The Snowdon 6 Challenge | A complete guide
The Snowdon six challenge is one of the toughest day hikes in Wales.
This challenge is based entirely on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), which is Wales’ highest mountain and involves attempting to summit the mountain three times in one day.
I successfully completed the Snowdon Six challenge on my first attempt in April 2024 in just under 9 hours.
Within this blog you’ll find a detailed guide to the Snowdon 6 Challenge, I have included images, maps, what three words (W3W) locations, and GPX files. If there’s anything that isn’t included on this blog, then feel free to drop me an email or a DM on Instagram.
Good luck and happy hiking.
What is the Snowdon 6 challenge?
This challenge involves ascending and descending Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales, three times via the six main paths in under 24 hours.
The six ‘official’ main paths of Yr Wydffa are;
Llanberis path
Watkin path
Ranger path
Rhyd Ddu Path
Miners track
Pyg Track
How difficult is the Snowdon 6 challenge ?
Very difficult! In total the challenge is around 25 Miles (41km) in length and involves around 2,800m of elevation gain.
Essentially you are completing a marathon by walking up and down Wales highest mountain three times.
Alongside being a very tough physical challenge it will also test you mentally. You will have two opportunities to throw in the towel at the base of the mountain, which is easily done when you have a weary legs.
Whilst you don’t need to be a fell runner to attempt the challenge, you should be fit and a relatively experienced mountain walker. As a minimum you should have a very good base of aerobic fitness, strong mental resilience, alongside some experience of hiking in the mountains for long periods (6-8+ hours).
In what order do you complete the Snowdon Six Challenge?
There are a number of ways you could approach and take on this challenge, but the shortest, easiest, and in my opinion the most enjoyable would be;
Ascent 1 - Llanberis path
Descent 1 - Ranger path
Ascent 2 - Rhyd Ddu Path
Descent 2 - Miners Track
Ascent 3 - Pyg Track
Descent 3 - Watkin path
The reason I recommend starting with the Llanberis and finishing with the Watkin path is because the Watkin has the most elevation gain of all the six routes to the summit. The top of the Watkin path also consists of horribly steep and loose scree which is not enjoyable to walk up.
An added bonus of finishing the Snowdon 6 challenge with the Watkin path, is that you can have a celebratory dip in the crystal clear Watkin pools which are located less than a mile from the finish point.
There is a website which states the official challenge must start at the base of the Watkin and finish at the base of Llanberis. They aren’t the Guinness book of records and they aren’t going to be there to hand you a medal at the finish, so as long as you walk up and down Snowdon three times via six different paths, it doesn’t really matter which way you do it.
The reason I suggest descending the Ranger path over the Rhyd Ddu, alongside the Miners Track over the Pyg, is that both the Ranger and Miners are less technical, so you could easily jog and run down sections of both paths.
Finally the reason the Ranger and Rhyd Ddu should be completed before the Miners and Pyg, is because you have to walk/run along 2.7km of road between the base of Ranger and the Rhyd Ddu. This will be more enjoyable when you have only done one ascent rather than two.
Also the Pyg Track is the shortest route to the summit, has the least elevation gain, and has arguably the best views, so is worth saving until last!
The watkin pools
An alternative Snowdon 6 route
When I completed the challenge, I swapped out the Llanberis path, which is the easiest, longest, busiest, and the most boring of the routes to the summit, with the more technical Crib Goch.
Ascent 1 - Crib Goch
Descent 1 - Ranger path
Ascent 2 - Rhyd Ddu Path
Descent 2 - Miners
Ascent 3 - Pyg Track
Descent 3 - Watkin path
Starting at the Pen-y-Pass, Crib Goch is an alternative route to the summit, which branches of the Pyg track. It’s very technical route which involves several sections of steep and exposed scrambling, alongside navigating a very narrow ridge line.
I would only recommend undertaking Crib Goch if you have the competency, correct footwear (outlined below) and the appropriate weather conditions to do so.
People have to be rescued on a weekly basis from Crib Goch and tragically some have died falling from the knife edged ridge, so if you have any doubts, give it a miss or hire a guide.
Another benefit of this route is that before you start the challenge you can stash drop food and supplies at the Pen-y-pass for your third and final ascent.
Crib Goch
Where does the Snowdon 6 challenge start?
If you are making your first ascent via the Llanberis path, the Snowdon 6 challenge starts at the Cattle grid at the end of Victoria terrace in the village of Llanberis.
If you are making your first ascent via Crib Goch, the Snowdon 6 challenge starts at the Pen-y-Pass.
Where does the Snowdon 6 challenge finish?
Snowdon 6 challenge finishes at the base of the Watkin Path, Which is located to the south of Yr Wydffa in Pont Bethania. W3W:bowls.sparrows.watchdogs
Logistics of the Snowdon 6 challenge
As you will be stating and finishing the challenge in two different places you will either need to utilise the Snowdon sherpa bus service or have access to two vehicles.
Regardless of wether you have one or two cars, you will need to leave a vehicle at the end point of the challenge near the base of the Watkin path (you can park for free on the roadside outside Cafe Gwynant). From there you have two options;
Option 1 - Catch the Sherpa Bus from roadside opposite the car park in Nant Gwynant (W3W). It will call by the Pen-y-Pass (where you may have to change buses) before descending down into Llanberis. The sherpa bus costs £ per person and a timetable can be found here.
Option 2 - Drive the second vehicle to your designated start point. There is plenty paid and free parking available in Llanberis, however the Pen-y-Pass is pre-booking only and costs a small fortune. So if you are planning to start the challenge with Crib Goch, then you would be better off catching the sherpa bus.
When is the best time to attempt the Snowdon 6 challenge?
The Snowdon Six is a difficult challenge which will take anywhere from 8 to 20 hours. Because of this deciding on what time of year to take on the challenge is integral.
There is no ‘perfect’ time of year to take on the challenge as the weather is the main factor in determining if you complete it, the time it takes, and what type of experience you have.
Your fitness levels will also determine when you should attempt the challenge. Fitter individuals will need less time and therefor will require less light.
Depending on your fitness levels and the type of experience you would like to have, I would recommend taking on this challenge between the start of April and the end of September.
The ideal date to tackle the Snowdon 6 challenge would be around the Summer Solstice (21st June). As this is the longest day of the year you will have around 17 hours of daylight to hike in.
The best advice I can give is to be flexible with your dates. Taking on this challenge in the wrong conditions will not only be a drain on both energy and morale, but potentially dangerous.
The perfect conditions would be a mild and dry overcast day, with great visibility, and a small amount of wind. However being Wales and given the unpredictability of the mountains, this is extremely unlikely.
You will probably have to compromise on one of the above, but make sure that isn’t visibility.
Unless you’re a sadist, no one enjoys hiking 41km up and down the same mountain three times and not being able to see a thing.
Part of what makes this challenge so special is the views it encompasses. Being able to soak in the glorious views not only distracts you from the discomfort of the challenge, but makes the entire experience more enjoyable and memorable.
If you’re worried about hiking in the dark, I would recommend taking on the challenge when there is a full moon. This way if you do end up hiking after the sun sets you have some form of additional light to help illuminate the route.
Crib Goch
What wear for the Snowdon 6 Challenge?
This will be dependant on the weather conditions and season you are hiking in alongside your own physiology.
Always check the weather forecast for Yr Wydffa before you start this challenge. I would recommend using the on the Met Office website and MWIS playing close attention to the following things:
Feels like temperature
Chance of precipitation
Wind speed and direction
Visibillity
Once you now the above you will have a better idea on what to wear and bring.
I have listed some essential and additional items below but the key theme is that your gear is lightweight, comfortable, functional, and has been tried and tested in the mountains. Stick with gear you have used before and certainly don’t go breaking in new boots on this walk.
Crib Goch
Snowdon 6 Kit list
Synthetic or Merino Top - I recommend merino as it regulates your body temperature, is great at wicking sweat away from your skin, is anti odour, and is quick drying. I prefer tops which have long sleeves and a hood as it offers more protection from the elements. Avoid cotton at all costs
A outer shell jacket - The weather in the mountains is fickle and can change in an instant, so making sure you stay warm and dry is essential. This should be lightweight, packable, wind resistant, and if rain is forecast, waterproof. I carried this windbreaker from Columbia.
Appropriate footwear - I would personally opt for trail running shoes over hiking boots, just make sure they are comfortable, grippy and offer stability. I love adidas’ range of Trail Running shoes.
A hiking or trail running backpack - I recommend a capacity of between 10-22 litres and one which has as chest and waist straps, alongside a padded/ventilated back. I wore a 10 Litre running vest from Decathlon.
A proper hiking app with an offline route - Although the trails are well marked and populated, it’s essential to have the route available offline so you can access it if needed. Google maps won’t cut it. I planned my route using OS Maps premium service, which I would recommend as they are the official map provider of the UK. Also bring a Powerbank and cable
Extra layers for warmth - I recommend a lightweight synthetic hoodie or fleece to act as a mid layer alongside gloves and a beanie
Other Items to consider
Head torch - In case you end up descending in the dark
Appropriate Socks - I have always use synthetic sports socks
First aid kit – I took blister plasters and painkillers but also consider an emergency blanket
Waterproof over trousers – A great lightweight option to protect your legs from the elements.
Lightweight hiking poles – Helps with both the ascents and descents.
Swimming trunks and a towel (for the Watkin pools)
Toilet paper & hand sanitiser – When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.
Suncream + hat
Camera
How to fuel for the Snowdon 6 challenge?
The snowdon six is effectively two challenges, a hiking one and a fuelling one.
The truth is hydration and nutrition is integral to completing this challenge and shouldn’t be underestimated.
Without sounding like a budget David Goggins, your body is capable of much more than you imagine. If you fuel it properly and have the mental resilience to carry on going when things are tough, you will be amazed by what it is capable of.
Fortunately Yr Wydffa is the most popular mountain in Wales, so there are several places to refill water and pick up supplies throughout the challenge. Because of this there’s no point carrying everything from the first ascent as it will add unnecessary weight which will tire you out.
Here are the places which you can fill up water and pick up supplies;
Snowdon Summit - Cafe & toilets
YHA Snowdon Ranger - Tap to refill water
Rhyd Ddu village - Pub and Cafe
Rhyd Ddu station car park - Toilets and water refill
Pen-y-Pass - Cafe, toilets, and water refill
Whilst you will ways be able to fill up your water at the Pen-y-Pass and Rhyd Ddu (they have stations outside the toilets), it’s always worth checking if the cafes and pubs are open. The last thing you want to do is assume and find out they are closed.
What and how much fluid to drink?
How much fluid you will need to carry and consume while undertaking the challenge will depend on a few different factors
The weather
Your physiology (I’m a sweaty hiker so I need more fluid than normal)
How much effort you are putting into each ascent
How much you drink before you start.
To make sure you start and stay hydrated I recommend consuming between 500ml and 1 litre of fluid before you start and before every ascent alongside carrying and consuming between 1.5-2.5 litres of fluid per ascent.
I would also consider using some form of electrolytes/ salt supplement to replenish what you’ve lost and prevent over hydration and cramp. I’d recommend using precision hydration electrolyte tablets which you can just drop into a bottle of water and are easy to carry.
Also consider using a isotonic sports drink or carb powder to help stay hydrated and take on extra calories and energy.
What to eat during the Snowdon 6 challenge?
With regards to food, as this is an endurance challenge which will last multiple hours, I would treat the fuelling like one.
The secret here is make sure you consume something before you start, either at the sumits otr base of the mountain , and eat frequently when you are on the mountains.
Depending on how fast you will be going, I would recommend consuming something little and often, aiming 0.5-1kg of carbs per kg of bodyweight per hour.
As an 80kg male I was aiming for around 40-80g of carbs and around 200-300 calories per hour.
This can be in the form or confectionary, savoury snacks, and proper food. Just remember everyones body and needs are different and there is no here is no one size fits all.
What you eat is down to personal preference and should be food that you enjoy, you have tried and tested on hikes before, and is easy to carry and eat whilst on the go. Don’t rely solely on sugary snacks as your body will just end up crashing. In addition you may end up with stomach issues.
Think about fuelling you body the same as maintaining a campfire fire, you have to keep it continuously topping it up otherwise it will go out.
The key for me was consuming something every hour, even if didn’t feel like it. This was to keep my energy levels high and prevent hitting the dreaded wall or ‘bonking’. On my challenge I ate flapjacks, Haribo, Snickers, sausage rolls, sandwiches, and Ice cream alongside some energy gels.
If you struggle to eat whilst hiking, you can supplement food with sports and carbohydrate drinks to add extra calories to keep you fuelled.
I also stash dropped some food and carb powder behind a wall at the Pen-y-pass. this meant I could collect it before my third and final ascent of the Pyg Track.
Who is the Snowdon 6 challenge for?
The Snowdon 6 challenge is great choice for those wanting to undertake their first hiking endurance challenge, or those who want to experience Wales highest mountain in a unique and memorable way.
It would also be a great training hike and gauge of fitness levels for those wanting to complete the more difficult Welsh 3,000s Challenge.
Is the Snowdon 6 harder than the Welsh 3,000s?
The Snowdon 6 challenge is easier, shorter and less technical than the Welsh 3000s challenge.
Because the challenge is located on a single mountain, which just so happens to be the most popular and well maintained mountain in Wales, both navigation and logistics are far easier and unless you decide to hike across Crib Goch, you do not encounter any technical terrain.
Where to stay for the Snowdon 6 Challenge?
Now unless you live in Snowdonia you are going to have to factor in at least two nights accommodation to complete this challenge.
Where you sleep is down to a few factors including; personal preference, what options you have available to, the weather, what time you plan on starting the challenge and when you think you will finish
Other options would be the YHA at the Pen-y-Pass or looking at Air B&B or booking.com for accommodation as close to Snowdon as possible!. Llanberis or Nant Peris would be the areas with the most properties.
Summary and final pieces of advice
You will endure highs and lows but providing you have a good level of hiking fitness and are granted good weather conditions the challenge will live long in the memory. Oh and think about the strava kudos alongside think about how good that pint will taste after.
Below are 11 tips for a successful Snowdon 6 attempt;
Save it for a good day: If you can, be flexible with dates so you can take this on in the best conditions possible. Poor conditions can be both energy and morale sapping alongside dangerous. One non-negotiable for me would be visibility, It impacts both navigation and views which has a huge impact on motivation.
Make sure you are fit enough: Rack up the mountain miles. You should be comfortable hiking in the mountains on long distance hikes (6+ hours) which have significant amounts of elevation gain (1,500- 2000m).
Have the route downloaded offline on a proper hiking app: I’d recommend OS Maps.
Have the correct gear – Essentials include appropriate footwear, waterproof jacket, backpack, extra layers, and a power bank. I recommend wearing trail running shoes and using hiking poles as they will make a world of difference going both up and down.
Take it slowly: its marathon (almost) not a sprint so don’t go blazing up on your first ascent.
Hike with people on the same level as you: If you’re doing it with a friend or group, make sure they have a similar fitness level, and you all understand what time you aim to complete it in. If one person is significantly faster or slower than the other, it’s going to be frustrating for both people and will take the enjoyment out of the challenge.
Eat little and often: This challenge is an eating one as much as its hiking one. Keeping you energy levels high will make a huge difference to morale and success of the challenge. Eat something before you start, after each descent, alongside eating snacks every 60 minutes.
Enjoy the views from the summit: Make sure you take 10-20 minutes to eat some food and enjoy the views when you are up there.
Stay on top of your hydration: Don’t start dehydrated and look to carry between 1.5-2.5 litres of fluid per ascent. Consume plenty of fluid after each descent and consider using electrolytes and sports drinks to replace salts and keep energy levels up.
Break the challenge down: The scale of the challenge can be overwhelming. Break the hike down into three ascents, give yourself realistic time targets for each, This gives you something to aim for and makes the hike seem more manageable.
Know your limits: Park your ego and don’t be afraid to pull the plug if things aren’t going your way. The mountain will always be there and you don’t want to end up hurting yourself or having to be rescued.
So there we have it, my detailed guide to the Snowdon 6 Challenge.
If you would like a full breakdown of the route alongside a recount of my successful attempt, check out my blog post below.
If you do have any further questions feel free to drop me a message on Instagram.
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For more travel, hiking, & photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite Welsh regions below.