How can I train for climbing/walking up Snowdon?

Q. Dear Go4awalk team, How are you all? Please could you offer some advice on 'How I can train for a hill / mountain walk'? Sometime next year, a few friends and I want to go to and climb Snowdon. The problem is that where we live is rather (boringly) flat, without any hills to speak of . . . there is a 'hill' not far away,but being only 30m in height is no match for the majestic heights of Snowdon! Can you suggest a way we could increase our strength and stamina so that we may be better prepared for our great adventure!! I look forward to your reply, Many Thanks,

Guy Lewis, Eastleigh, Hampshire

A. If you walk/climb Snowdon from the car park at Pen-y-Pass having either parked there (£10/day - and get there early to find a space!) or got the bus from Llanberis or The Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel then the ascent up to the summit of Snowdon via the PYG Track is 895m (or 2938ft). This is over half a mile of ascent/climbing.

If you start from Llanberis itself, Rydd Ddu, The Snowdon Ranger Path or Nantgwynant (Watkin Path) then it is even more.

If you cannot find a local hill, the best way to prepare for this amount of climbing is to use the stair master at your local gym or find the tallest tower block in your area and practice going up and down the stairs - wearing the walking boots and socks that you will use for the big day itself.

You should practice walking down as well. Many people find the descent to be just as tricky as the ascent due to tiredness and the strain placed on your knees.

To see all the best walks up Snowdon see Walks up Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

For more information about walking down hill see How to walk down hills: skills for hill walking

Over the years we have answered lots and lots of questions about walking and hiking Snowdon - see Other questions and answers about walking Snowdon for more information.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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