Three Peaks Challenge - SNOWDON
Traditionally, Snowdon is the last mountain to be climbed by Three Peaks Challenge teams. A drive up the Pass of Llanberis to Pen-Y-Pass offers a large amount of vehicular height gain that is not on offer for Ben Nevis or Scafell Pike. However, the trek up the Miners Path then the final climb from Glaslyn to the summit should not be under-estimated. You will be tired, and the climb will seem hard. The all new summit cafe has now been rebuilt, and is fully open.
During sunny weekends the car park at Pen-Y-Pass can become full from early in the morning. Your support team may only be able to drop you off there, at the bus turning area, then move away before getting a parking ticket from the local parking attendants. We suggest that you first stop at the Nant Peris free car park so your team can organise their kit, make use of the toilets, and be fully ready to jump out when you turn around at Pen-Y-Pass. This can save a lot of hassle for drivers and should be considered.
If you are lucky enough to park the current rates are £3 half day, £6 full day. Opens 8am.
Most teams will get dropped off at Pen-Y-Pass, then climb either the Miners Track or Pyg Track to the summit, returning not to Pen-Y-Pass - but to Llanberis itself. Parking at Llanberis is not a problem, and support teams can get some food and drinks at Pete's Eats in the village (highly recommended).
Walkers and support teams should note that no mobile phone signals are available at Pen-Y-Pass. Signals from Snowdon summit, and at Llanberis, are very good. There is a payphone at the Pen-Y-Pass Cafe, and also at the Youth Hostel. Mobile signal comes and goes from Nant Peris Car Park, half-way down the pass.
Click the link for my Three Peaks Blog, and also for the Three Peaks Snowdon page.
The finish of the Challenge, Llanberis
For more details about Snowdon, Snowdonia and Llanberis, and the main routes up to the summit cafe from Pen-Y-Pass and Llanberis, click the link below:
Three Peaks Challenge - SNOWDON