Category: Expert Insights

A Guide To Climbing Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Posted on | by Simon Ogunlana

Table of Contents

Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa as it is now known, is a hugely popular mountain to climb and can often be crowded in the summer months. Snowdon boasts a good mix of steady walking and small scrambles.

Key facts about Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

  • Snowdon will now by know by it’s Welsh name Yr Wyddfa
  • Height: 1,085 m or 3,560 ft
  • Routes: Crib Goch, The Watkin Path, Snowdon South Ridge, Pyg track, Rhyd Ddu Path, Miners Track, Snowdon Ranger Path, Llanberis Track
  • Time: Approximately 3-4 hours along the Pyg Track
  • Difficulty: The easiest climb of the National 3 Peaks (along the Pyg Track)

Getting to Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

With over 1/2 a million visitors per year, it is certainly worth planning your visit!

Where you will stay the night before and park when you get there ought to be a key part of your plan for climbing the highest peak in England and Wales.

There are a wealth of places to stay in the beautiful surrounding area, from a camping pod in castle grounds to a cottage in the foothills of Snowdon  to the vast amount of hotels across the region.

Naturally in the summer months the car parks are generally busier and can be full by 7am!

Where possible a week rather than a weekend will work best to avoid crowds and in particular late September and early October can be a lovely time to visit.

If you’re travelling in a big group, you might want to consider coach hire, which can help reduce parking concerns and offer a convenient, stress-free experience.

There are several car parks and when using the Pyg Track the best car park is located at Pen-y-pass – postcode LL55 4NY.

Routes up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

There are a variety of tracks available for climbing Snowdon, which helps to manage the crowds on this popular mountain.

There are multiple routes to the summit of Snowdon that vary in difficulty. These include Crib Goch, The Watkin Path, Snowdon South Ridge, Pyg track, Rhyd Ddu Path, Miners Track, Snowdon Ranger Path, Llanberis Track

For beginner trekkers, we recommend hiking up Snowdon using the Pyg Track or Miner’s Track. Both tracks begin and end at the Pen-y-pass Car Park.

During our National Three Peaks Challenge events, we use the Pyg track to climb to and return from the summit. The Pyg track offers some phenomenal views from down to the glistening lakes up to the stunning summit, it truly is a pleasurable experience.

Weather in Snowdonia

Always make sure you check the weather forecast before making the attempt to climb any mountain.

If the forecast isn’t great, contact the local tourist information office for advice on whether it is safe to climb or not.

Check the Met Office weather forecast for the Snowdonia Mountain Range here.

LLANBERIS WEATHER

What is the route along the Pyg track like?

Involving the least amount of  ascent, the Pyg track offers the shortest and most ‘beginner’ like track – don’t be mistaken though this does not mean it is easy! It can be steep and rocky, but the paths tend to generally be good and reasonably straightforward to follow.

For the reasonably fit, it should take you between 3-4 hours, but of course you want to allow for breaks and to take in the breath-taking stunning views!

The views are great, but the Pyg does tend to get pretty busy, so setting off very early or mid-afternoon is advised to try and avoid the crowds. It is worth pointing out of course that depending on the time of year be mindful of when the sun will be setting so that you can be sure you will have enough daylight hours.

During the winter months conditions do become treacherous and like all routes should not be attempted unless you are properly equipped and experienced. Ideally using a very experienced leader is strongly advised.

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) Route Map

Snowdon, Ben Nevis & Scafell Pike – Guided Treks

Mountaineerin can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small group of friends or a fund-raiser for a worthy cause.

  • When you book with Mountaineerin you’re not just booking someone to walk up and down a mountain with. You are booking years of experience and knowledge of how to get the most of the environment, stay safe whilst there, look after it and most of all enjoy it!
  • You will need a minimum of 5 people for a bespoke trek
  • Cost per person £50
  • Treks available from April to October – date to suit you

Make an enquiry for a guided expedition

Tell us a bit about your group and what date you have in mind and I will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your guided trek! ENQUIRE TODAY

Best wishes,

Simon

Simon Ogunlana, Founder & Director

Join an organised trek or challenge

At Mountaineerin our qualified and first aid trained UK mountain leaders will guide you as you climb each mountain during the 3 Peaks Challenge, guaranteeing a safe, fun and fulfilling climb to each summit.

For our organised National 3 Peaks Challenge events we make use of the beautiful Pyg Track. We’ve helped corporate groups, scouts and guides, youth groups and independent trekkers conquer the 3 peaks. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements.

 

Find out more about our fully supported National 3 Peaks Challenge or Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge Treks, or contact us to organise a private trip or challenge for your group.

Simon

Simon Ogunlana – Founder

A Guide To Climbing Ben Nevis

Posted on | by Simon Ogunlana

Ben Nevis is often chosen by many hikers as the starting point for the National Three Peaks challenge.

It is the largest peak out of the three and attempting the climb with fresh legs is recommended! Certainly when tackling the mighty ‘Ben’ it is useful to know what you might be encountering. We hope to equip you with some useful info.

Key Facts

  • Height: 1,345 m or 4,413 ft
  • Difficulty: The hardest climb of the National 3 Peaks
  • Time: 7-9 hours along the Mountain Track
  • The Nevis Landscape Partnership: A  community organisation who help maintain and care for the natural and cultural heritage and wild land areas of Ben Nevis. Could you make a small donation?

Getting to Ben Nevis

Stay in Fort William overnight so you can arrive ready for your hike early and rested –  with a wealth of accommodation in beautiful countryside you will be spoilt for choice!

From the 5 star Inverlochy Castle Hotel, to the local Premier Inn and an array of campsites, including Ben Nevis Holiday Park where you can pitch a tent or glamp it up in a lodge, there is accommodation to suit all pockets and preferences.

When you arrive at Ben Nevis, it is easiest to park at the Visitor Centre where at the time of writing, parking is £3 for cars and £10 for minibuses and coaches.

The postcode for the car park and visitor centre is PH33 6ST.

Ben Nevis Route Map

The starting point for Ben Nevis is the Visitors Centre where you can receive up to date information on the conditions at the summit of Ben Nevis.

The route used to climb Ben Nevis during the 3 Peaks Challenge is the Mountain Track which is popularly known as the ‘Pony Track’. This is the best route for summiting Ben Nevis without the need for climbing equipment or extensive previous mountaineering experience.

The Pony Track might be the easiest route up Ben Nevis, but it is still a challenging ascent. It is still 10.5 miles long, 17km, up and down, and includes 1352 metres of ascent.

What is the route like?

With rough terrain that becomes snowy as you ascent, the route is incredibly steep and certainly challenging, in particular the upper section is very rocky and rough.

The start of the Mountain Track is pleasant – a nice start! The terrain is kind to the walker and the gradient is a gradual one.

After the Youth Hostel path the ground beneath foot becomes a little more tricky and the gradual incline is accompanied with steps and small rocky sections that require some serious concentration!

What is the best time of year to climb Ben Nevis?

Ben Nevis can be climbed the whole year-round, but of course the experience is very different based on the season! Generally it is considered that the summer ascent can be done from May to October, and winter ascents, from November to April. Often it may prove easiest to focus on your walk between June and September as the risk of extreme weather is more likely to be avoided.

Ben Nevis Weather​

Always check the weather conditions before making any attempt to climb Ben Nevis or complete the 3 peaks challenge. Ben Nevis can often be impassable due to snow.

Climbing Ben Nevis between June and September will provide your best chance to avoid the chance of extreme weather conditions and snow disrupting your challenge.

Check the Met Office weather forecast for Ben Nevis here.

Challenge yourself!

Conquer the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours in this iconic mountaineering challenge with Mountaineerin!

Find out more about our fully supported National 3 Peaks Challenge or contact us to organise a private trek or challenge for your group.

Happy Adventuring!

Simon

Simon Ogunlana – Founder & Director

How Difficult Is The Everest Base Camp Trek?

Posted on | by Simon Ogunlana

We often get asked how difficult the Everest Base Camp trek is and how it compares to other popular treks or climbs, such as Kilimanjaro.

The Everest Base Camp trek might sound daunting, but it isn’t one of the more difficult treks than you can take part in here at Mountaineerin. In fact, we have seen people of all ages and fitness levels complete the trek to Everest Base Camp over the years. With some preparation and some determination, you too will be able to conquer the trek and see the tallest mountain in the world. 

The difficulty of any trek comes from a number of different factors, including the length of the trek, the altitude and the technical expertise required. Thousands of people make the trek through the Khumbu Valley to Everest Base Camp each year and the trek is completely achievable for someone with a basic level of fitness. However, there are some considerations that you need to take into account before you embark on the Everest Base Camp trek. 

How Long Does It Take To Trek To Everest Base Camp?

The Everest Base Camp trek takes 12 days to complete (with 2 nights in Kathmandu), starting from Kathmandu and ending back in Kathmandu once the trek is completed. The 80-mile round trip might sound long, but you will only be walking 9 out of the 12 days, which means you will be covering on average 9 miles a day. That sounds much more manageable.

Of course, it is important to remember that you will not be walking on a flat paved surface. Instead, you will be trekking on rocky mountain terrain which could also be snowy depending on the season. This will slow down your pace, but the trek has been carefully planned to provide you with plenty of time to achieve each day’s distance. 

The trek becomes more difficult when you realise that you will be combining the terrain with the fact that you will be generally hiking upwards while gaining altitude. Thankfully, while trekking to Everest Base Camp with Mountaineerin you will have access to experienced porters who will carry your kit, leaving you with only a small day bag to carry. 

Everest Base Camp Technical Difficulty

The Everest Base Camp trek doesn’t require any technical expertise or mountaineering skills to complete. It is effectively a long hike at altitude. This being said it is not a tourist trek and it shouldn’t be undertaken lightly and without preparation. Some hiking or trekking experience will go a long way to helping you prepare for this trek and will make the experience much more enjoyable and easier. 

The trek to Everest Base Camp might not be a climb, but there are a couple of steep hills that you will need to tackle. The paths are often zigzagged to make it easier and most tours give you plenty of time to stop and rest on the path. The path can sometimes be slippy with ice, but you won’t require any equipment for this trek. 

When Is The Best Time To Trek To Everest Base Camp?

There are two main seasons for trekking to Everest Base Camp, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon in March-May and October-November. The weather starts cold in May and gets warmer, and the opposite happens in October with it starting warmer and getting colder towards the end of the year. Here at Mountaineerin, our guided Everest Base Camp Trek is organised for November. 

In conclusion, with a little bit of training and some determination, the Everest Base Camp Trek won’t be that difficult for you and you will be ready to complete one of the most amazing treks of your lifetime! If you are interested in challenging yourself with this fantastic trek then take a look at our guided Everest Base Camp trek. 

Training For The Everest Base Camp Trek

Training for the Everest Base Camp trek is a great way to ensure you have an easier time on the trek and enjoy it more. While it is difficult to prepare yourself for the altitude, unless you already live somewhere with a high altitude, it is possible to prepare for the hilly trek itself.

We recommend that you take part in a few 4-6 hour treks near home so that your body can get used to hiking for that length of time. You should begin your training 6-8 weeks before you are due to leave for the trek. Build up the time and distance of your practice treks slowly so you are comfortable with trekking for a solid 6 hours. 

One way you can help your body to handle the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes is to do some aerobic exercises, such as jogging, swimming or sprinting. This increases your body’s ability to circulate oxygen, which will become harder at higher altitudes. 

The goal is to feel happy walking for 5 hours a day with a light day pack. You will rarely be walking for 5 hours during the trek and most of the walking is done in the mornings, leaving the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the atmosphere and rich culture around you during the trek. 

The summit of Mount Toubkal

Mount Toubkal – Scaling North Africa’s Highest Peak

Posted on | by Simon Ogunlana

We’re on our way to trek Mount Toubkal – first stop Marrakesh

As you step off the plane the warm air hits you and the feeling of being on holiday washes over you except this time you’re not here for calm beaches and cocktails by the sea. You’re here because you have a job to do.

Passport control, bags collected, money exchanged and you’re ready to go. Name spotted on a board in the hands of our guide and we’re bundled into a taxi and we’re off.

As the sun goes down we’re heading straight for the mountains in the distance, the sky orange and the silhouettes of the Atlas mountain’s growing darker by the minute.

The road to the village of Imlil was not as bad as we had been led to believe or perhaps the views and scenery distracted us from the bumps and bends in the road up to the mountain village.

Nestled in the mountains Imlil is a bustling and lively little village and although now dark the village is still busy. Our taxi stopped next to our mule, our muleteer emptied the boot and loaded the mule and off we went.

A short 30 minute walk up from the village to our bed for the night. A Berber gite in the next village of Aroumd. Trekkers and mules passed us on their way back down to Imlil as we ascended a short way up the hillside.

The star lit sky and the sense of adventure was exciting and gave a glimpse of what was ahead of us. On arrival at the gite dinner was ready. Traditional homemade fresh tagine which, tasted amazing. A quick chat with our guide and bed!

Rucksacks packed, mules loaded and we were ready to go. Luckily our 30 minute walk during the previous evening was en route to the Refuge du Toubkal, bonus! The path continues through the village and crosses what appears to be an old river bed, it is here the ascent begins.

The dusty sandy path zig zags up the hill side and heads into the mountains. Every so often a small shack selling bottled water and snacks appeared as well as a glimpse of the peak itself. Jebel Toubkal still appeared to tower above us and seemed a long way off especially as we were due up there the following day.

We reached a huge white boulder which marks the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch (2340m) and by huge I mean the size of a house, we were half way! Abdul (our muleteer) had prepared tea for us so we took a seat and soaked in our surroundings.

Continuing up we met what appeared to be rush hour in these parts, not sure we’ve seen so many goats in 1 place let alone at 2400m up. At our next stop we were made lunch, an epic salad and bread.

The path straightens out here and becomes more obvious, don’t be fooled by its lack of steepness for you have now reached the point where the air thins and the altitude starts to take effect. The effects of altitude vary so much from person to person it’s hard to say who will be affected but symptoms are often minor and get better with time spent at altitude.

A building appears in the distance up ahead, the refuge is in sight! The refuge is a simple place, brick built and bare walls but what do you want at 3200m. It had a bed, shower, loo and shop selling water, chocolate and other errr luxury items.

We waited the rest of the day out sunbathing on the roof of the refuge in awe of our surroundings. Pleased with our achievements for the day we looked towards the route for tomorrow, clearly visible and slightly daunting. Oh well, more tea and biscuits!

Refuge du Toubkal, also know as the Neltner Hut at 3207m

Monday today, summit day! Up early in the dark, breakfast and off up the mountain. A slow steady pace set as we begin the ascent into the large cwm and boulder field. The terrain reminded me a lot of Hollow Stones on Scafell Pike but on a much MUCH grander scale. 

A ridgeline became visible ahead with tiny people on it. That was the route ahead. The fading shadow chasing us as the sun began to rise above the mountain tops made for incredible views looking back down to the refuge now just a speck below.

Leaving the refuge – the ascent towards the summit

Hitting the saddle before the final push you suddenly get a sense of the sheer size of the mountain. The last push was tough, the altitude now nearing 4,000m, scree underfoot and the odd craggy step but all of a sudden in the distance across a huge drop the summit pyramid was in sight.

The summit is bigger than you’d think but does have some impressive drops on several sides and the views are impressive throughout all 360 degrees.

Pictures, a rest, a moment to take it all in and it was time to be thinking about making a move. The cloud building in the distance and in the valleys below also gave a little urgency about getting moving again. No one likes to get wet.

The summit of Mount Jbel Toubkal at 4,167 m

Dropping into the cloud we arrived back at the refuge after a long descent and our muleteer brought out lunch. The refuge now shrouded in cloud and fog gave an eerie feeling and although not planned we decided to continue back down to the gite in Aroumd.

Knowing the path having ascended on it the day before we were confident that we could be at the gite in around 2 and a half to 3 hours and we would get a much better nights sleep.


Our muleteer raced ahead to prepare our evening meal, cous cous with chicken and veg. Perfect after a day on the hill.

The weather had cleared the following day and we descended the track we had walked that night in the dark after being dropped off. It felt like a lifetime ago and as we passed early morning trekkers heading towards the refuge we were reminded of the achievement of conquering the highest peak in northern Africa – Jebel Toubkal!

Join us on a trip to Africas highest Peak!

If trekking North Africa’s highest peak takes your fancy visit check out our Mount Jbel Toubkal organised trek.

Happy Trekking!

Simon

Simon Ogunlana – Founder

 

From mighty midweek ascents to wet weekends – Mountaineerin is with you all the way!  

Posted on | by Simon Ogunlana

Are you our next trekker?  

From private groups, to corporate, from school students to Guides and Scouts, there is something for all.  

We have led novices, enthusiasts and those very much at home and comfortable in the mountains and we love each and every experience! 

Charity Challenge in aid of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Our trips have taken us across the globe and the United Kingdom supporting everyone to reach their goals and meet their challenges in beautiful surroundings.  

We love to see children achieve their dreams and corporate companies use trekking to help engage and motivate their teams, often raising money for extremely worthy causes.  

3 Peaks Challenge Group in aid of Cancer Research

We have worked with many AS and A-Level students and corporate companies such as Lindt, Santander and Sony Mobile have had us help their teams meet the challenges of the National 3 Peaks, Yorkshire 3 Peaks and various Mountain days.  

From blistering hot days up Ben Nevis, to getting knee deep in muddy bogs in Pen y Ghent the UK offers amazing experiences!  

We continue to strive to offer and provide affordable yet professional hikes and treks for the entire community.  

From novice to expert we aim to introduce, show and share our experiences with our friendly, flexible and professional approach supporting our clients literally ever step of the way both on and off the mountain. 

Join one of our group events in the UK or abroad, or contact us to discuss organising a bespoke trek or challenge for your group.

Happy exploring!

Simon

Simon Ogunlana – Founder