Track, as the top of this was treacherous and they wisely turned back. We saw a lot of people struggling there. In those conditions the top part of the Watkin path requires proper winter skills, experience and equipment.

So, if you do go in February, be prepared for anything weather wise and turn back if it's beyond your experience or equipment.

Re: snowdon

Smartcooky said:

peterleogh said:

 Hy ive been waliking for about 6months now ,  me and a freind have decided to climb snowdon in febuary next year , we have checked the routes out and going to use the watkins trail ! has anyone walked it and if so any hints /tips thanks pete

 

Oh and btw, I am offering a guided trek to Kinder Scouts base camp for half price on ebay. You will get to spend 14 days trekking to base camp with yours truly who has summited Kinder a record 5 times, once without the use supplementary oxygen. 
 

Because you are a fellow member of trail i will offer you a further discount of 10%.  This can be yours for a cut price of £15000.

Trip Highlights:

Spend time with the greatest mountaineer of all time (Me)

Superb views of Kinder Scout throughout trek

14 days trekking to base camp

1 night in the mountain village of Castleton

All meals, sleeping bag, 4 hot showers, snacks and ‘bed tea’ included on trek

Do not trust this man to take you up Kinder, i've heard he gets his customers drunk and takes them up the wrong route, for want of a better expression.