Walkers on Wales’ highest peak are being urged not to hike along the Snowdon Mountain Railway line, after reports of people using the track as an alternative route to the summit. The railway operator has warned that the practice is both “dangerous and damaging”. Each year, more than 600,000 people climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), and maintaining the mountain’s footpaths remains an ongoing challenge. Some visitors have been tempted to use the flatter railway sections that run parallel to the Llanberis Path, but this risks erosion and could endanger train passengers.

At the weekend, staff were alarmed to spot someone cycling down the 4.7-mile track, which runs from Llanberis to the summit. Although heritage steam trips have finished for the 2025 season, diesel services will continue until 2 November, after which the line closes for winter maintenance. The rack-and-pinion railway’s upkeep is a costly and delicate process, and trampling on the line can disturb the stone ballast that supports the track. While the rails, sleepers and rack are made from steel, the ballast is crucial for maintaining alignment and stability.

Snowdon Mountain Railway warned that packed ballast broken up by walkers can increase the risk of rail buckling under a train’s weight. Walking on the track is also illegal, and although trains can usually be seen from a distance, trespassers risk service disruption and serious injury. A spokesperson said: “As we near the end of our 2025 operating season, we are urging walkers to keep off the railway track and use the Llanberis Path. Walking on the line is both dangerous and damaging. The ballast beneath the rails is a vital part of the railway’s structure. When it is disturbed by people walking over it, the track’s stability can be compromised, creating potential safety risks for trains and passengers. It is also a serious hazard for walkers themselves. In several sections, there is nowhere safe to move aside if a train approaches. Mountain conditions, such as distorted sound and low visibility, often cause people to misjudge the distance of an approaching train. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is governed by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and it is a finable offence to walk on the track. We ask everyone visiting Yr Wyddfa to respect the railway and help keep both themselves and our services safe by staying on the designated footpaths.”

The Llanberis Path remains the most accessible trail to the summit, making it a popular choice for first-time climbers. However, in winter, when trains cease operation and weather conditions deteriorate, the path can also become treacherous. Some walkers have mistakenly opted to follow the railway track instead, but authorities continue to stress that this is not a safe or lawful alternative route.

Image: Snowdon Mountain Railway