Runs in Snowdonia
A guide to some of the finest trail runs and sky runs in Eryri (Snowdonia) national park
Snowdonia National Park covers an area of 823 square miles, making it the largest in Wales, with vast areas of natural beauty and unique scenery. As well as being home to Snowdon, the tallest mountain in England and Wales, the national park also includes 15 mountains over 3,000 feet. Snowdonia’s landscape was carved out by glaciers during the last ice age that ended 10,000 years ago creating a wild landscape that is perfect for trail running.
The selection of routes described is aimed at runners of all abilities, so the novice or newcomer to the area will find it just as useful as the seasoned ultra runners. This guide brings the best on offer in Snowdonia encompassing the mountain ranges of Nantille, Molwyns, Snowdonia, Glyderau and Carnedau.
Trail Running in Snowdonia
Runs in this guide involve navigating to areas without footpaths over technical terrain where route finding may be necessary. Like all mountain activities, running carries a danger of personal injury or death. Everyone should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions. It’s important to put the time in, under the watchful eye of a professional if necessary, to ensure you have built up the correct mountain skills and knowledge that allow you to travel safely in the mountains before you head out on your own.
Grades used in this guide
We have graded runs in this guide using two systems, an overall grade depending on the distance and the height gain this is graded as easy, moderate or hard. When the terrain gets steep and there are a few rock steps to negotiate, using your hands will be necessary in addition to your feet and this is called scrambling or sky running. There is a grading system in place for scrambles that range from 1-3 with the easiest being 1 and the hardest being 3. The runs in this guide that require scrambling are all grade 1 but have been broken down further to allow subtleties that are specific to running, if no technical grade is given there will be no scrambling required.
Grade 1 (-) - Hands will be required occasionally for progress and involves easy route finding with little or no hazards.
Grade 1 - These runs can include exposed positions with rock steps that have to be negotiated, however at this grade most of the difficulties are usually avoidable.
Grade 1 (+) - Hands will need to be used for more sustained sections often in exposed situations, route finding can also be more difficult.
