Summiting Snowdon is nothing new. Set out on a bright summer’s day and you’ll be good as queuing to stomp up to the top, up the slab steps to get the victory selfie – it is after all crowned the busiest mountain in the UK!
Summiting Snowdon on a bike is something different altogether. Although there are several bridleways which are legally open to bikes that take you up to the summit; Llanberis, Ranger and Rhyd Ddu paths, the 2003 Snowdon Voluntary Cycling Agreement limits the times that you can make your ascent by bike, to make it better and safer for all trail users.
If you’d like to try it, you can ride it at any time between October and April, or before 10am/after 5pm year round, essentially not at peak walking times. Given the magnitude of the climb and its technicality, your best bet will most certainly be in daylight – the perfect challenge for good winter days.
Feel like giving it a go? You will need…
- A strong liking – if not tolerance – of hike-a-bike
- Plenty of snacks & water
- Waterproofs – even if you’re not sure you need them
- A mountain bike – ideally lightweight with a bit of squish and
- A lot of gears – it’s pretty damn steep in places!
- A wee dram – or reward of your choice – for the summit
About the route
This approach is an out-and-back up the Snowdon Ranger Path, the longest of the trails which is said to be the steadiest ascent and best for mountain biking climbs. It starts in a free Car Park a short ride away near Beddgelert, which follows scenic gravel single and double tracks around Llyn y Gadair lake, into Rhyd Ddu and a short road descent to the start of the Ranger Path. Top tip – there’s a great tea rooms in Rhyd Ddu for the way home!
You could roughly split the Ranger path ascent into four bits;
- The zig zags – seen from the valley before you start the ascent, this wide gravel path is not at all technical, but is steep from the off, up to 17% at worst.
- Level off – enjoy some respite as you climb very gently now, past Llyn Ffynnon y gwas lake to the next gatepost. You’ll see the path snaking up the mountain side ahead of you, gulp!
- B*stard climb – you’ll be walking, or rather scrambling most of this. Not only do gradients scale to 27%, but rocky faces and the loose slopes mean you’ll struggle to keep purchase at times, especially when hauling a bike. Add in more inclement weather as you might pass into the cloud and strong winds in this section, and you’ll be seeing why I named it such.
- The circus – You’ll likely find yourself among the hoards up here, as the trails join to head to the summit (and cafe) up the rocky steps. The Miners and Pyg trails are much more popular than the Ranger, and you’ll suddenly be joined by a lot of walkers – be careful and courteous.
When it comes to descending – you might be surprised by how much you can ride. There are certainly some tricky bits, so don’t feel pressured to ride it all – there’s no shame in hiking down as well as up! You’ll soon feel exactly why all that climbing was worth it.
A word of warning…
Just to be clear – this is not a mountain to be taken lightly. Make sure you’re properly dressed with plenty of spares, tools, food, spare layers & first aid etc. before starting your ascent.
For more information on cycling on Snowdon, check out CyclingUK here.