The Watkin Track

Directions:- Start from the A498 at Bethania in the Nantgwynant Valley.

Head north and almost immediately fork left and follow the path round to the left (note Cnicht and Yr Aran to the left) and ascend into Cwm-y-Llan. Pass by two waterfalls and through the gate into the Nature Reserve. Pass the ruins of an old copper mine. Cross the stream to a ruined house and on to Gladstone Rock (Prime Minister Gladstone opened the path in front of a large crowd here in 1892). The track ends by the disused quarry workings and becomes a simple path which bears sharp right and up a long steep ascent to Bwlch Ciliau (the Pass of Retreat) on the slopes of Lliwedd. It is worth a short detour to right affords magnificent view from edge, looking across to Crib Goch. The ridge soon widens and another short detour gives a fine view of Glaslyn below on the right. Ascend to Bwlch y Saethau, over loose screed to the summit of Snowdon

For a circular walk head back south east to Bwlch Main, to reach another junction. Turn left, following the poorly defined path at the head of the Rhyd Ddu path then bear left and continue along broad ridge of Allt Maendeyrn. The path climbs at first but the descends to Bwlch Cwn Llan. Turn left down an indistinct path onto an old tramway and back to the Watkin Path and Bethania where you started.

An alternative from Bwlch Cwn Llan, involves a steep climb of some 800 ft to Yr Aran. At the summit you can enjoy fine views of the Nantle ridge before turning east and descending the ridge, bearing left to rejoin the Watkin Path.

Plas-y-Nant comment:- The Watkin Path is the steepest walk up Snowdon, and is not for inexperienced