Climbing Mount Snowdon sounded like the perfect family adventure. Fresh air, incredible views, and the satisfaction of reaching the summit—it all seemed like a dream day out. The reality was a mix of laughter, exhaustion, soggy sandwiches, and more rain than we’d hoped for. Spoiler alert, we didn’t make it to the top.
Optimism and Snacks at the Start
We started the day full of excitement. The car was packed with waterproof jackets, a rucksack of snacks and drinks, and enough enthusiasm to power a small village. The drive to Snowdon was beautiful, winding through picturesque villages and green hills. Everyone was in high spirits as we parked and joined the Llanberis Path, known for being the easiest route up the mountain.
At the bottom, everything felt achievable. The kids ran ahead, pointing out sheep and chattering about who would reach the top first. The air was fresh, and the path wasn’t too steep. It felt like we were on our way to a perfect family memory.
The Crowds Turned the Walk into a Queue
About an hour in, we started to notice the crowds. There were groups of walkers, other families, and a surprising number of dogs on the trail. At first, it was fine, but as we climbed higher, it felt more like we were queuing for an event than hiking up a mountain.
The kids were not impressed. “Why is everyone here?” my youngest asked, clearly annoyed by the congestion. I didn’t have a good answer. Snowdon’s popularity is well-deserved, but we hadn’t expected it to feel this crowded.
The Rain Made Everything More Challenging
As we climbed higher, the weather decided to test our patience. A light drizzle started, which we optimistically ignored, thinking it wouldn’t last. It didn’t go away. Instead, it turned into a steady rain that left us pulling on our waterproofs and bracing against the wind.
The kids were less than thrilled. “Why is it raining on our fun day?” my eldest complained, huddled under her hood. The path became slippery, and puddles appeared everywhere, making it tough for little legs to keep up. Still, there were moments of humor, like when my youngest slipped in the mud and declared herself the “mountain swamp monster.”
Lunch Was Soggy but Saved by Hot Chocolate
Around the halfway point, we decided to stop for lunch. We found a flat spot and unpacked our sandwiches, which had sadly absorbed a bit of the rain. Despite the sogginess, the kids were hungry enough not to care too much.
What saved the moment was the thermos of hot chocolate we’d brought along. The kids’ faces lit up as they sipped the warm drink, and it lifted everyone’s spirits. Hot chocolate in the middle of a rainy mountain felt like the ultimate comfort.
Turning Back When Little Legs Had Enough
After lunch, we faced a decision. The summit was still a couple of hours away, and the kids were clearly flagging. My youngest had started dragging her feet, claiming her legs couldn’t go any further. My eldest sat on a rock and declared, “This is too hard.”
We looked up the path and saw a long line of walkers braving the rain. It was tempting to push on, but we knew the kids had hit their limit. So, we decided to turn back.
It wasn’t easy to admit defeat, but it was the right call. The mountain wasn’t going anywhere, and we wanted the day to end on a positive note, not a meltdown.
The Walk Back Was Full of Sheep and Slippery Stones
Heading back down was an adventure in itself. The wet stones were slippery, and we had to take it slow to avoid any tumbles. The kids didn’t mind too much, especially when we stopped to watch some sheep grazing nearby. They spent ages naming them and deciding which one looked like the “boss sheep.”
The rain lightened up a bit as we descended, which made things easier. The kids perked up knowing the car—and their dry clothes—were getting closer with every step.
What We Learned for Next Time
Reaching the summit may not have happened, but we left Snowdon with a lot of lessons for our next attempt.
- Starting earlier would help avoid the crowds. Even though we thought we were early, plenty of people were ahead of us.
- Choosing a quieter route might make it easier for the kids. The Llanberis Path is great for families, but it’s also very popular.
- Packing better rain protection is a must. While our waterproofs did their job, a better rain cover for the rucksack would have saved our sandwiches.
- Checking the weather more carefully is crucial. Mountain weather is unpredictable, but we could aim for a less rainy day.
- Setting realistic goals is key. With little ones, the journey matters more than reaching the top.
What We Gained Despite Not Reaching the Summit
We didn’t conquer Snowdon, but we came away with plenty of memories. The kids learned a bit about perseverance and dealing with disappointment. We all had moments of laughter, whether it was slipping in the mud or huddling together over a thermos of hot chocolate.
I was reminded that sometimes it’s okay to let go of big goals and just enjoy the experience. The mountain isn’t going anywhere, and we’ll have plenty of chances to try again.
Would We Do It Again
Despite the rain, the crowds, and turning back early, we’d absolutely go back to Snowdon. There’s something special about being out in nature, even when things don’t go perfectly.
Next time, we’ll be better prepared and take things at an even slower pace. Maybe we’ll make it to the summit, or maybe we’ll just enjoy a quieter walk. Either way, it’s an adventure worth having again. And yes, we’ll be packing extra hot chocolate.
