Snowdon

jellybellywmb

My lad has decided he wants to climb Mnt Snowdon, he is 7 years old.

A - Does anyone know if there is a suitable route for a 7 year old.
B - Does anyone know a decent campsite nearby (close to a pub as well if poss)

Going to stay in the area 3 or 4 nights so any other recommendations of things to do in the area appreciated.

john-e-big-guns

Take the track by the mountain railway quit a steady stroll

TheStone

Some info here:
http://www.hightrek.co.uk/snowdonia/routes.htm

The main path is fairly easy. Should be ok for 7 year old. I think there's also a train in the summer.

Not sure on campsites, but Betws Y Coed is really nice. (I didn't like Bala)

grayo59

OK - does he already walk up mountains with you or not?

If not then do not underestimate Snowdon, go in the summer and in dry not windy conditions (tall order I know). Be prepared with waterproofs and walking boots (or at least very good trainers on the Llanberis route only). Bear in mind that if you don't catch the train up you cannot take it down except in an emergency, especially if it is full on the way up. (We did manage to get a knackered mate in the luggage section after climbing via the PYG track and crib goch by claiming he had asthma and a bad heart).

The track alongside the railway (Llanberis route) is about 4.5 miles each way and is the "easiest route" - unless he is particularly good on stamina he will tire out. If he has a mate to distract him that will help.

My 9 year old daughter did Helvellyn (3,100ft) with a group of us OK and was OK a year earlier on Penyfan which although 2900ft was only 1500ft up from our start point; Snowdon at 3500ft is a long slog for a 7 year old IMO.

See if the train can drop you at the half way point and walk up and back from there?

See www.walkingbritain.co.uk

Walk no 1003 snowdon from Llanberis

Splottboy

Don't underestimate Snowdon, it's not called a Mountain for nothing!!! Even if you take the Train path, there's a few place where, if you're not careful, you'll be in trouble.
I live about 6 miles away, have walked it ( Llanberis side ) a few times all the way, used the train and also done some of the other routes most of the way. DON'T GO via Crib Coch !!!
They get wind blasts on top over 100mph, even in summer.
Every year we get local TV coverage of people getting half way, in t-shirts/shorts and getting the local Mtn/Air-sea rescue chopper out.
Had one family of 7 with 16mth old in back pack, almost died of hypothermia - in summer...

jellybellywmb

He did most of Helvelyn when he was 5, stopped short at striding edge as it is far to dangerous.
We have also done most of Scafell with him at the same age, we are kitted out with all the right equipment as I do quite a lot of walking also got father in law in tow who has done the three peaks and walked most of Scotland.

Interesting about the train as that was part of my plan that if he is knackered we would get the train down.

Found a campsite in Llanberis which appears to be at the bottom of the path so can walk straight from the tent.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

Simon Notley

You could get the bus from Llanberis to the visitor's centre and then take the Pyg track. It's shorter than the train path if a little harder going. Just don't accidentally end up on crib goch... I've never done it myself but it doesn't look like the place for a seven year old and a (possibly) inexperienced parent.

An alternative (from the same start) is the Miner's track which is very easy to start but has a difficult steep rocky section in the middle. If he's up to it, I'd imagine he'd love it as it's a very adventurous route... but he is only seven, so don't want to over do it!

passout

Cycled it once - up the side of the train tracks and down the pig trail I think. I'd go that way and if he's too tired, then come down on the train. I guess he'd struggle a bit but its doable.

Wappygixer

What the Llanberis like in terms of openness?
I'm Sh*t scared of heights but would like to get to the top of Snowdon.
Tried last year but took the wrong track, Pyg track instead of Minors.
I'd agree that you should stay well clear of Crib Goch, it made me ill looking up there.

cycologist

There are campsites in Nant Peris - opposite the Vaynol Arms. Food and beer are both pretty good . Your nipper might like a drop of real ale to celebrate his success. You can get a Sherpa bus up to Pen Y Pass from Nant Peris (so as not having to pay for car parking and then take the Miner's Track or Pyg Track.
All mountains in Snowdonia can be serious places particularly when the weather gets bad - which it can do quite suddenly, even in summer. If you are having to ask about the feasibility of taking your 7 year old up Snowdon then perhaps you should start somewhere a little less demanding for both of you or at least do a recce yourself first so that you know what your taking on.
I first took my children up Snowdon when they were aged 7, 9 and 11. They were all fine but I have been walking, running and rock climbing in Snowdonia for more years than I care to admit to and for good measure I hold a mountain walking leadership qualification (although the years of experience are of far greater value).

hammerite

I would recommend the pyg or miners track, I've found Llanberis path long and a bit too samey. Pyg will be more interesting for him - I think a 7 yo would be capable of making it, especially if he is used to it - our 8yo would love it, but my 7yo nephew would probably want to give up after about 15 minutes!

The time before last I walked up I was with my OH who was just recovering from a partial rupture of her achilles, so we were going at a very gentle pace. There was a family going up at a similar pace, parents and 3 girls all reasonably young (youngest was younger than 7 I'd say). They managed to get up OK from what I could see, but it made me laugh - or cry really, that the Dad was kitted out in top notch kit and the kids were going up in jeans and Reebok Classics - and was getting really frustrated.

cougie

Wife and I did the Pyg track 10 years back in the summer - wasnt too hard from what I recall - and she was pregnant - so couldnt have been that bad.

We set off on a lovely morning - got to the top and it was cloud covered - so be well prepared with kit - just in case.

Got down the mountain and the summit was in sunshine - dammit.

Barkiesnake

i used to be a mountain leader for the scouts and have taken many children aged from 7 upwards safely up Snowdon.
As long as you are properly prepared and equiped then it shouldn't be a problem.
We normally stay at the youth hostel at pen-y-pas and then go up the miners track.
This goes level around the lake and then wends up the zig-zags before the final stage alongside the railway track to the summit.

In fine weather it is a grand day out so enjoy the time doing something with your son.

jedster

My son is 7 in October and is a fairly energetic/active lad (plays rugby, football, cycles, etc). I think Snowdon would be a bit of a stretch for him - I think he'd be a bit overtired on the way down. That said, next summer, he might well be up to it.

Although the track next to the railway is the gentlest, it is also the longest and has the biggest climb. If you go up the miners' track from pen-y-pass you start several hundred feet higher up which probably more than makes up for the steeper angle. And the miners' track is a very good path and not exposed. I'd go that way.

Have you walked 10 miles with your son yet? I think I'd want to know that he was comfortable doing that on a flattish walk before I took him up Snowdon (not that it would be a ten mile trip from Pen-y-Pass).

J

sylvestermorgan

As others have said, proper boots, waterproofs and a map. The Pyg track is the shortest and least vertical effort. Steepens just below the saddle but nothing exposed (although keep away from the mine workings left). Agree with the others. If you set out from Pen-y-pass, the summit in front of you is NOT Snowdon, it is Crib Goch which throws a number of people off every year, so avoid that!

An alternative is the Rhyd Ddu path which is dead easy, becomes a bit ridge like higher up but you don't have to walk on the edge.

Don't do the Watkin Path - it's the most vertical effort as it starts not much above sea level and is very steep and screey for the last 1000 feet, very unnerving for the experienced.

jimmypippa

Hostel at Pen-y pass always seems like a goofd idea.

I'd go for the Pyg track or the miner's track (Pyg track is probably better, but remembering to avoid Crib Goch.

As for pubs:

There are a couple in Capel Curig that are [retty good (IRRC one with a mole amd one with acoach on the outside)

Also The Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel is an amusing place, full of climbing memorabilia: Edmund Hilary signed the ceiling, which is pretty cool in my book.

I also had a very nice pint of Bass in there (the first nice Bass I have had).

dsmiff

Took my youngest up at 5 (almost 6) no problems, he was very proud of himself coming down telling everyone he was only 5. We did the Pyg track and have been up 6 times since then, he is now 7. Took my eldest up when he was 7 (got to say it was great day)

Would recomend the Pyg - great views, we have done the Miners, Rhyd Ddu and the Snowdon Ranger.

Both of the kids had proper boots - neither had done any walking before - just keep fit with cycling / football and playing in field outside.

cycologist

jimmypippa wrote:

As for pubs:

There are a couple in Capel Curig that are [retty good (IRRC one with a mole amd one with acoach on the outside)
.

The "Mole" pub is the Bryn Tyrch; the (stage) coach one is the Tyn y Coed, and just to be fair - there is a third called Cobdens.

jedster

love the photo!

giant_man

Did it when i was 13. Great stuff he'll enjoy it no end. Recommended.

dsmiff

We normally set off before 7am, it means you miss the crowds and beat the train to the top.

bompington

+1 for kids on hills - do it right and they love it. My experience (family, friends and instructing - in Scotland, where Snowdon would be the 56th highest mountain) is that a fit 5yo can start serious hillwalking. Even if it turns out they can't cope, hey, you can always go back down! Keep an eye out for them, especially if the weather's bad, & don't let

your disappointment cause problems if you do need to turn round - this means go back before things get hairy: it's poor situational awareness that kills as much as anything.
+1 for pyg or miners - you get over 1000ft head start. Kids often find it easier going up steeper, scrambly stuff than a long plod (so do I come to think of it)
-1 for boots - for young kids a decent pair of trainers is much more comfortable & it's not like they're ploughing through bogs for miles on Snowdon
+100 for decent clothes - doesn't have to be fancy brand name gear, just get lots of fleece (incl hat and gloves) & a light waterproof
+1 for give him his own rucksack, even if it has nothing in it (but something's better, e.g. camera & sweeties). Be like a proper climber!
-0.5 for the dire weather warnings - there are websites (e.g. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/snowdonia_enhanced.html ) that give really quite accurate forecasts for the mountains - the weather is very, very rarely outside the range given, what is unexpected about it is that it is often way different from conditions at sea level. This means that even if you see the forecast, it's possible to miss the significance of what, say, "wind at 900m 20mph rising to 50mph later" means. But see the point about turing round - keep that in mind and you're fine.

fatandforty

We had a glorious day in May 2006, we took our 6 & 9 year olds on the full Snowden Horseshoe (Pyg Track, Cribb Goch, Y Lliwedd and back down the last bit of the miners track)

The weather was perfect (it has to be if you want to take young kids) and we had a great time - the wife was very frightened on Cribb Goch but the kids took it in their stride and we had no problems anywhere on the walk.

Be aware that if you do the horseshoe iit can be quite a long day for children, and a helluva long day for dad if he is carrying everybodys waterproofs, fleeces, food, water and emergency shelter....

dsmiff

Sorry but there would be no way I would take the kid's on Crib Goch. The consequences of one mistake is just too high. It was bad enough walking along one of the ridges to Rhyd Ddu.

jellybellywmb

All sorted,
Booked into Snowdonia parc campsite in Waunfawr for 3 nights which has the bonus of a micro brewery pub on site (called the snowdonia parc), hopefully we will get a good day to do the climb.

Common concensus seems to be the Pyg Track so think we will go for that one, we ar early birds so will probably (hopefully miss the crowds)

We have all the proper kit and are sensible to know when to give up if the weather turns sour, would never put the kids at risk

Thanks for all the info, much appreciated.

CHRISNOIR

jellybellywmb wrote:

He did most of Helvelyn when he was 5, stopped short at striding edge as it is far too dangerous.

Apologies for derailing the thread a tad but is Striding Edge really so bad? I can fully understand that for a five year old it's an absolute no-no but has anyone any thoughts on doing it as an adult?

I ask as me and the Missus took a crack at it last month and she got within a few hundred feet of Striding Edge and stated there was no way she was carrying on which was a disappointment but understandable. And it looks like there's a bit of a scramble after Striding Edge?

jellybellywmb

It is fairly scary and I wouldnt do it unless you are unfazed by sheer drops either side.
I personally find the other edge on Helvelyn (Swirral Edge) to be worse.

Striding edge in good conditions is ok but I would avoid in strong winds, rain fog etc.
Saying that I did it on a rainy, foggy windy day last year.

To be honest if it is not a nice clear day it is pointless as you can't appreciate the viws.

Anonymous

I did it earlier this year with Mrs Lite and a 5, 8, 10 year old. We had plenty of spare kit, good boots and some scoff in case. We used the walf form LLanberis station, past the pub and up. Must say that was the hardest bit, the road from the end of the street up past the pub must be 30%.

The kids loved it.

jellybellywmb

Well all done

Went up on Tueasday and opted for the Snowdon Ranger Path.
Weather was grey to start and as per usual for climbing mountains bloody awful at the top, my seven year old made it with a little gentle encouragment near the top and really enjoyed himself.
Saw the usual un prepared walkers including one man in jeans,crocs a t-shirt and carrying a golf umbrella in 40 mph winds!!

I could not beleive the cafe at the top, what luxury, there was hot chocolate hot food and even undrfloor heating to warm you through.

Canpsite was goos and the pub on site had real homebrew ales that were out of this world.
Lovely little steam railway ran past the camp and there was a station next to the pub

Thanks for all the advice it was much appreciated

bompington

Glad you had fun.
One thing I forgot to say was that going out with kids (cycling, hillwalking, climbing, canoeing, whatever) is a lot less task-oriented than for adults - I remember the first time I climbed the Buachaille with my kids (8 and 6 for the record) I was nearly driven to distraction with the way they had to play in every pool in the burn on the way up - but it was all a big adventure to them, and they did get up without a single moan.
Keep on hitting those hills, it won't be long before they're leaving you behind...

Barkiesnake

CHRISNOIR wrote:

jellybellywmb wrote:

He did most of Helvelyn when he was 5, stopped short at striding edge as it is far too dangerous.

Apologies for derailing the thread a tad but is Striding Edge really so bad? I can fully understand that for a five year old it's an absolute no-no but has anyone any thoughts on doing it as an adult?

I ask as me and the Missus took a crack at it last month and she got within a few hundred feet of Striding Edge and stated there was no way she was carrying on which was a disappointment but understandable. And it looks like there's a bit of a scramble after Striding Edge?

Yes it can be , About 10 yrs ago a fellow scout leader friend of mine (fully qualified MLTB) fell to his death on it whilst walking with his wife. Just missed his footing and went.