Well-known Welsh circular - September 1997
Walks with a Camera © Geoff’s Pages 2011
The Snowdon Horseshoe is a superb high-level route that needs
little introduction. I had done it some 17 years previously, and
thoroughly enjoyed the exciting rocky circuit with its fine views of
Snowdonia. So with fine weather forecast, we decided to go for it.
On this occasion, the walk was about two miles longer than the
last - the car park at Pen-y-Pass was full, and we had to drive back
down to the road junction at Pen-y-Gwryd.
The route proper starts at the aforementioned
pass, and climbs steadily on a well made path,
which further on becomes the popular Pyg track.
The horseshoe path diverges to the right, to the
foot of the steep rocky scramble which leads
unerringly to the peak of the narrow rocky ridge
which is Crib Goch. Time for lunch!
Time also to study the route ahead - Crib Goch and
Crib-y-Ddysgl are narrow ridges, high and exposed. Only the very
bold (or foolhardy) walk its length - lesser mortals will hang on
with both hands....
The ridge ends more-or-less at the railway track, where the
Snowdon Mountain Railway carries the paying public to the summit
and back. Once a bastion of steam, the line now operates diesel
locomotives and railcars - such as the illustrated "Peris".
Snowdon's summit is defaced by the "hotel" built by the railway
company; nevertheless we did not let prejudice get in the way of
thirst. The pint of Guinness was well earned on this occasion....
We didn't stay longer than necessary on the crowded summit, and
soon continued our route to the "last nail in the horseshoe" - the
shapely peak of Lliwedd. We took another brief break here for
more refreshments, then began the descent proper to Llyn Llydaw,
and the Miners' Track back to Pen-y-Pass. What a great day's walk!
See also Snowdon Sunrise: dawn from the summit, in a sea of
mist....
