Hiker in red jacket with backpack admiring panoramic mountain views in Snowdonia National Park — Hiker standing on a rocky peak in Snowdonia, overlooking the stunning mountain landscape and lakes below.

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Discover the Magic of Snowdonia: Epic Hikes for London’s Spartans

If you live in London and love hiking, you’ve probably heard whispers about Snowdonia National Park — the legendary land of rugged peaks, wild valleys, and endless trails. Well, fellow Spartans, it’s time to lace up your boots and explore this amazing region of North Wales!

In this guide, we’ll cover how to get there, what to wear, and 3 top routes you absolutely can’t miss. Let’s go!

How to Get to Snowdonia from London

By car: The easiest way to reach Snowdonia is by car. It takes about 4.5 to 5 hours from London. Just hit the M1 or M40, connect to the A5 through Shrewsbury, and you’ll soon find yourself in the heart of the Welsh mountains.

By train: You can take a train from London Euston to Bangor (around 3.5 to 4 hours). From Bangor, rent a car or catch a bus to Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed or your base town in Snowdonia.

By coach: National Express runs coaches from London Victoria to Bangor or Betws-y-Coed, but this is the slowest option (around 6-7 hours).

What to Wear: Gear Tips for Hiking in Snowdonia

Weather in Snowdonia can change in a blink — expect sun, rain, mist and wind, often on the same day! Here’s what to pack:

Waterproof jacket & trousers
Layered clothing (base layer, mid-layer, fleece or light insulated jacket)
Hiking boots with good grip
Backpack (25-30L)
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Map, compass or GPS (phone coverage is patchy!)
Snacks & at least 1.5L of water

Top 3 Must-Do Hikes in Snowdonia

1. Snowdon via the Pyg Track

Distance: 11 km round trip
Elevation: 1,085 m (summit)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

This is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales. The path is rocky and steep in sections, with breathtaking views across the valleys and lakes. Expect 4-5 hours for a round trip.

2. Tryfan North Ridge

Distance: 6 km
Elevation: 917 m
Difficulty: Hard (scrambling required)

Calling all adventurous Spartans! Tryfan is one of the UK’s best scrambling peaks. The North Ridge offers a thrilling hands-on climb — no ropes needed, but a head for heights is essential. The views from the summit are legendary. Allow 4 hours minimum, and go only in good weather.

3. Cwm Idwal Circular

Distance: 4 km
Elevation: 300 m gain
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Perfect for a relaxed day out, Cwm Idwal is a glacial lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs. The loop path around the lake is well-marked and family-friendly, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Ideal for photography lovers!

There you have it, Spartans — your quick-start guide to hiking in the wild beauty of Snowdonia. Whether you’re tackling a summit or enjoying a peaceful valley walk, this corner of Wales is full of adventure.

Now pack those bags — the mountains are calling!