Open Sunset Climb Snowdon

Question 1

WILL I NEED WALKING POLES?

Accepted Answer

Walking poles are not essential but they a good idea for anyone who may suffer from any stiffness or pain in the back, knees or hips. They can help you feel more secure on uneven ground, especially in descent.

Poles that can be shortened easily are recommended so you can fold them up and strap them to your backpack for any sections where you might prefer not to use them. For novice users, we suggest using one pole on the way up and two on the way down, depending on your route. If you can, practice walking with them before your event to get used to them.

Question 2

DO I REALLY NEED WALKING BOOTS?

Accepted Answer

Whilst walking boots are definitely preferred and advised, they are not absolutely essential. Ideally you will have sturdy, comfortable footwear which supports your ankles and, if possible, are waterproof to maintain comfort, warmth and to help avoid blisters. Thick soles are essential with good grip for slippery surfaces. This might be a ‘walking trainer’ with a rugged sole (sometimes called ‘approach shoes’ also), but slightly less heavy than a full, leather walking boot.

If you do decide to buy new footwear then make sure you wear them in well before your big mountain day. This will help to avoid blisters on your day and improve confidence and comfort.

If you are concerned, then you can always pop some plasters on areas that may be prone to rubbing on the morning of your walk, and take some large plasters with you, in case of any ‘hot spots’ forming during your walk.

Question 3

HOW BIG SHOULD MY RUCKSACK BE?

Accepted Answer

Your rucksack should be at least 25 litres in size with two shoulder straps and ideally a chest and/or waist strap too. Please do not bring satchels or shopping bags, they are uncomfortable to wear for a long period of time.

To waterproof your possessions, we recommend that you line your rucksack with a bin bag or put your items into separate plastic shopping bags. Re-usable ‘Zip-lock’ bags are good for smaller items or mobile phones. Don’t limit your Kit List packing because you can’t fit it in your bag; find a bigger bag!

Question 4

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I TAKE?

Accepted Answer

Ensure you take on a filling breakfast with complex carbohydrate and protein to fill you up for the morning, e.g. porridge with peanut butter and banana. Take at least 2 litres of water with you in a reusable water bottle and pack a variety of foods –both savoury and sweet that will sustain you during the day. Try to choose complex carbohydrates and whole foods, rather than overly sweet foods and chocolate. Foods like malt loaf, mixed fruit and nuts, cheese and ham/salami, oat cakes, raw fruit bars, dark chocolate, filled wraps, mini pork pies or sausage rolls will last well on the hill and sustain you over several hours. Cold pizza is a particular favourite for some of our staff!

Remember to never leave any wrappings or fruit peel on the hill and take all litter back home with you.

Question 5

WHAT IF I WANT TO TAKE A DIFFERENT ROUTE?

Accepted Answer

On our Climb Snowdon days, we predominantly use either the PYG track or the Maesgwm/Ranger Path route to ascend and the Llanberis path to descend. If you wanted to try a different route, then get in touch and we can look at booking you on a bespoke private day with your own Mountain Leader who can take you up a different route or even up a different mountain.

Question 6

WILL I REQUIRE ANY MAP READING SKILLS?

Accepted Answer

No, our fully qualified Mountain Leader will take this responsibility off your hands. However, if you would like to learn, then do ask our friendly leaders. We also run Mountain Skills Courses which are aimed at people wanting to learn the basics of map reading in the mountains.

Question 7

WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS REALLY BAD?

Accepted Answer

Everyone who signs up to one of our events should be ready for various weathers on their walk. This includes extreme heat as well as wind, rain, low cloud and even snow showers sometimes! As an experienced mountain activity provider, if we deem the incoming weather to be a danger to our walking groups and/or Mountain Leader staff, then we may make alternative arrangements in terms of route planning. This could include walking up as far as we can before turning back, taking an alternative route, i.e. a traverse instead of an ascent, we may even take a group up a smaller neighbouring mountain with views of Yr Wyddfa.

In the extremely unlikely event that we have to cancel a walk completely, then all information can be found on our Terms and Conditions at the bottom of our website. This is a rare occasion – we’re happy to walk in rain and low cloud, as long as everyone has the required kit to stay dry, warm and happy.

Question 8

WHERE CAN I PARK?

Accepted Answer

Our Climb Snowdon walking routes sometimes use the PYG Track from Pen y Pass. But, the car park at Pen Y Pass is now booking only and is usually full by 0600. For this reason, we meet our groups in Llanberis at the Dolbadarn Castle Parc Padarn Car Park and then either catch the local 0905 bus to Pen y Pass, or just use our quieter route up Maesgwm and the Ranger Path. The cost of the bus is payable by you to the driver. We will confirm expected costs in our event details to you.

Since we meet in a car park, you can leave your car there, alternatively here is plenty of other pay and display parking available in Llanberis village: opposite the Snowdon Mountain Railway station, you can find ‘Parking For Snowdon’. The National Slate Museum and Electric Mountain both have large public car parks. There is a small car park behind the Snowdon Mountain Railway, too. Please park responsibly, using public car parks and show consideration to residents.

Question 9

WILL I NEED ROPES AND A HARNESS?

Accepted Answer

While we call ourselves Climb Snowdon, we do not actually climb with ropes and harnesses. We can provide rock climbing taster days and activity days so please do contact us if you would like more information.

Our Climb Snowdon days are walk-only, so don’t be put off by our name! If you are interested in ‘running’, we can organise guided running days on Snowdon or other mountains. A ‘walk’ on Crib Goch involves some hand-to-rock scrambling techniques and experience, and we run walks on Crib Goch as bespoke, guided events or as part of our Welsh 3000s Challenge.

RAW Adventures

Open Sunset Climb Snowdon

Open Sunset Climb Snowdon

Organiser Details