Having climbed to the top of Mount Snowdon back on 2020 via the Pyg track upwards and the Llanberis path downwards, we decided we’d try a different and easier path this time round.
Another reason for choosing a different path was reflecting on our experiences last time round.
That day in 2020 which started at 07:00 and finished over 12 hours later resulted in not being able to walk the next day, and spending all of the next day in our cottage. It’s the only time I’ve ever had pain in my hips!
So, here in 2022, with walking poles to hand, and a more flexible mindset, we decided we would tackle the Miners track which we knew was an easier and mostly flat path passing some small lakes, and we could choose whether or not we wanted to go to the top or not.
Below is a shot from my 2020 collection showing the Miners Track.
The Miners track did not disappoint: I first took some shots on the way up trying to get good leading lines to draw the eye in.
I then spotted some waterfalls (maybe micro falls or running water would be a better description) which meant stopping for a bit to grab some shots.
I tried to get as slow a shutter speed as I could handheld, as I had decided to keep the tripod in the car.
I did have the polariser filter with me which helped calm down any reflections from the water and slow down my shutter speed and I’m pleased with this shot.
I can go down to 1/20 sec or even 1/10 sec shutter speed handheld if I activate the camera’s in body stabilisation.
I took a close up shot of one of the rock face as I really like the textures in the rocks.
The Miners Track was initially built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine, the remains of which remain today – see shots below:
The path approaching the top of the Miners track makes a good shot and leading line due to the large cobbled stones.
I also looked back to get a shot of the flatter and easier path.
And as you go round the corner, an even clearer view of Snowdon is up ahead.
As we approached this part of the track, I got some good shots of the streams.
Then at the top, I walked over the stones to get a shot of the running water coming down the hill from Glasyn with Snowdon as the backdrop. Again, all handheld and quite pleased with the resulting images.
At this location, I took several shots here trying to get a balance in the running water showing some textures but also smoothing it out a little.
In the shot below, it’s quite amusing that the seagull that had flown near us a lot earlier in the walk as we had stopped for something to eat, had appeared to follow us all the way to this location.
I ensured I got a similar shot but with some walkers in to give a sense of scale.
At this location, and with the last part of the Miners track joining Pyg track up ahead, we decided we’d had enough and we’re quite happy to walk back.
We had a really good walk/hike, saw some amazing views and did not have any regrets for not going to the summit.
The Miners track is a highly recommended path to Snowdon, and one which we will be pleased to do again in future.
However, in writing this blog at the end of our North Wales holiday, there are at least two other locations which will beat this one for being at the top of the list of any locations list. Blog posts on these to follow…
Onwards and upwards…