Hiking Snowdon Ranger Path in Wales. If you’re heading to North Wales, climbing Mount Snowden should be on your list. It’s a beautiful 8 mile trek, taking between 5-7 hour round trip. There are a number of different routes to choose from, ranging in difficulty based on the terrain and inclination. We chose to do the Snowden Ranger Path which is one of the easier and less busier routes.
Here’s what you need to know;
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.
Parking: For the Snowden Ranger Path: 
Park at National Authority Car Park. It costs £6 for the day and there is a portable toilet there should you need to go.
Hiking Snowdon Ranger Path
Route: To find the start of the hike, simply cross the road from the car park and look for the Snowdon Ranger Path sign. Walk up towards the train station and when you get to the end before the track, turn left down a narrow path. When possible, take a right and follow the path that goes over the train track.
You’ll walk past a farm house on your right hand side and just behind it there is a gate. This is where the zig zag to get up the hill starts. Now you know you’re on the right path.
The zig zag path is a constant incline and takes between 20-30 minutes to get up, depending on your speed and level of fitness. Once you reach the top of the zig zag the path will plateau for roughly 40 minutes. Enjoy this time and conserve your energy for part 3.
The 3rd mile into the hike is the toughest part. It consists of uneven, loose rock with a steep incline. This path is around 1.5 miles long and takes between around 1 hour to complete. There were very few times that we needed to use our hands to assist ourselves on this path. Most people will be fine, but this does require a decent level of fitness.
The last part of the hike is pretty easy going. The path returns to gravel and it’s much easier to walk on. There is still an incline until you reach the top of the mountain. Once here you will walk along the mountain top until reaching the man-made statue representing the peak. This is the tallest part of Mount Snowden.
Tips to aid you on your mission of hiking Snowdon Ranger Path
Start early, preferably before sunrise to avoid the crowds. Mount Snowden is one of the most popular tourist attraction in the North of Wales, meaning you won’t be alone. One of the reasons I like Snowdon Ranger Path however is that it seems to be a lot quieter than others. If you leave before sunrise, remember to take a torch with you for the first part of your hike.
Wear appropriate footwear (hiking boots, or very sturdy trainers). If you have proper hiking boots, I’d always recommend wearing them, especially outside of the summer months. The hike is lengthy so you want to make sure you’re properly protected. Remember to wear thick socks to avoid getting blisters. TIP! Take plasters in your bag with you just incase you need them.
Don’t forget your water & snacks. You’ll be gone for half of the day, so make sure you take enough things with you to keep you going. There’s a shop at the top that opens at 9am where you can restock should you need to.
Take layers with you. It’s cold in the morning and once you get to the top of the mountain if there is wind you feel the chill. Layers are the perfect way to avoid overheating, or equally feeling cold. Outside of the summer months I highly recommend taking thermal clothing with you, including socks!
Have rest stops along the way! Stop to admire the views in the meantime and snap a few photos for your memories. 
It takes roughly 5-7 hours round trip depending on your fitness level, pace, and how many times you stop.
Hiking Snowdon Ranger Path – Taking the train
If you can’t hike up Snowdon Ranger Path but you still wish to ascend, it is possible. There is a train that runs throughout the day and takes 60 minutes each way. The cost is £32 return, or £22 for a single ticket. It’s quite pricey in my opinion, but the option is there 🙂
The first train leaves around 8:30AM. You can find out more information here: https://snowdon.vticket.co.uk/
Hiking Snowdon Ranger Path – Guided Tours with Experts
If you wish to go on a guided tour with an expert, GetYourGuide have some available options, including a 6-hour guided tour on a lesser-known path, or a sunset tour where you get to watch it set from the mountain peak.