Just did the Watkin path yesterday in severe rain, fog and very strong wind. Navigation was definitely an issue and also not being able to see where to go… definitely a test as many had turned around at 700-800m … a very challenging day
Me and my son came down Snowdon via the Watkins path 8 years ago there was no steps back then and path basically disappeared into the scree, we took our time and other than few minor slips onto backsides and hands made it down with nothing more than a minor cut to a knee. One gentleman we passed wasn't so lucky, he'd taken quite a bad tumble and slide onto some sharp scree, his pants were in shreds and was bleeding in a number of places. He assured us he was ok and didn't need any help but we stayed and walked with him until the path levelled off anyway. As we neared the waterfalls we were greeted with a St Johns ambulance helicopter parked near the path and the Sea King hovering over the waterfalls with a guy being winched down into the narrow gully below the falls, a girl had apparently been using the falls and rocks as a water slide and gone straight over the edge and was unable to move. The Sea King was the only one that had the equipment to get her out safely. Both those events hit home to us that you have to treat places like Snowdon with the utmost respect.
Hi Baldy. We've done the Watkins several times. First time was in fog were you described the path dissappearing. Many people were turning back. A really rewarding challenge. Be prepared to climb with your hands.
Nice view of the route, much easier than its reputation with the recent improvements, I think it's fair to say it only really has any difficulty for novices or the very unfit these days, to the experienced it's moderately easy.
I’m Not a hiker but a fit individual and have hiked in Scotland. I’m planning on going with my girlfriend who isn’t an athlete of any sort but can hold her own with my help. Ypu think for a more novice less athletic girl she could do it? Looking for some advice
For anyone with little experience (such as myself) I did the Watkin path a couple of years ago. I don’t have much to compare it against but it’s not too bad, gets quite difficult towards the end when you’re basically having to scramble up. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s easy but is an enjoyable challenge
Hi all; here's my kit and camera equipment list and also some other info: Filmed on my GoPro - amzn.to/43fVy47 Since publishing this video, I now own a DJI Mini 3 Drone - amzn.to/3IyiljL The Sawyer Water Filter I use - amzn.to/41SeODH My Osprey backpack - amzn.to/3ojKIva I'm currently wearing La Sportiva TX4 Scrambling Boots, read my review - thebaldscrambler.co.uk/kit-list/la-sportiva-tx4-review/ I always wear Darn Tough Merino Wool socks as they're low odour and perfect for long days - amzn.to/42ZFFiO The Hafod y Llan campsite is located at the base of the Watkins Path - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/wales/hafod-y-llan-campsite Edited with Adobe Premier Pro - www.adobe.com/uk/products/premiere.html
The watkins path is a very scenic unusual path, starts off like oooo nice then it slowly turns into wanting to cry lol, theres a flat spot where it levels out half way and when you walk over to the edge the view of the lake is jaw droppingly beautiful and worth it, i would do it again for sure, im back there tuesday woop woop
Went up the Watkins path today in horizontal rain and ferocious wind gusts with a mate. I’m 58 pretty fit but had only previously walked to the Pub 😁 Wasn’t to bad, besides the ease to wander from the path, but really didn’t fancy going down it so opted for a different route
Ascended Watkins and descended via South Ridge to rejoin Watkins just 2 days ago. Got stuck approximately half way across the scree slope section. Very wet and slippy. We couldn't make out any path whatsoever and came across effectively dead ends. We persevered and got back on track after veering off above it slightly it turned out. This path is hard work. Would have not enjoyed descending it.
Yup, that route hits my legs every time. Glad you liked it. I'll be doing it again soon, probably with a descent down the South Ridge which circles back round to the waterfalls. I might do a vid of it too.
Great video, I'm heading up in first weekend of March to do Watkins. Going Up Watkins and down Bwlch Main. This video was just what I was looking for in terms of seeing what the top section was like. I've done Crib Goch, Pyg and miners before but not this one.
I did this path many years ago, a tough path but doable. Thanks for talking it through. I’m sure this be helpful for those considering taking this route.
My most enjoyable walking route up there. It’s very serene and a bit more rewarding than the others. I’d say Watkin, Rhyd Ddu path or snowdon horseshoe via Crib Goch are the only ways I’d ever consider now. And NOT on a weekend, haha.
Really informative video mate. I'm looking to climb Snowdon via the Watkins path at the end of May as I'm staying at the Hafod Y Llan campsite. I've just subscribed and am currently checking out your other videos
I have walked up by the PYG track and down the Watkins path many years ago but I don’t remember this part at all. That was back in the late 60’s. Now I go up by the Llanberis train not path.
That was a really good video, I was thinking of taking the Watkins Path in a few weeks time but though I'm fit I don't have a great head for heights, so perhaps I might give it a miss.... good video nonetheless.
I did the Watkin Path on Sept 13th 2021 which, I learned from the plaque on the eponymous rock, was 129 years to the day since WE Gladstone officially opened the path by climbing onto the rock that now bears his name and saying those immortal words, "Sod this, I'm going home." He was 83, mind.
Hello Daniel 😊 I was going to go up the Watkin Path last month but because of the bad weather, walked up the Pyg Track instead. I am glad I did. I don’t know how you do all these scrambles without worrying about falling! X
It was great thank you, I’ve seen some footage of the paths and summit being very crowded but thankfully it was wasn’t. I’ve seen your campsite reviews….have you ever tried the one at Beddgelert? I think you’d like it 😊 x
I’ve watched you tube videos on the Watkins path scramble and it would worry me not being able to pick the right pathway and getting into a dangerous situation
When I did this (a fair while ago) my biggest challenge was other people - it was a busy summer day and there were clumps of people struggling to get up. This meant lots of waiting around and in some cases being suddenly blocked whilst on loose scree, which wasn't fun The new path looks much easier
Yes, the iffy section is now paved so I think a bit easier than it was a few years ago, I think there was an accident up there so they made it a bit safer. I always go early morning on weekends when on this route ;-).
For somebody who has climbed Snowdon on more occasions than i can remember, here are a list of the paths, in order of easiest to hardest routes to the summit 1- Snowdon Ranger Path - the oldest and by far the easiest route up the mountain, and probably the safest route in the depths of winter 2- Rhyd Ddu path, no difficulties, other than the very exposed nature of the path, as you approach the summit of Snowdon. Its very open, and in the teeth of the prevailing winds and weather, there's nowhere to shelter or escape the weather if it turns nasty 3- llanberis Path, the longest route, at around 5 miles and just a steady slog, very easy for virtually its entire length, with only the steep gradient above Clogwyn station that may pose a nuisance in poor weather. 4- The Miners and Pyg tracks starting from Pen Y Pass. They may be extremely popular, but in wet weather, the upper reaches of the paths, are very very slippery, and these routes are probably the most dangerous routes in the late autumn and winter, when there's the possibility of ice. The infamous ZIZ ZAGs, near the very top of both the paths, is probably the most dangerous spot anywhere on Snowdon, as its always damp under foot, and tt has claimed numerous lives during the winter, as this section always gets iced up. 5- The South ridge, using the Bwlch Main approach, is very exposed, and like the Miners route, gets iced up in the winter months, and is pretty exposed in bad weather. 6- The Watkin Path, is by far the most challenging route to the top, because when you have reached Bwlch Y Saethau below Yr lliwedd, its a very loose and very tricky scramble up the side of Snowdon, with so much erosion, over the years, that the path is becoming steeper and steeper. The Crib Goch Snowdon Horseshoe route is not really a recognised route up the mountain, as its not physically part of the mountain, its a separate ridge. For a first timer up the mountain, choose either the Llanberis or Snowdon Ranger.
Hi dan I remember going up the Watkin path with the Scouts in late 70s or early 80s there was one realy Scary bit with a Share drop on my left and nothing but a Fence post to hold on to, scary enough going up but petrefying on the way! down! I actually froze, do you know that bit?
Hi, there aren't any fence posts on the steep bit now, but could've been back in the 70s/80s? They've recently put in a stone path at the top of the Watkin Path due to a few accidents on the steep bit. On the nearby Rhyd Ddu Path there are a series of wooden fence posts that protect walkers from a steep drop, perhaps you went up the Watkin and down that route? (or vice versa?) You can see the posts at 5minutes 14seconds on my Rhyd Ddu video - th-cam.com/video/ulN61rPjuJw/w-d-xo.html
@@thebaldscrambler I was camping near the foot of the watkin path we tryed walking the first part the day we arrived but turned back because the Time was getting on! so next day we started of early the next day, I don't think the leaders had climbed Snowdon befor! we definitely came down the same way we went up! ps I seem to remember the rock was red where the Presserpis was!
With me it's the height. Even when I'm walking my own turf on the Shropshire hills I've moments of the jelly legs, and I've really had to break through my mental fear. I will do a mountain one day
I'm the same mate, I have just finished the Watkin today. There was 2-3 oh fuck moments. Just had to persevere and look at the path up rather than the drop beside me haha
great channel. Would this path be more dangerous with a 15 kg pack on a fit person? obviously not in snowy conditions. is there any section where you can get blown off by wind or slide and fatally fall?
There has been a couple of fatalities over the years on the steep scree section, it's one of the harder/more dangerous routes up Snowdon although I've personally never had any slips or falls.
Looks like a section where people not knowing where to go just climb up everywhere, thus even eliminating every hint of the right path. Don't understand why they didn't stick some poles in the ground or mark rocks with painted signs to least give a hint of the correct way up
The only 'difficult' path is Grib Coch because it requires some steep scrambling and a head for heights but they all depends entirely on weather or fitness. On a clear warm day all them are easy to your average fit and healthy person in my humble opinion
Ive done the Watkin Path many a time and dont recognise your path whatsoever, the end bit is a wide scree area ... apparently there are steps up it now
Thanks buddy..we are going up the Watkin path 2nd week of June for charity..Macmillian cancer..I am reasonably fit 60 Yr old..had cancer last Yr.. want to give something back to charity...I have heard the car park is expensive 😫..hey ho..Will vlog the climb on our channel..up and down..hope to get some drone footage too...thanks for the vlog..a good insight of what's to come.. Regards Tim from Timmytimers..
I had no idea it was considered difficult the first time I went up. Ignorance is bliss and we happily scrambled up. The second time I was told how ‘difficult’ it was. I suppose compared to the other paths it is but it’s still just a walk. No climbing gear is required. Thankfully I could tell them otherwise. It does seem to put a lot of people off
It's really difficult with your lot overcrowding the place, whichever path you choose, we're losing touch with our own countryside because the place is packed, no peace to be had hardly anywhere in my own country.there must be somewhere else you could go,a nice mountain in jolly old England perhaps.
I'm Welsh and what you said is the dumbest thing ever. It's the most popular mountain range in the UK , of course you can't get peace up there, go somewhere else if you want peace, there are hundreds of mountain you can walk without passing a single person
Update: I recently published a much better video of the Watkin Path: th-cam.com/video/SBjg8gpEbXk/w-d-xo.html
Just did the Watkin path yesterday in severe rain, fog and very strong wind. Navigation was definitely an issue and also not being able to see where to go… definitely a test as many had turned around at 700-800m … a very challenging day
Me and my son came down Snowdon via the Watkins path 8 years ago there was no steps back then and path basically disappeared into the scree, we took our time and other than few minor slips onto backsides and hands made it down with nothing more than a minor cut to a knee.
One gentleman we passed wasn't so lucky, he'd taken quite a bad tumble and slide onto some sharp scree, his pants were in shreds and was bleeding in a number of places. He assured us he was ok and didn't need any help but we stayed and walked with him until the path levelled off anyway.
As we neared the waterfalls we were greeted with a St Johns ambulance helicopter parked near the path and the Sea King hovering over the waterfalls with a guy being winched down into the narrow gully below the falls, a girl had apparently been using the falls and rocks as a water slide and gone straight over the edge and was unable to move. The Sea King was the only one that had the equipment to get her out safely.
Both those events hit home to us that you have to treat places like Snowdon with the utmost respect.
Hi Baldy. We've done the Watkins several times. First time was in fog were you described the path dissappearing. Many people were turning back. A really rewarding challenge. Be prepared to climb with your hands.
Thanks for the video - really helpful for those that haven't completed it before. I wish I'd seen this before I went up it!
Nice view of the route, much easier than its reputation with the recent improvements, I think it's fair to say it only really has any difficulty for novices or the very unfit these days, to the experienced it's moderately easy.
Must admit I was surprised by the title.. 'there's something difficult about Watkin?' o thought
I’m Not a hiker but a fit individual and have hiked in Scotland. I’m planning on going with my girlfriend who isn’t an athlete of any sort but can hold her own with my help. Ypu think for a more novice less athletic girl she could do it? Looking for some advice
For anyone with little experience (such as myself) I did the Watkin path a couple of years ago. I don’t have much to compare it against but it’s not too bad, gets quite difficult towards the end when you’re basically having to scramble up. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s easy but is an enjoyable challenge
Hi all; here's my kit and camera equipment list and also some other info:
Filmed on my GoPro - amzn.to/43fVy47
Since publishing this video, I now own a DJI Mini 3 Drone - amzn.to/3IyiljL
The Sawyer Water Filter I use - amzn.to/41SeODH
My Osprey backpack - amzn.to/3ojKIva
I'm currently wearing La Sportiva TX4 Scrambling Boots, read my review - thebaldscrambler.co.uk/kit-list/la-sportiva-tx4-review/
I always wear Darn Tough Merino Wool socks as they're low odour and perfect for long days - amzn.to/42ZFFiO
The Hafod y Llan campsite is located at the base of the Watkins Path - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/wales/hafod-y-llan-campsite
Edited with Adobe Premier Pro - www.adobe.com/uk/products/premiere.html
The watkins path is a very scenic unusual path, starts off like oooo nice then it slowly turns into wanting to cry lol, theres a flat spot where it levels out half way and when you walk over to the edge the view of the lake is jaw droppingly beautiful and worth it, i would do it again for sure, im back there tuesday woop woop
Went up the Watkins path today in horizontal rain and ferocious wind gusts with a mate. I’m 58 pretty fit but had only previously walked to the Pub 😁 Wasn’t to bad, besides the ease to wander from the path, but really didn’t fancy going down it so opted for a different route
I've been keeping an eye on the weather this week, rather you than me! Did you go down the South Ridge? It makes for a great circular route.
Ascended Watkins and descended via South Ridge to rejoin Watkins just 2 days ago. Got stuck approximately half way across the scree slope section. Very wet and slippy. We couldn't make out any path whatsoever and came across effectively dead ends. We persevered and got back on track after veering off above it slightly it turned out.
This path is hard work. Would have not enjoyed descending it.
Completed this path 2 days ago. First time ever up snowdon and it was hard work but purely amazing
Yup, that route hits my legs every time. Glad you liked it. I'll be doing it again soon, probably with a descent down the South Ridge which circles back round to the waterfalls. I might do a vid of it too.
Great video, I'm heading up in first weekend of March to do Watkins. Going Up Watkins and down Bwlch Main. This video was just what I was looking for in terms of seeing what the top section was like. I've done Crib Goch, Pyg and miners before but not this one.
Thanks, I'm sure you'll be fine if you've done Crib Goch before as that's much harder. Enjoy your trek up the Watkins, I like that decent too.
Nice video! Love climbing Snowdon! Good to see the normal view.. haha.
I did this path many years ago, a tough path but doable. Thanks for talking it through. I’m sure this be helpful for those considering taking this route.
My most enjoyable walking route up there. It’s very serene and a bit more rewarding than the others. I’d say Watkin, Rhyd Ddu path or snowdon horseshoe via Crib Goch are the only ways I’d ever consider now. And NOT on a weekend, haha.
Great film and good advice. Thanks for uploading the video 😊
Really informative video mate. I'm looking to climb Snowdon via the Watkins path at the end of May as I'm staying at the Hafod Y Llan campsite. I've just subscribed and am currently checking out your other videos
I have walked up by the PYG track and down the Watkins path many years ago but I don’t remember this part at all. That was back in the late 60’s. Now I go up by the Llanberis train not path.
That was a really good video, I was thinking of taking the Watkins Path in a few weeks time but though I'm fit I don't have a great head for heights, so perhaps I might give it a miss.... good video nonetheless.
I did the Watkin Path on Sept 13th 2021 which, I learned from the plaque on the eponymous rock, was 129 years to the day since WE Gladstone officially opened the path by climbing onto the rock that now bears his name and saying those immortal words, "Sod this, I'm going home." He was 83, mind.
Hello Daniel 😊 I was going to go up the Watkin Path last month but because of the bad weather, walked up the Pyg Track instead. I am glad I did. I don’t know how you do all these scrambles without worrying about falling! X
Steeper the better for me, up to a point! :-). Hope you enjoyed your trek.
It was great thank you, I’ve seen some footage of the paths and summit being very crowded but thankfully it was wasn’t. I’ve seen your campsite reviews….have you ever tried the one at Beddgelert? I think you’d like it 😊 x
Watkins path is easy just the scramble at top is dodgy when over crowded especially if there's idiots abouts..
I’ve watched you tube videos on the Watkins path scramble and it would worry me not being able to pick the right pathway and getting into a dangerous situation
I’d love to do it with an experienced guide…..😁
When I did this (a fair while ago) my biggest challenge was other people - it was a busy summer day and there were clumps of people struggling to get up. This meant lots of waiting around and in some cases being suddenly blocked whilst on loose scree, which wasn't fun
The new path looks much easier
Yes, the iffy section is now paved so I think a bit easier than it was a few years ago, I think there was an accident up there so they made it a bit safer. I always go early morning on weekends when on this route ;-).
For somebody who has climbed Snowdon on more occasions than i can remember, here are a list of the paths, in order of easiest to hardest routes to the summit
1- Snowdon Ranger Path - the oldest and by far the easiest route up the mountain, and probably the safest route in the depths of winter
2- Rhyd Ddu path, no difficulties, other than the very exposed nature of the path, as you approach the summit of Snowdon.
Its very open, and in the teeth of the prevailing winds and weather, there's nowhere to shelter or escape the weather if it turns nasty
3- llanberis Path, the longest route, at around 5 miles and just a steady slog, very easy for virtually its entire length, with only the steep gradient above Clogwyn station that may pose a nuisance in poor weather.
4- The Miners and Pyg tracks starting from Pen Y Pass.
They may be extremely popular, but in wet weather, the upper reaches of the paths, are very very slippery, and these routes are probably the most dangerous routes in the late autumn and winter, when there's the possibility of ice.
The infamous ZIZ ZAGs, near the very top of both the paths, is probably the most dangerous spot anywhere on Snowdon, as its always damp under foot, and tt has claimed numerous lives during the winter, as this section always gets iced up.
5- The South ridge, using the Bwlch Main approach, is very exposed, and like the Miners route, gets iced up in the winter months, and is pretty exposed in bad weather.
6- The Watkin Path, is by far the most challenging route to the top, because when you have reached Bwlch Y Saethau below Yr lliwedd, its a very loose and very tricky scramble up the side of Snowdon, with so much erosion, over the years, that the path is becoming steeper and steeper.
The Crib Goch Snowdon Horseshoe route is not really a recognised route up the mountain, as its not physically part of the mountain, its a separate ridge.
For a first timer up the mountain, choose either the Llanberis or Snowdon Ranger.
Terrific video
Hi dan I remember going up the Watkin path with the Scouts in late 70s or early 80s there was one realy Scary bit with a Share drop on my left and nothing but a Fence post to hold on to, scary enough going up but petrefying on the way! down! I actually froze, do you know that bit?
Hi, there aren't any fence posts on the steep bit now, but could've been back in the 70s/80s? They've recently put in a stone path at the top of the Watkin Path due to a few accidents on the steep bit. On the nearby Rhyd Ddu Path there are a series of wooden fence posts that protect walkers from a steep drop, perhaps you went up the Watkin and down that route? (or vice versa?) You can see the posts at 5minutes 14seconds on my Rhyd Ddu video - th-cam.com/video/ulN61rPjuJw/w-d-xo.html
@@thebaldscrambler I was camping near the foot of the watkin path we tryed walking the first part the day we arrived but turned back because the Time was getting on! so next day we started of early the next day,
I don't think the leaders had climbed Snowdon befor! we definitely came down the same way we went up! ps I seem to remember the rock was red where the Presserpis was!
Great vid 👍
With me it's the height. Even when I'm walking my own turf on the Shropshire hills I've moments of the jelly legs, and I've really had to break through my mental fear. I will do a mountain one day
I'm the same mate, I have just finished the Watkin today. There was 2-3 oh fuck moments. Just had to persevere and look at the path up rather than the drop beside me haha
great channel. Would this path be more dangerous with a 15 kg pack on a fit person? obviously not in snowy conditions. is there any section where you can get blown off by wind or slide and fatally fall?
There has been a couple of fatalities over the years on the steep scree section, it's one of the harder/more dangerous routes up Snowdon although I've personally never had any slips or falls.
Looks like a section where people not knowing where to go just climb up everywhere, thus even eliminating every hint of the right path. Don't understand why they didn't stick some poles in the ground or mark rocks with painted signs to least give a hint of the correct way up
Any opinion on difficulty of climbing Y Lliwedd from the point where the video begins?
Amazing video, thanks for the effort. Quick question though, if the path disappears, how do you know you're going in the right direction?
Map and compass
The only 'difficult' path is Grib Coch because it requires some steep scrambling and a head for heights but they all depends entirely on weather or fitness. On a clear warm day all them are easy to your average fit and healthy person in my humble opinion
Ive done the Watkin Path many a time and dont recognise your path whatsoever, the end bit is a wide scree area ... apparently there are steps up it now
Yes, the top bit (30m or so) is paved now, they upgraded the path just before Covid.
Thanks buddy..we are going up the Watkin path 2nd week of June for charity..Macmillian cancer..I am reasonably fit 60 Yr old..had cancer last Yr.. want to give something back to charity...I have heard the car park is expensive 😫..hey ho..Will vlog the climb on our channel..up and down..hope to get some drone footage too...thanks for the vlog..a good insight of what's to come..
Regards Tim from Timmytimers..
Have a great hike Tim 👍
I had no idea it was considered difficult the first time I went up. Ignorance is bliss and we happily scrambled up.
The second time I was told how ‘difficult’ it was. I suppose compared to the other paths it is but it’s still just a walk. No climbing gear is required. Thankfully I could tell them otherwise. It does seem to put a lot of people off
I never considered the Watkins to be difficult or serious, it was just a bit of a slog but all the Snowdon routes are really.
It's bloody hard work with 18kg on your back.
Crib Goch is easy so ho hard can it be? Bill
awesome, challenging. appreciate your reckless walking
very easy indeed
It's WATKIN Path
It's really difficult with your lot overcrowding the place, whichever path you choose, we're losing touch with our own countryside because the place is packed, no peace to be had hardly anywhere in my own country.there must be somewhere else you could go,a nice mountain in jolly old England perhaps.
Yn sothach llwyr! If you hate the English so much then why haven't you kicked them out of your country yet?
🤣🤣🤣🍼🍼🍼👶👶👶👶
chi'n siarad cachu! Pwy sy'n 'your lot?' 😑
If it was me I'd be heading for the Carneddau😄
I'm Welsh and what you said is the dumbest thing ever. It's the most popular mountain range in the UK , of course you can't get peace up there, go somewhere else if you want peace, there are hundreds of mountain you can walk without passing a single person
Bit easier than listening to beyonce crap