Llyn Gwynant Campsite

[Rhona]

Hi there,
I understand that the walk that goes up Snowdon from near the campsite is the Watkin Path, which is full of scree and quite dangerous near the top . Does anyone know if there's a way to avoid this bit? Or is there a way of getting across to the south ridge path to avoid the scree?
Thanks a lot

[admin]

It is pretty much an equal distance walk to the start of the Watkin path to the south of the campsite, or to the Miners and PYG tracks (to the north) at Pen y Pass. But Pen y Pass is uphill so takes a little longer but you are of course gaining height which you have to do at some point anyway. The start of the Watkin is a level 30 to 45 minute walk from the campsite. One of our wardens walked up the Watkin path to the top today and the scree was pretty much as usual. It is not particularly dangerous if you take your time and exercise due care. It is somewhat easier going up it than down so a good option is to walk up the Watkin path and come down the Miners or PYG tracks (via Crib Coch for the adventurous) and stop at the Pen y Gwyrd hotel for a pint on the way back downhill to the campsite. There is no easy way to avoid the screen at the top of the Watkin.

[san-ho-zay]

A few walk pages for the Watkin path make the scree sound treacherous. It needs care but it's not as bad as some of these pages suggest. I came down it by the way.

Another way to avoid the scree is by branching off the Watkin path before Gladstone Rock and heading west to Bwlch Cwm Llan to ascend via the south ridge. But I suppose that's not technically the Watkin path.

I struggled to find the level walk from the campsite to the Watkin. I ended up on a forest track that climbed steeply above a buttress on Llyn Gwynant, then steeply down, rambled through some trees then across huge boulders before dumping me back on the main road at the far end of the lake?

Is there a better way because I'm hoping to make it across to LG again next week?

[Rhona]

Great thank you Admin person. I have looked at the map and that makes sense.We'll go up Watkins (if we can find the actul trailhead!) and back down the Miner's. I've also been lent a couple of walking poles which should make the scree easier. We're planning to be at the site tomorrow morning, yay!