Dogs on Snowdon

Q. Are you to (can you) take your dogs on the walk (tourist path) to the top of Snowdon?

Rachael Wilkinson, Nottingham

A. Our couch potato dog called fudge who is a bits and pieces breed of 8 years managed a walk up snowdown a week ago, we took the rangers path, took 3 hours up and 2 and half down she led all the way. take plenty of water although there are streams on way and keep on a lead mainly for respect of other people, the area and of course Sean the sheep. remember if a dog makes it to the top they have to walk down again. The terrain was ok but always worth taking a bandage with you in case of split pads. How would you feel walking on slate for that long in bare foot :)

Lsly Mrs, Hertfordshire

A. Climbed the Llanberis Path on Saturday with our Patterdale (ish). He had a great time. For much of the journey though best kept on an extending lead due to the sheep and occasional steep drops. Only problem is that the railway and cafe actively discourage dog visitors. Dogs are banned from the trains (useful to know if you planned coming back down by train) and also from both the summit and HalfWay cafes. There are no facilities for dogs at the summit cafe in particular, no tethering posts and nowhere you can sit (or reasonably stand) with a dog out of the wind. However, as long as you don't plan to use any of the facilities it's a great walk.

Evan Jones, Cardiff

A. My two dogs often come up Snowdon with me. I keep them on a flexi lead attached to a dog harness for their safety. The flexi lead allows flexibility for me when I'm navigating boulders etc and takes pressure off on bits that require concentration.

No problems other than a bit of stiffness in one dog the day after. They love the pool half way down the Miners' track on Snowdon, and the causeway bit!!!

Tracey Cockerham, Gilberdyke

A. You're likely to find quite a few people taking their doggies up Snowdon.

The answer, though, depends to large extent on the capabilities of your dog and how well controlled he/she is.

Your average fit pooch should be OK on most of the routes, though it might be best to stay off scrambles like Crib Goch unless you and the dog are used to scrambly routes.

I've had several experience of dogs slithering off scrambly bits due to them not being at all scared of heights - the worst costing me £70 in vets fees.

I would recommend keeping Fido on an extendable lead - specially when its close to lambing time - just need to be careful that nobody can trip over the lead.

Mike Knipe, Crook

A. My dog Dexter (greyhound) does a lot of walking with me, however the last time we did some scrambling on Arran he got a bit scared of the heights and of getting his legs stuck in between the rocks.

At the end he was a bit bruised in certain sensitive areas and I ended up having to carry him for several hundred metres. Him being around 35 kilos.

So I only take him on non scrambling walks or by pass the scrambles. He has written a short book?!! about his travels that includes routes and dog friendly pubs etc. Hope to get it published when he gets more walks done.

Robert McMillan, Auchinleck

A. My dog Penny climbed Snowdon, going up from Rhyd Ddu - walk gw107 Snowdon and Yr Aran from Rhyd-Ddu

She was on an extending lead and did the climb rather better than my son!

She only had one problem and needed a 'bunk up'.

Ian Riley, Batley

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