Snowdon continues to be one of the UK’s most popular mountains.
In 2022 alone, it’s estimated the iconic Welsh peak attracted over 700,000 visitors!
Located in the stunning landscape of Snowdonia National Park, it’s officially the tallest mountain in Wales and best known as making up one of the National Three Peaks.
One of the key reasons why this peak remains so popular is because it can cater to all abilities with its plethora of routes which all vary in difficulty.
While all of these routes are absolutely cracking rambles in their own right, my number one pick has always been the Watkin Path.
An incredibly rewarding yet formidable walk, Watkin Path is notorious for its gruelling ascent and white-knuckle scrambling segment towards the top end of the peak.
Steep and exposed, this path is certainly not for the feint of heart, and those who struggle with heights may want to think twice before giving it a go.
Nevertheless, for experienced hikers and more daring types, Watkin Path is an exhilarating adventure which I’m confident you’ll absolutely love.
Plus, this route is also home to arguably the nicest wild-swimming waterfall spot in the whole National Park. The perfect reward after a demanding climb! (More on that later)
Want to read up on all there is to know around this route? Then let’s get to it 👇👇
Watkin Path details
One of the steepest and more challenging routes up Snowdon, Watkin Path is commonly classed as the second most difficult trail up the peak; bested only by the narrow ridge of Crib Goch.
Also one of the most scenic routes, Watkin Path starts with a relatively gentle incline through picturesque ancient woodlands and along a series of crystal-blue waterfalls before it quickly ramps up in difficulty after passing Gladstone Rock.
The long incline up the mountainside from here is guaranteed to get those legs burning, which you’ll have to endure until you’re greeted with the alarmingly exposed scramble segment shortly before reaching the summit.
Be prepared to clamber up using your hands and feet as you carefully manoeuvre up the eroded and uneven terrain.
Word of warning – If you don’t like heights, don’t look down!
My girlfriend isn’t the biggest fan of scrambling and she really wasn’t expecting the top part of this route to be as precarious as it was. Laying eyes on the scramble for the first time was certainly a shock for her.
Nevertheless, while the climb can be sweaty-palm material, it is such an exhilarating experience for those who do push on and conquer it.
I’m pretty sure anyone who’s ticked off this route will tell you that the sense of achievement you feel after reaching the summit is certainly worth it!
Watkin Path Route info
Distance: 13 km (8 miles)
Time: 4-7 hours
Ascent: 3,330 feet (1,015 metres)
Starting Point: Near Pont Bethania, Caernarfon, LL55 4NQ
Grid Reference: SH 627 507
Where to park for the Watkin Path?
The best parking spot when hiking up the Watkin Path is the car park at Pont Bethania, just southwest from Llyn Gwynant. The start of the trail begins on the opposite side of the road from here.
Watkins Path Waterfall car park address: Near Pont Bethania, Caernarfon, LL55 4NQ
How long does it take to walk the Watkins Path?
Due to the difficulty of the Watkins Path, individual climbing times can vary greatly.
As a general overview, finishing times typically fall between the 4-7 hour range. Fitness level, weather conditions and how often you stop for breaks will ultimately determine how long this ramble takes.
During our most recent stomp up the Watkin Path, we finished in around 4 hour 30 minutes, stopping only at the top of the peak for a 20-minute food break.
How hard is the Watkin Path?
Watkin Path is commonly hailed as the second most difficult route up Snowdon, falling only slightly short behind the precarious Crib Goch scramble.
However, while the route is a challenging one, experienced hikers and those who are reasonably fit shouldn’t have too much of an issue completing this trail.
While one of the harder climbs however, it’s interesting to note that it’s not one of the longest.
Coming in at just 8 miles in length, the Watkin Path is actually shorter than Snowdon’s easiest route – the Llanberis Path – which comes in at 9 miles.
As long as you’re prepared and have the will power to push on to the summit, you got this 💪
Is the Watkin Path safe?
The Watkin path is a safe and well-marked route all the way up until the final scramble over the scree.
The eroded rockface here makes for a rather steep scramble which can get slippery in wet weather. Much of the scramble also contains loose rock, meaning you should take extra care when securing your hands and footing on the mountainside.
Likewise, the route up the scree isn’t always the clearest to follow and visibility can become an issue in poor weather conditions. There are several extremely exposed cliff faces so you really must keep track of where you’re clambering to.
Personally, I’d say young children and those with dogs should probably look to avoid this route, and those who do take children will need to keep a watchful eye on them throughout the climb.
I’d also recommend not attempting this trail in rain or during the winter unless you have all necessary specialist equipment.
Gladstone Rock
Did you know – Back in 1892, Watkin Path was officially opened by Prime Minister William Gladstone in 1892.
Amassing a crowd of over 2,000 people, the Prime Minister spoke to the gathering from a large rock laying at the side of the trail. This rock is now known as Gladstone Rock, which you’ll spot on the trail soon after passing the Watkins Path Waterfall & gorges.
Watkins Path Waterfall
Hiding in the shadow of Mount Snowdon just below Gladstone Rock, you’ll discover the spectacular Watkins Path Waterfall.
A series of plunge pools and crystal-blue falls flowing down the mountainside, this is quite possibly the most beautiful wild swimming spot in the whole National Park.
Even better, the Watkins Path Waterfall is still a relatively quiet location – most likely due to Watkin Path being known as one of the more difficult climbs up Snowdon.
Many visitors simply opt for one of the more tourist-friendly routes and completely miss out on this hidden gem.
Nevertheless, with how stunning this unspoilt swimming spot is, it’s probably only a matter of time before it does catch the public eye. So best get visiting now before it starts getting more popular!
For a detailed guide breaking down everything you need to know, be sure to check out our Watkins Path Waterfall post here.
Other Snowdonia resources
For more information on Snowdon and all its routes, click through to our ‘How Long Does It Take To Climb Snowdon’ post.
And for those who’d like read up on more things to do in Snowdonia National Park, why not head over to our ‘Camping in Llanberis’ or ‘How To Find Snowdonia’s Secret Infinity Pool’ guides?
Happy walking 🚶🚶