Eryri is a paradise for trail runners. The variety of terrain — from grassy ridgelines on the Carneddau to the technical rocky paths of the Glyderau and the broad, accessible paths of the Snowdon approaches — provides running at every level of difficulty, with scenery that transforms a training run into something much more memorable. The national park hosts some of Wales' most celebrated fell races and has produced internationally competitive mountain runners.
The Snowdon Race
The Snowdon Race, held annually in July, is one of the great fell races in Britain. The course ascends from Llanberis village to the summit of Yr Wyddfa via the Llanberis Path and descends the same way — a round trip of approximately 16km with 1,000m of ascent. The record, set by Kenny Stuart in 1985, stands at 1 hour 2 minutes and 29 seconds — a time that still seems almost implausible given the terrain. The race attracts hundreds of competitors and is the centrepiece of a well-attended local event.
Best Running Routes
The Snowdon Classic
Summit via Pyg Track, descent via Miners' Track or Llanberis Path — approximately 14km with 950m ascent. The Pyg Track's mixture of path and scrambling makes it more interesting than the Llanberis Path for runners, and the descent via the Miners' Track provides a different perspective. This is the route that most runners use for their first Snowdon summit.
Carneddau Horseshoe
The Carneddau offer the finest high-level ridge running in Eryri — broad grassy ridges with consistent surfaces and enormous views. A circuit taking in Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn and the smaller summits covers approximately 20km with 1,700m of ascent. The going underfoot is generally good even in wet conditions, making this a reliable choice when the rockier ranges are slippery.
Moel Siabod
An excellent single-mountain run from Capel Curig — approximately 10km return with 700m of ascent via the Daear Ddu ridge. The summit provides what many consider the finest single viewpoint in Eryri, with the entire mountain mass spread to the west. A popular choice for runners wanting a manageable objective with a significant reward.
Navigation
Trail running in Eryri requires mountain navigation skills. The paths on the major Snowdon routes are clear, but on the Carneddau and Glyderau, visibility can deteriorate rapidly and paths are less distinct. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them. A GPS watch is useful but should be a backup, not the primary navigation tool. Weather can change extremely quickly — build a safety margin into your plans.
Independently written — Snowdon.com