Snowdon Sunrise Hike: Guided Night Ascent of Yr Wyddfa from Llanberis
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable hiking 9 miles/14.5 km with ~975 m/3,200 ft of ascent at a steady pace carrying your own kit.
Overview
Trade a few hours of sleep for a front-row seat to sunrise on Wales’s highest peak. This guided night hike up the Llanberis Path sets a steady pace to the summit of Yr Wyddfa just as the horizon catches fire.
Snowdon Sunrise Hike: Guided Night Ascent of Yr Wyddfa from Llanberis
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The lane is quiet at 1:30 a.m., headlights bobbing like fireflies as a small group slips onto the Llanberis Path. Yr Wyddfa—Snowdon—waits above as a shadowy ridge, its cliffs breathing night air down the valley. Footsteps drum a steady rhythm; the mountain tests your footwork, the wind offers an occasional nudge. Stars blink between racing clouds, and the track—the old pony route—climbs past stone walls and grazing fields toward the open moor.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a real headlamp (and spare batteries)
A 300+ lumen headlamp with a fresh set of batteries is essential for safe footing and group spacing in the dark.
Layer for wind on the summit
Even in summer, the top can be near freezing with gusts—carry a windproof shell, warm midlayer, hat, and gloves.
Fuel on the move
Snack every 45–60 minutes and sip regularly; cool night air can hide dehydration until it bites.
Mind the slick stone
Damp slate and stone steps can be greasy—use trekking poles and keep your stride short on descents.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Feral mountain goats on the crags near Clogwyn
- Ravens and occasional peregrine falcons riding thermals
History
Llanberis grew with the slate industry; Dinorwig Quarry once powered the region’s economy, and its legacy shapes paths and villages around Eryri.
Conservation
Stick to established paths to reduce erosion on fragile upland soils. Pack out all litter and avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds in spring.
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Adventure Hotspots in Llanberis
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
High-output headlamp + spare batteries
Reliable lighting is crucial for safe night travel and group management on rocky sections.
Waterproof shell (hooded)
Mountain weather shifts quickly; a breathable rain jacket blocks wind and showers on exposed ridges.
Warm midlayer (fleece or light synthetic puffy)
Pre-dawn windchill at elevation demands an insulating layer during stops and on the summit.
spring specific
Microspikes (conditions dependent)
If icy patches persist on upper slopes, traction dramatically improves safety on the descent.
winter specific