Conquering Snowdon: My 24-Hour Challenge with Family in Mind

Overview & Purpose
It’s Tuesday, 28 October 2025. Tomorrow night I’m driving to Eryri—Snowdonia—to climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). After fourteen years of marriage, two kids, and a routine that felt a bit stuck, I wanted a win this year to point to and say: I did that. So, I set a rule: go, climb, and be back within 24 hours—dad duties intact.

The Plan

Drive after RAF Cadets drop-off.
Overnight stay in Oswestry.
Park at Pen y Pass (£30).
Route: Pyg Track up, same down.
Times: 07:00 start, 09:30 summit, 18:58 home.

The Drive

Driving through empty bends and past village lights twinkling like Christmas decorations was calming. I filled my flask with coffee, using ARAF road reminders to keep myself honest about my pace. The drive was more than just a journey; it felt like a reset button for my mind.

The Climb

As I began the ascent, I faced early stairs and the inevitable wobble: fast heart, light-headedness. I took a deep breath and pushed through. Wind whipped across the ridge, revealing lakes that sparkled below. A sheep shouted—a reminder of the countryside—and I couldn’t help but laugh. Encouraging words from a couple on the trail arrived just when I needed them: "nearly there." With renewed energy, I engaged in what felt like a silent race with two strangers. Childish? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. I reached the summit at 09:30, celebrated with a video call home, and sipped coffee from my flask, which tasted like victory.

Downhill Lessons

As the fog lifted, I admired the unreal beauty of the lakes and decided to dip my legs in the icy waters—pure bliss—for a minute. But then both thighs cramped hard. I found a spot to sit, rub my legs, drink water and electrolytes, and slow down. Remember to pace yourself, especially on the way down!

What I’d Do Differently

Pace the first 30 minutes.
Drink earlier; add electrolytes before the descent.
Carry trekking poles (my homemade stick helped, but poles would have saved my quads).
Arrive earlier or consider the Miners' Track if conditions are slick.

Kit I Used (and Would Use Again)

This trip reinforced the importance of reliable gear. Here’s what worked:

Boots – grip held on the wet rock.
Merino base layer – kept me warm when still and cool when moving.
Waterproof shell – windproof design saved the day.
Daypack (20–30L) – snug fit, no bounce.
Headtorch – useful at dawn for visibility.
Electrolytes and blister kit – always pack them.
Trekking poles – next time, absolutely!

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Was It Worth It?

Back home by 18:58. Legs ruined, but mood reset. I logged another small win.

FAQ

How long did the Pyg Track take? Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes up, unhurried descent with breaks.
Is Pen y Pass worth £30? It’s pricey, but for a tight timeline, the early start and proximity to the trailhead were worth it.
What to pack for a 24-hour there-and-back? Refer to the kit list above.