The Miners' Track follows the old copper miners' road from Pen-y-Pass through a series of glacial lakes — Llyn Teyrn, Llyn Llydaw, Glaslyn — before climbing steeply to the summit via the upper cwm. The lower half is as easy as mountain walking gets; the upper half, above Glaslyn, is one of the steepest ascents on the mountain. The industrial history visible along the route gives it a character unlike any other path on Yr Wyddfa.
| Distance | 14km (8.7 miles) return |
| Total ascent | 820m (2,690ft) |
| Time | 5–6 hours return |
| Difficulty | Moderate (with a strenuous upper section) |
| Start point | Pen-y-Pass car park, SH 647 556 |
| Terrain | Broad track, causeway, steep loose zigzags above Glaslyn |
The History of Copper Mining on Yr Wyddfa
Copper was mined on the eastern flanks of Yr Wyddfa from at least the Bronze Age — traces of prehistoric mining have been found in the area — but the industry reached its peak in the early nineteenth century. The Britannia Copper Mine, whose ruins are visible beside Glaslyn, was worked intensively from the 1820s to the 1880s. Ore was brought down to Llyn Llydaw by aerial ropeway, loaded onto boats crossing the lake, and then transported by pack pony to smelters in the valleys below.
The causeway across Llyn Llydaw — now used by thousands of walkers a year — was built in 1853 to replace the boat crossing and improve ore transport efficiency. It lowered the lake level by about 3 metres in the process. The stone buildings visible beside Glaslyn and at the head of the lake are the remains of the crushing mill and barracks where the miners lived during the working week.
Route Description
From Pen-y-Pass, follow the broad, well-constructed track heading southeast. The first 2km are almost flat — this is the miners' road in its original form, built wide and level enough for pack animals. Llyn Teyrn ("Lake of the Tyrant" — the tyrant being a lake monster in local legend) appears to the right after about 1km, a small, dark lake in a hollow of the hillside.
The track rounds the shoulder of the hill and Llyn Llydaw — one of the most famous views in Wales — comes into full view. The causeway stretching across the lake's midriff is one of the great pieces of mountain engineering in Britain. Cross it (a memorable 200-metre walk with water on both sides) and continue on the track along the lake's southern shore, past the ruined mining buildings.
Above Llyn Llydaw, Glaslyn appears — its extraordinary copper-green colour visible from here against the dark rock walls of the cwm. The track climbs to the lakeshore. This is the last flat ground for some time. The zigzag path from Glaslyn to the summit ridge is genuinely steep and can be treacherous in wet conditions. The surface is loose and eroded. Take your time, and take care.
At the top of the zigzags, the path joins the Pyg Track 100m below the summit and follows it to the top. The view back down the cwm to the two lakes, with the Pen-y-Pass in the distance, is outstanding.
What to Expect
The Miners' Track is popular with first-time Snowdon walkers because the lower section is so accessible — it's possible to walk to Glaslyn and back without committing to the summit, and the scenery along the way is exceptional. Many families with children turn around at Glaslyn having had a thoroughly satisfying mountain day.
For those continuing to the summit, be aware that the upper zigzags are significantly more demanding than the lower track suggests. Don't underestimate the mountain because the first 5km are easy. The descent can be hard on knees — trekking poles are useful.
Independently written — Snowdon.com