Photo © Efan Thomas
The Snowdon Sherpa (or Sherpa’r Wyddfa) is a unique bus service that travels around the foot of Snowdon creating an essential link between the six main Snowdon footpaths as well as the main car parks, villages and tourist attractions in the area. It’s an ideal service for walkers and climbers who intend to start their journey from one point and finish at another or for anyone who simply wishes to travel around Snowdonia leaving the car at home.
All Snowdon Sherpa journeys are operated by ‘low floor’ buses with ramps and wheelchair spaces to ensure that the stops provided with raised kerbs are served by accessible vehicles.
Tickets are bought on the bus and contactless payment is accepted. One way short hop fares start at £1. Expect to pay £3 from Llanberis to Pen-y-Pass or £4.50 return. For the best value, get a 1bws ticket providing a day’s unlimited travel on all buses in North Wales for £6 (discounts available for children and concessions). Dogs are welcome on all Snowdon Sherpa services.
The most popular services are the S1, S2 and S5 that run between Llanberis and Pen-y-Pass:
- S1 – Snowdon Sherpa – Caernafon – Llanberis – Pen-y-Pass – Betws-y-Coed
- S2 – Snowdon Sherpa – Bangor – Rhiwlas – Deiniolen – Llanberis – Pen y Pass
- S5 – Snowdon Sherpa – Llanberis – Pen-y-Pass
Other services run further afield covering the rest of the national park and beyond:
- S3 – Snowdon Sherpa – Beddgelert – Caernarfon – Bethel – Llanrug – Deiniolen – Dinorwig
- S4 – Snowdon Sherpa – Porthmadog – Llanfrothen – Beddgelert – Pen y Pass
Find out more about the Snowdon Sherpa service and view full timetables for each route at www.sherparwyddfa.wales
Snowdon Paths and the Snowdon Sherpa bus
Llanberis Path
The Llanberis Path starts from the village of Llanberis. Head for the ‘interchange’ (the grand title for the main bus stop in the village) where you can walk up the road to start the mountain path. If you’re coming from Betws-y-Coed or Caernarfon take the S1 Snowdon Sherpa bus. If travelling from Bangor, catch the S2.
Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Crib Goch
These popular routes all start from Pen-y-Pass. From Betws-y-Coed or Caernarfon take the S1 Snowdon Sherpa bus. If travelling from Bangor, catch the S2. From Llanberis or Nant Peris (Park & Ride), catch the S1, S2 or S5 buses and from Porthmadog you’ll need the S4.
Snowdon Ranger Path
This path starts besides the Snowdon Ranger youth hostel. From Caernarfon, take the S3 Snowdon Sherpa bus.
Rhyd Ddu Path
From just outside the village of Rhyd Ddu, from Caernarfon, take the S3 Snowdon Sherpa bus.
Watkin Path
Starting from Pont Bethania, from Porthmadog take the S4 Snowdon Sherpa bus.
