Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – Ranger Path Summit
Challenge Status: ✅ COMPLETED
Date Completed: 2 July 2025
Location: Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), North Wales
Route: Ranger Path (Llwybr Cwellyn)
Summit Height: 1,085m / 3,560ft
Challenge Number: 1 of 6 Snowdon Routes
My First Solo Summit
On 2nd July 2025, I successfully reached the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via the historic Ranger Path, completing my first challenge under the Sponsor Matty fundraising campaign.
This wasn’t just another hike.
It was my first solo mountain summit, my first completed Sponsor Matty challenge, and the beginning of a journey that will see me take on some of the UK’s most demanding long-distance walks and mountain climbs in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The climb tested my fitness, determination and mindset. More importantly, it proved to me that the larger challenges ahead are achievable.
Standing on the highest mountain in Wales was an incredible feeling and a moment I will never forget.
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Second Time Lucky
This summit carried extra significance because it was my second attempt at the Ranger Path.
My first attempt didn’t go to plan, but rather than giving up, I returned better prepared, more determined and focused on reaching the summit.
On 2nd July 2025 that determination paid off.
After nearly six hours on the mountain, I stood on the summit of Wales’ highest peak.
Sometimes success isn’t about getting there first time.
It’s about refusing to quit.
About Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Known in Welsh as Yr Wyddfa, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and the highest point in the United Kingdom outside Scotland.
Located within Eryri National Park, the mountain attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and offers six main walking routes to the summit.
As part of my Sponsor Matty fundraising journey, my goal is to summit Yr Wyddfa using all six major routes:
✅ Ranger Path (Completed)
⬜ Llanberis Path
⬜ Pyg Track
⬜ Miners Track
⬜ Rhyd Ddu Path
⬜ Watkin Path
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Challenge Statistics
Ascent
Activity Start: 04:41 AM
- Distance: 4.10 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,051 ft
- Moving Time: 2 Hours 54 Minutes 29 Seconds
- Steps: 11,998
- Calories Burned: 1,177
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Descent
Activity Start: 10:32 AM
- Distance: 4.04 miles
- Moving Time: 2 Hours 53 Minutes 45 Seconds
- Steps: 11,314
- Calories Burned: 1,162
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Total Challenge Statistics
Ranger Path Summit Day
- Total Distance: 8.14 miles
- Total Steps: 23,312
- Total Moving Time: 5 Hours 48 Minutes 14 Seconds
- Total Calories Burned: 2,339
- Maximum Elevation Reached: 1,085m (3,560ft)
These figures represent every step taken from the Ranger Path trailhead to the summit of Yr Wyddfa and back down again.
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The Route
The Ranger Path, known in Welsh as Llwybr Cwellyn, is one of the oldest routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa.
Beginning near Llyn Cwellyn, the route steadily climbs through open mountain terrain before joining the upper sections of the mountain for the final push to the summit.
Compared to the busier Llanberis Path and Pyg Track, the Ranger Path offers a quieter and more remote experience, making it ideal for walkers seeking a more peaceful ascent.
The route provides spectacular views across Eryri National Park and gives a true sense of the rugged beauty of North Wales.
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What This Challenge Taught Me
Every challenge teaches something.
The Ranger Path taught me:
Preparation Matters
The mountain will always win if you underestimate it.
Persistence Pays Off
This was my second attempt and reaching the summit made the achievement even more rewarding.
Pace Is Everything
Success on a mountain isn’t about speed.
It’s about keeping moving, managing energy and staying focused.
