ULTRA-TRAIL SNOWDONIA

UTS-50

Both 50 and 100 runners begin this course with a gentle ascent up the Maesgwm valley, before heading north to Moel Eilio. A gradual runnable descent follows, to the Tafarn Brew Pub, but don’t be tempted to hang around for a pint! The trail then covers scenic moorland ground, climbing gradually to the top of the highly underrated Mynydd-Mawr, before a stunning descent to Beddgelert forest, with spectacular views of the west side of the Snowdon range on the horizon. After a brief stop at the Ranger Youth Hostel, runner’s ascent and descend Snowdon via the classic Ranger and Rhyd-Ddu paths, how could I leave these out?! Leaving Rhyd-Ddu, the trail follows the Paddy Buckley Round to Moel Hebog, traversing technical ridges and epic climbs. A technical descent to Beddgelert leads runners to the next aid station, before a pleasant jog alongside Glaslyn River. Following a short road section, it’s back to business with a long slog up to the characterful Cnicht, before a possible slippery descent back to Nant Gwynant Café, my favourite in Wales! Take time to gather yourself as another long ascent of the Snowdon massif follows, then taking a right to cover the jagged peak of Y Lliwedd before descending to the final aid station at Llyn Llydaw. From here you’re homeward-bound, ascending Snowdon one final time, via the miners track, before plummeting/shuffling back to the finish and Race HQ via the Llanberis path. Upon arrival, you will be met with a rapturous applause, hot food, beer and 7 days of acute inflammation, which will surely subside along with any negative memories of what you have just accomplished. You’ll be back for more…

UTS 100

The 100 route begins with a leisurely ascent of Snowdon via the Llanberis path, before descending via the Pyg track to the Pen-Y-Pass YHA hostel. From here, runners descend the scenic northern Nant Gwynant valley before heading east to the quiet valley of Dolwyddelan. Now due north, a technical scramble up Moel Siabod and a long descent to Plas-Y-Brenin, hot food and shelter awaits! The next section up to and around Llyn Cowlyd is a real gem of the route, traversing beautiful woodland and lakeshore trails. From here, runners traverse the lower Carneddau. Wide open scenery and ridges await, before a technical descent to the Glan Dena climbers hut in Ogwen. A brief detour around the iconic Tryfan and up onto the Glyders, runners cover some of the more technical ground on the course, before descending back down to the Ogwen valley via the legendary Devils Kitchen trail, skirting the picturesque Llyn Idwal. Leaving the comforts of Idwal cottage behind, runners now ascend the trail leading up to Y Garn, with stunning views over the ground covered so far, it’s a personal favourite of mine! Undulating running to Elidir Fawr follows, before an interesting descent through the quarries, followed by a final section skirting Llyn Padarn before arriving back at Race HQ to start the second 50-mile loop, also the 50-mile race route.