My First Trip to the Summit of Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon Mountain Railway

At 3,000 feet, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales.

Would you believe that although I grew up in the Conwy Valley, with the National Park quite literally on my doorstep, I’d never actually been up Snowdon?

It’s always been on my list – something I must do one day. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve stood at the top of Mynydd y Gaer, here by our farm, looked across and thought, “Yes, I’ll go up Snowdon soon.” And then… didn’t. Life, work, weather – all the usual.

But last week, after a full-on week of assessments at work, Bleddyn came home and simply said:“Tomorrow, we’re going up Snowdon.” We were set for our North wales Travel Adventure.

Quick weather check – 25°C and clear – and we booked our train tickets online that evening. Simple as that.

Now, confession time: I’m not a natural rambler or hiker. I love a walk, but I’ve always had this idea that I wouldn’t manage a full climb – that I’d need rescuing halfway up (thank you, traumatic Girl Guide orienteering memories and sponsored school walks through Gwydir Forest where I was inevitably scooped up by the school minibus at the end of the day).

But a train trip, not hike? I was ready for that. I needed a change of scenery. A bit of perspective. My friend at work (who lives in Llanberis) mentioned there’d been snow on the summit the week before, so I packed as sensibly as I could: fleece, cap, bottle of water, sunglasses, a chocolate bar, and – rather proudly – even remembered the binoculars.

We picked up the youngest from school and headed off to Llanberis. I always love that drive, from Llannefydd to the coast road, the sea sparkling could be mistaken for the Med in the evening light. Glorious.

We arrived early enough for a quick wander and - to my delight - found the gift shop! Not just any gift shop, but one filled with thoughtful things, proper books, and not just fridge magnets. I bought British Sheep Breeds and Shepherds and Shepherding, the second one entirely because it had a shepherd’s smock on the front (my latest obsession… don’t ask).

Ice cream, loo stop, and off to the platform. We were herded into our carriage group (felt what it was like to be one of our sheep!) and given a little briefing. Then we boarded.

The train is everything you’d hope, old-fashioned charm, airy carriages, and huge windows. The guide was full of stories as we trundled out of Llanberis and up through valleys, glens, and craggy ridges. It was so peaceful, no phone, no emails, just that sweeping, majestic Welsh landscape.

We even saw the crane where they’re filming House of the Dragon! And of course, very nonchalant sheep, used to the trains by now.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

I won’t give too much away, because this is one of those things you have to experience for yourself. But I will say this: I thought I’d be overwhelmed by the height at the summit (I get awful vertigo), but it felt strangely abstract, like being on a plane if you know what I mean? Yes, it is incredibly high, but scary? No, not at all. We climbed the final steps and, for a moment, had the summit to ourselves. Pure magic.

Top tip: go in the evening if you can as it’s quieter and calmer.

We had around half an hour up there, just soaking it all in. Yes, there’s a café and a gift shop, but the peace outside is what I’ll remember most. We swapped sides on the train ride down to enjoy the full views,

The tour guide told us stories and a few cheesy jokes, and I found myself quietly grateful to the brilliant, slightly mad Victorians who had the imagination (and guts) to build a train to the summit of Wales’ tallest mountain.

The views are breathtakingly beautiful

We passed the well-known walking paths such as the Llanberis Path, the Pyg Track, and Miners’ and I thought… maybe next time. With good weather, I reckon I could manage the three-hour hike. In fact, I think I would very much enjoy it.

We came home triumphant. And that’s when I remembered the binoculars I carried all the way up to the top of Wales' tallest mountain and FORGOT TO USE. Oh well, next time...

The last train, miss this and you are in for a 3 hour walk back down!

So, how far is Snowdon from Plas Uchaf Farm?

From Plas Uchaf, you're about 50 minutes’ drive to Llanberis, the main base for visiting Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It's a gorgeous journey too, weaving through the Conwy Valley and alongside the coastline, before cutting into the heart of Eryri National Park. You can book tickets for the Snowdon Mountain Railway in advance, or walk one of the six routes to the summit depending on your confidence and experience. There’s parking, a visitor centre, and plenty of places to eat, though we’d recommend a packed picnic and a flask if you fancy a quieter summit snack.

Fancy Your Own North Wales Escape?

If you’re thinking of a slower pace, fresh air, and wide open view, our shepherd's hut might be just the thing. Set on our working sheep farm in Llannefydd, Conwy, it’s the perfect base for your own adventure (Snowdon or otherwise).

Whether you're watching bees buzz through the wildflowers or heading out for a long walk followed by a quiet evening by the firepit, it's your own slice of stillness.

You can check availability here, we’d love to welcome you!