PYG & MINERS

PYG Track (2½ hrs) and MINERS' TRACK (3hrs)
The Pyg track is a popular, well defined track, walk starts directly opposite GORPHWYSFA HOTEL at head of Llanberis pass. Llyn Llydaw route (Miner's Track) also starts here, useful for a round trip. Pass through a wall, half right and mount over boulders. After ½ hr reach Bwlch Moch, where it is possible to take another path up onto the ridge walk of Crib Goch. Skirt hillside under steep crags of Crib Goch and in 1½ hr cross a shoulder to look down 400 ft to Cwm Glas. Continue along hillside, joined by Lyn Lldaw route. Track divides further on - take right branch, following cairns, a sharp ascent up to the famous Zig Zags - the steep steps that rise up to Bwlch Glas, where it meets Llanberis path. Turn left, reaching summit in ¼ hr, fairly gentle walk parallel with railway.

The Miner's Track is a less strenuous path as it rises gently towards Llyn Llydaw and away from Pen y Pass. Ruined miners' barracks are seen on the shores of Llyn Teyrn, after which the causeway that crosses Llyn Llydaw comes into view. Soon you will see the old crushing mill of the Britannia Copper Mine. The mill (one of the most modern in the country in its heyday) was worked by a water-wheel fed from Llyn Glaslyn high above. There now follows a steep ascent to the shores of Llyn Glaslyn (The Blue Lake). The blue-green colour of the water results from dissolved copper salts that have leached into the lake over the years. Walkers are now faced with a steep "gets the back of your legs" 400 ft ascent over a scree slope, eventually joining with Pyg Track.