Free delivery on orders over £805 Winter Mountain Walks In Wales
With spectacular views and less crowds, winter mountain walking offers a fantastic contrast to summer days on the hill. Wales is home to some of the best mountain walks in the UK which take on a completely new challenge through the winter months with snowy and icy conditions.
Winter mountain walking does come with it’s own set of challenges and risks, but with the right kit (check out our handy winter hill walking kit list for some tips), and plenty of knowledge, you can have some of the best days of your life on the winter hills.
The South Ridge of Snowdon, Snowdonia
"Snowdon South Ridge", by Martin VMorris, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Parking: Nant Gwynant, Watkin Path Car Park
Under full winter conditions, any ascent of Snowdon becomes a serious mountaineering route, so care and experience must be taken into consideration. The South Ridge of Snowdon is one of it’s best secrets. It’s a long and exposed but fairly broad ridge with spectacular views across the range.
Pen Y Fan, Brecon Beacons
Parking: Pont Ar Daf Car Park
As the highest mountain in South Wales, Pen Y Fan is a rewarding target for all keen hill walkers. With plenty of route options, the terrain generally begins easy before becoming more challenging and steep towards the top. With the danger of ice on steep sections and changeable weather conditions, ensure that you are well prepared for the walk.
Moel Siabod, Snowdonia
"Moel Siabod", by Nathan Jones, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Parking: A5 Car Park in Pont Cyfyng
With some of the finest views across the Snowdon Massif and a tempting ridge to the summit, Moel Siabod is a fantastic walk in the winter months. The Daear Ddu Ridge offers 1000 ft of gentle scrambling which is really enjoyable under winter conditions, although you need to stay conscious of large drops off the right hand side of the line.
Pen yr Ole Wen and Carnedd Dafydd, Snowdonia
"Carnedd Dafydd", by Mark Hughes, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Parking: A5 Roadside near Glen Dena
With a few technical sections, the trip along the east ridge of Pen Yr Ole Wen and the lip of Cwm Lloer is excellent fun for the more experienced. Passing the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen you enter Cwm Lloer and head directly up the East Ridge. With three steeper sections, the first is often filled with ice meaning crampons are crucial. Once on the summit you head around the Cwm and on to Carnedd Dafydd. Beware of the wind and 1000 ft drop and if needed there are exit routes from here. Heading east you will encounter a steep slab which when covered with snow is dangerous – rope knowledge is advisable in full winter conditions.
Llyn Y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons
Parking: Llyn y Fan Fach Car Park
A fantastic remote route taking in spectacular views of the glacial lake. You can quite easily extend your route by adding in Llyn y Fan Fawr to create a challenging 9-mile circular route. Although technically straightforward, the amount of ascent and descent combined with winter conditions can make this a solid day out.
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About the Author:Huw Saunders - Outdoor ExpertGrowing up in rural Wales, Huw has been immersed in the outdoors for as long as he can remember. If not surfing the Welsh coast, he can now usually be found either running or hiking in the Peak District and through the winter, tries to get out to Europe to ski as much as possible. |
