This guidebook describes the Snowdonia Way in Wales, a long-distance route through Snowdonia National Park from Machynlleth to Conwy. A low-level route of 97 miles (in 6 stages of between 13 and 21 miles) passes through the heart of Snowdonia's stunning mountain scenery and includes Pass of Aberglaslyn, Ogwen Valley and Aber Falls. It is suitable for walkers of average fitness and stamina, though the day stages are long. An alternative mountain route covers 122 miles in 9 stages of 12-18 miles giving a spectacular journey over the most famous peaks such as Cadair Idris, Snowdon and Glyders. The high-level route is more physically challenging and requires good navigation skills.
Full route descriptions for each stage are accompanied by OS maps and profiles. The guide also includes lists of accommodation and transport providers and a table of facilities to help with itinerary planning. Background notes on Snowdonia's geology, wildlife and history and extra information about features encountered along the way will help you discover more about this ancient and beautiful land.
Seasons - Both the main route and mountain route can be walked throughout the year, though in winter conditions the mountain route requires full winter mountaineering equipment.
Centres - Machynlleth, Abergynolwyn, Dolgellau, Trawsfynydd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Beddgelert, Pen-y-Pass, Dolwyddelan, Capel Curig, Bethesda, Llanfairfechan, Conwy
Difficulty - Though the walking days are long, the main route is mostly easy to navigate and stays at a low level, only crossing passes when necessary. Walkers should be used to full days out. The mountain route requires good navigation and includes a considerable amount of ascent, sometimes with no path.
Must See - Snowdon, Cadair Idris, The Glyders, Lake Trawsfynydd, The Ogwen Valley, The Vale of Ffestiniog, Aber Falls, The Pass of Aberglaslyn, The castles of Llewelyn the Great, The myth of King Arthur, Llyn Gwynant, Llyn Ogwen, Nantgwynant, Coed y Brenin, The Moelwyns, Moel Siabod, The Carneddau, Slate quarrying, Owain Glyndwr
Reviews
Crisp text, graphic images and a catalogue of facts. Contained within the tried, tested and popular framework of a Cicerone user guide comes Walking the Snowdonia Way, a captivating south-north route through the National Park from Machynlleth to Conway. The route is presented in two forms, a 94-mile low-level version (main) and a 122-mile high-level approach (mountain). The low level route includes the Ogwen Valley and takes in hillside paths, forested slopes and Roman roads. The mountain route intersects with the main route but also includes Snowdon, Cadair ldris, Cnicht and the Glyders, as well as some less well-known peaks.
The usual Cicerone formatting provides information, advice and sets the scene in leading up to the bulk of this publication, which is justifiably dedicated to the route description. Photographs are in abundance and provide constant, mouthwatering insights of the journey, while the strip maps amply support the text and make for a committed and reassuring literary guide, whether attempting the route in its entirety, over sections, or simply using the book to sample parts of the area.
There are six stages, some split into (a) and (b), each one opening up with all the essential, basic details, such as start, end, distance, ascent, terrain, availability of supplies and a brief outline of the route, before describing the walk. This route hardly requires it, as inspiration comes naturally, but the quality and brightness of the Cicerone publication only enhance a walk of this magnitude, backing up the basic concept with crisp text, graphic images and a catalogue of facts, while the classic size of the book, in Alfred Wainwright tradition, is compact, light and pocket size, but still able to open effectively when put in a map case.
Tim Glenn, Strider magazine
"An essential guide for anyone contemplating this north Wales challenge"
Trail magazine
With Cicerone you’re always guaranteed the kind of detailed walking guide that brings fresh life to a trail, and this new Snowdonia Way handbook is no exception. Following a spectacular route through the national park from Machynlleth to Conwy, the 176-page guide will appeal to all Eryri-lovers.
YHA Magazine
The descriptions and depictions by the author Alex Kendall are tantamount to experiencing the highs of hiking across the Welsh Wonders of Snowdonia. As you are guided through the eyes of expert mountaineers, the realistic perspective of what to expect with detailed trails means that a large part of the planning has been done for you. Now the time has come to embrace Snowdonia’s scenic sights.
B-C-Ing U Magazine
Inside Walking the Snowdonia Way you'll find all of the necessary information to get you prepared for the walk, while it also provides detail on the mountain route, a 122-mile walk that takes in the likes of Cadair Idris, Snowdon and The Glyders.
Adventure Travel Magazine
About the Author
Alex Kendall - is a mountain leader, working in summer and winter throughout the UK and abroad, leading groups on day walks, challenges and long distance journeys. He enjoys getting people into the outdoors, especially through supervising Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions and running weekend walking trips for adults. He has been walking in Snowdonia for over 10 years having been introduced to these mountains as a student.
Bibliographic information
ISBN - 9781852848569
Published - 2 Feb 2017
Reprinted - 7 Jan 2020
Pages - 176
Size - 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.1cm
Weight - 230g