Snowdon Horseshoe - including Crib Goch.
The Snowdon Horseshoe is the 'U' or horseshoe shaped loop of mountains which consist of Crib Goch (923m), Crib y Ddysgl (1065m), Y Wyddfa (Snowdon (1085m)) & Y Lliwedd (898m). The mountains are linked by a series of ridges. The route is 17.5km (11 miles) long with over 900m of ascent and is one of the finest mountaineering adventures in the UK, famed for its exhilarating terrain, magnificent panoramic views and unforgettable sense of achievement. This iconic route features the legendary Crib Goch ridge – a thrilling Grade 1 scramble with exposed sections that demands a good head for heights and sure-footedness. Make no mistake: this is an extremely challenging mountain day and is widely regarded as the most difficult route of its distance in the UK. The reward, however, is extraordinary – knife-edge ridges, dramatic mountain scenery and a true sense of adventure from start to finish. By taking on the Snowdon Horseshoe, you'll be challenging yourself physically and mentally while raising vital funds for IAPWA's animal welfare projects around the world. Every step you take will help support vulnerable animals through rescue, veterinary care, education and long-term welfare initiatives, giving this incredible challenge an even greater purpose. KIT LIST Essential Items: • Walking boots (or robust trekking shoes with good tread depth. No trainers!) • Waterproof Jacket • Rucksack • Rucksack liner (or plastic bag to keep your things dry) • Suitable walking clothes (Not Jeans! Items that are warm and dry quickly are perfect. Trousers are usually recommended over shorts) • Extra warm layers • Warm Hat and gloves • Food (a packed lunch and high-calorie snacks) • Water (1.5 - 2 litres at least) • Personal medication (Blister plasters and painkillers are recommended) Recommended Items: • Spare gloves • Hot drink in a flask • Sit mat • Mobile Phone (in waterproof case or bag) • Waterproof trousers • Walking trousers • Suncream/ Sunglasses • Toilet paper (& a bag to dispose of it in) • Walking pole(s) • Anything else you feel like you need
Your Itinerary
Sunday 4th October
Please note you will need to pre-book parking at the meeting point of Pen Y Plas car park - the trek is expected to take between 8 - 12 hours and the times below are just estimates. 08:00 – Meet Mountain Guide at Pen-y-Pass car park for introductions, route briefing and kit check. 08:15 – Begin the ascent via the Pyg Track towards Crib Goch. 09:30 – Start the Grade 1 scramble along Crib Goch, including the famous arête and pinnacles. 11:30 – Reach Crib y Ddysgl and continue towards the summit. 12:00 – Summit Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) (1,085m). Lunch break and photographs. 12:30 – Descend via Y Lliwedd, completing the classic Horseshoe circuit. 16:30 – Return to Pen-y-Pass car park and finish the day.
What's Included
- Fully guided ascent of the iconic Snowdon Horseshoe route
- Small group experience with dedicated support from start to finish
- Pre-event information pack, kit list and training guidance
- Medal on completion to celebrate your achievement
- Fundraising support from the IAPWA team
- First Aid trained staff and comprehensive safety support
- Qualified and experienced Mountain Leader guides throughout the challenge
Not Included
- Food and water are not provided during the challenge. Please bring sufficient water for the day (minimum 2 litres recommended) and enough food to keep your energy levels up throughout this demanding route.
- We recommend packing a hearty lunch along with plenty of high-energy snacks such as flapjacks, energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, jelly sweets or trail mix. Easy-to-eat foods that provide a mix of carbohydrates and calories are ideal for maintaining energy on the mountain.
- Travel to and from the event and parking charges are not included.