Snowdon

This has become our favourite circular to summit Snowdon. Taking the Pyg Track on the way up - it’s shorter, but steeper. Then the Miners Track on the way down - it’s longer but flatter and a bit more relaxing after getting to the top.

It was a hot day. Clear blue skies, barely a single cloud. Not even a whisper of wind. It makes for a peaceful walk and we were with friends for this one, so plenty of opportunity to talk and have fun.

We started by climbing the Pyg Track. The rocks and stones slide over each other under foot. Occasionally water trickles across and your boots get wet. We are interrupted by boulders every so often but there is always a way over or around. The views are excellent everywhere. Mountains and hills as far as you can see; their jagged silhouettes pointing to the sky. The two tracks merge before the final surge to the summit. It’s a steep staircase of rock which with friends, is much easier to climb!

At the top there’s the chance to get the obligatory selfie (if that floats your boat) and soak up the views. We got lucky and had great vision all around but we’ve had a mixture of weather in the past. After a bite to eat and a much needed caffeine fix, it was time to head back down.

The Miners Track is a sharp descent at the beginning before it plateaus. At the bottom we are greeted by a calm lake, gently washing ashore over slate stones. It’s really beautiful. The remains of cobbled miners houses and native sheep are dotted along the route and in the hills. We cross over more lakes and pools of water as the track meanders and winds us down the mountain.

There are huge, flat stones in some parts. A completely different challenge when you are heading down. Gradually it turns into a dusty stroll through the rustic tundra, around the corner until you are back at the starting point. All in time for a well earned pint. Perfect.