LLANBERIS CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Edge of Legend: The Snowdon Horseshoe Guided Mountain Scramble
A full-day, expertly guided scramble across Crib Goch, the Pinnacles and up to Snowdon’s summit—essential reading for anyone planning this classic, challenging ridge route.
Edge of Legend: The Snowdon Horseshoe Guided Mountain Scramble.
A near-perfect semi-circle of high mountain terrain, the Snowdon Horseshoe stitches together Crib Goch’s knife-edge, the scramble through the Pinnacles and the ridgelines that lead to Yr Wyddfa, Snowdon—the highest point in Wales and England. Led by guides who live and work in Snowdonia, the route is a sustained day of mixed mountain hiking and Grade 1 scrambling that is physically and mentally demanding but immensely rewarding.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Knife-edge Crib Goch and the Pinnacles
The day hinges on a Grade 1 scramble along the knife-edge of Crib Goch and passage through the Pinnacles—exposed, committing rock that defines the horseshoe’s character and challenge.
Yr Wyddfa: Snowdon’s highest point
After the ridgeline scrambles the route continues across Carnedd Ugain and Crib yr Ddysgl before reaching Yr Wyddfa, the highest summit in Wales and England—a hard-won high point on a legendary circuit.
Expert local Mountain Leaders
All trips are led by fully qualified Mountain Leaders or Mountaineering Instructors who live and work in Snowdonia; group sizes on the Grade 1 scramble are limited for safety and attention to detail.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a long, high-level day that alternates steep mountain hiking with hands-on scrambling: a knife-edge ridge; broken pinnacles; extended ridge walking up to Snowdon’s summit; tricky scree descents; and a final move over Yr Lliwedd before finishing at Llyn Llydaw. It is an exciting, physically and mentally demanding route that rewards steady footwork and focused concentration.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day is for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided outing lasts approximately 8 hours.
Meet at A4086, Caernarfon LL55 4NY, United Kingdom.
Good, sturdy mountain boots; clothing to match the forecast (base layer, fleece, waterproof shell and overtrousers as needed); a small rucksack with food, water, warm hat and gloves; gaiters recommended in wet months.
All hikes are led by fully qualified Mountain Leaders or Mountaineering Instructors who live and work in Snowdonia; maximum ratio on this hike and Grade 1 scramble is 6 clients to 1 Mountain Leader.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Snowdon Horseshoe guided scramble?
The guided day is approximately 8 hours long.
Where is the meeting point for the trip?
The meeting location is A4086, Caernarfon LL55 4NY, United Kingdom.
Who leads the guided mountain scramble?
All guided mountain hikes and scrambles are led by fully qualified Mountain Leaders or Mountaineering Instructors who live and work full time in the mountains of Snowdonia.
What is the maximum group size on the scramble?
Maximum client-to-leader ratios on this hike and Grade 1 scramble are 6 clients to 1 Mountain Leader.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring sturdy mountain boots, clothing to match the forecast including waterproof layers and overtrousers as needed, a small rucksack with food, water, warm hat and gloves; gaiters can be useful in wet months.
Is there an age restriction for this trip?
This trip is adults only.