

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!