Photo © Denny Muller

Why are you laughing? It’s something we all do every day and usually with very little thought however when you’re half way up Snowdon and potentially several hours away from a toilet it suddenly becomes important. Perhaps more of a concern for women than it might be for men, who will typically go anywhere without a care, there are some rules and useful tips about going to the toilet on Snowdon.

Advertisements help keep Snowdon Experts free to use

You will likely be aware of the Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre known as Hafod Eryri which has a cafe, souvenir shops and toilets however it shouldn’t be relied on as the facilities aren’t always open. It typically opens from late Spring until the last weekend in October but will be closed on bad weather days.

The worst thing you can do is avoiding going to the toilet by not drinking. Taking on liquids during your mountain day is essential. OK you might be able to get away with a shorter walk but inevitably you’re going to be walking uphill, sweating away fluids and burning energy so it’s vital that you stay hydrated.

Anyone with young kids knows that you don’t leave the house without making them go to the toilet and it’s no different for you! All of the main Snowdon summit paths have public toilets at the start points. They may not always be the best (you’re likely to have to fight off a spider or two) and might not be open out of season but they’re better than nothing so be sure you go before you start your adventure. You can find more out more about public toilets in Snowdonia at snowdonia.gov.wales/visit/plan-your-visit/toilets-and-facilities/

However, there’s really no avoiding it; you’re going to need a wee at some point during your day on Snowdon so it’s important to find the right place to go. For gentlemen it might just be walking a few metres off the path, waiting for others to walk out of sight and then do your stuff. Always get as far off the path as possible. Nobody wants to see a pool of wee as they’re walking up the Llanberis Path. Avoid places where people might stop for a rest for the same reason. These are even more important for the busy paths such as the Pyg Track or Snowdon Ranger Path. Imagine the smell if hundreds of people did their business in the same spot every day. Never wee in or close to running water as you don’t know who might be drinking that water further down stream.

For ladies you’re probably going to want a bit more privacy however this can be easier said than done particularly on the main paths during busy summer weekends. As for the men, move away from the path everyone is walking along and aim for that big rock and be quick! You must take any used toilet paper or tissues home with you preferably in a bag. On an overnight expedition you might dig a hole and burn the paper but this isn’t really practical on a day out up Snowdon and nobody wants to see toilet paper littering the countryside.

If you’re walking as part of a group don’t be shy. You don’t need to explicitly say what you’re going to do. Saying something along the lines of “I’ll catch you up” is enough – people understand what’s going on.

Advertisements help keep Snowdon Experts free to use

Number twos are a bit trickier. Most people can go out for a day’s walk without needing to worry too much about this, but an upset tummy or that big curry that night before can play havoc with your insides. There really is no satisfactory solution here. Again, on multi-day trips, you’ll carry a small plastic spade so you can dig a hole, do your stuff and bury it (after burning any toilet roll/tissues) but this isn’t something I’d suggest you need to carry with you routinely.

The same principles apply though. If you really have to go, move well off the path you’re walking on, find something for privacy, use whatever you can to dig the best hole possible, do your business then cover it up. If you’ve used toilet paper or tissues you must burn and bury them or ideally take them away with you. Never simply leave them behind.

Don’t neglect your personal hygiene either so remember to clean your hands using antibacterial hand sanitiser.