Summitting Snowdon: Choose your way up!

Quite possibly the busiest mountain in Britain, Snowdon attracts nearly 500,000 visitors to the summit each year. It stands as the highest point in Britain outside of Scotland and with the peak accessible via the Snowdon Railway, it's there for everyone to enjoy. That's one way up right there, but for those with a bit more adventure in mind, ten other routes offer the chance to summit in more than one way, each providing varying levels of difficult and eclectic views of the mountain itself and the surrounding Snowdonia National Park.

Featured in Trail Magazine a few months ago, here's the low down on those ten routes, including the famed Crib Goch ridge.

Llanberis Path

Perhaps one of the gentlest Snowdon routes, the Llanberis Path roughly follows the journey of the Snowdon Railway on it's way up. There's nothing too strenuous along this route, making it ideal for first timers are those not too keen on more challenging climbs. If your looking for serenity it may not be the best route to use, because of it's gentle meander it can prove to be a rather busy path. 2/5 Difficulty.

Moel Eilio

Starting off from Llanberis the Moel Eilio path takes in several smaller peaks including Foel Goch and Foel Gron. The satellite peak of Moel Cynghorion also provides stunning views along the entire western aspect of the Snowdon, a photo opportunity not to be missed. 4/5 Difficulty.

Snowdon Ranger

Another gentle route with a similar difficulty to Llanberis Path, this route is one of the oldest up the mountain. It's also rather popular with mountain bikers, so keep an eye out for your backside every so often! 2/5 difficulty.

Rhyd-Ddu-Path

One of the less travelled paths but with one drawing factor, the high traverse around the edge of Cwm Clogwyn and views down into the western corrie below the peak of Snowdon. There's also the rather craggy rim around Llechlog to take in, and like the Ranger path, it's steady ascent makes in very popular with mountain bikers. 3/5 Difficulty.

South Ridge

The South Ridge route takes in the peak of Yr Aran and the first stages of the Watkin Path. This particular route offers a more strenuous but thrilling ascent. Difficulty 4/5.

Watkin Path

The Watkin paths provides a surprisingly green ascent to the top, though it does become considerably steep as you ascend. This route offers fantastic views whichever way you tackle it and proves to be a good middle of the road option for an ascent. 4/5 Difficulty.

Y Lliwedd

Situated on the opposite side of Crib Goch, Y Lliwedd is an impressive mountain in it's own right. A descent across it's crest completes the Snowdon Horseshoe with a pretty much vertical cliff on your left and staggering views all around. 4/5 Difficulty.

Miners Track

The first 4km of this route to Glaslyn are some of the easiest around Snowdon, although onwards the ascent becomes rather rocky where it meets the Pyg Track. This route is also handy for a fast descent. 2/5 Difficulty.

Pyg Track

The Pyg track is considered Snowdon's route of choice for many. It features a high rocky start and twines beneath Crib Goch and offers some glorious views of vistas. 3/5 Difficulty.

Crib Goch

Last but not least we have the famed Crib Goch route. It's an exposed blade of rock that should be tackled by those with a decent head for heights and scrambling ability. Difficulty 5/5.