Climbing Snowdon for Mind and Body: Yasmin’s Take on the Challenge

Thinking about climbing Snowdon but not sure if it’s for you?

Whether you're a regular gym-goer or just looking for your next wellness challenge, Snowdon offers the perfect blend of adventure, fitness, and mental reset. As the highest mountain in Wales, it’s surprisingly accessible for walkers of all abilities. In this blog, we chat to Yasmin who has made the climb, sharing her tips on how to prepare, what to pack, what to expect, and why this bucket-list hike could do wonders for your body and your mind.

Q: Why climb Snowdon in the first place?

“I’m really into fitness and this was the something that ticked all the boxes for me, fitness, outdoors and doing an activity with friends. Snowdon’s the highest mountain in Wales, so it definitely has that “wow” factor, but it’s still really accessible. Some parts are steep, but people of all fitness levels and abilities can give it a go.

From a health and wellbeing point of view, it’s a win on so many levels:

• Physically, it’s a great full-body workout, especially for your legs, lungs and heart.
• Mentally, getting out in nature is a mood booster. A 2021 report found that 70% of UK adults said being close to nature helped improve their mood and 49% said it helps them deal with stress.

There’s also nothing like the confidence boost you get when you finally complete it!

Q: How did you start physically preparing?

“You definitely don’t need to be running marathons to climb Snowdon. When I did it, I saw people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. It’s one of those challenges that’s tough in places but definitely achievable.

If you already go to the gym or include a bit of cardio in your weekly routine, you’ll probably be fine. But if you’re more of a beginner, you could do a bit of prep. Here’s what I’d recommend:

• Start with regular walks — flat at first, then add in hills or stairs.
• Focus on building endurance over speed. It’s not about racing to the top!
• Try to fit in one or two longer weekend walks before the climb.
• Because it’s a lot of leg and core work, you could add in some strength training that targets those muscle groups, think squats, lunges, or planks.

The main thing is to be consistent and listen to your body. You don’t have to be an athlete, just prepared!”

Q: What would you recommend taking with you?

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t fully prepared for how crazy the weather gets the higher up you go. One minute it was fine, and the next I was caught in heavy rain with just a light, showerproof jacket. Lesson learned. If I were doing it again, here’s what I would definitely pack:

• Proper waterproof layers – the weather can change fast, and you don’t want to be soaked halfway up. A showerproof/windproof coat won’t cut it!
• Comfy, supportive walking boots – or at least thick-soled, non-slip trainers. Your feet will thank you.
• Sun protection – if the weathers on your side, bring sunglasses, a hat, and suncream.
• A small backpack – packed with water, energy snacks (think nuts, flapjacks, bananas), and a basic first-aid kit just in case.
• Optional but could be useful, a route map or guide – When we were going back down, we almost took the wrong path. If it’s foggy, like it was on my climb, it’s surprisingly easy to go off course and end up on a more advanced route by mistake. There are six paths you can take and I would recommend sticking to the Llanberis Path, it’s the most beginner friendly.”

Extra tip: If you’ve got any injuries or ongoing health conditions, it’s a good idea to get checked before your climb.

Q: What should you expect on the day?

It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but in the best way. The first 10 minutes and the last hour are steep and more challenging; the rest is more manageable. The views are genuinely unreal if it’s a clearer day. You’ll definitely feel it in your legs, but the key is to take your time and pace yourself.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Keep sipping water throughout — but don’t overdo it. There aren’t any toilets until you reach the top, where there’s a small shop and facilities. I would recommend using electrolytes or salt tablets to stay hydrated without needing to drink loads.
• Bring energy snacks — things like oat bars, fruit, or nuts help keep your energy up. Snack breaks are also a great excuse to stop, take photos, and soak up the scenery.
• Go with a group — I did it with three friends, and it made such a difference. Having someone to chat to and keep the mood up really helps when your legs start to burn a bit.

And honestly, it’s the perfect opportunity to unplug for a while. Switch off your phone, take a few mindful minutes, and just enjoy being outside. It’s genuinely such a reset for your mental wellbeing.”

Q: How did you recover after Snowdon?

“First off: celebrate. You earned it. We celebrated with a film and an Indian takeaway!

Then, give your body a bit of TLC:

• Stretch, especially calves, hamstrings and lower back.
• Continue to stay hydrated so you don’t cramp and eat something proper (not just crisps and Haribo).
• Rest for the next couple of days, your muscles will thank you.”

Q: Would You Recommend Climbing Snowdon?

100%. Climbing Snowdon isn’t just about the mountain, it’s about what you learn on the way up (and down). It boosts your fitness, clears your head, and leaves you with a sense of “I did it!”