Cwm Idwal and Llyn Idwal
Round a lake in a glacial hollow below the Glyderau, in Wales's first nature reserve.
- Distance
- 5.6 km
- Ascent
- 290 m
- Time
- 2–2.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 462 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Cwm Idwal and Llyn Idwal is a moderate 5.6 km circular walk with 290 m of ascent, taking 2 to 2.5 hours. It starts at Ogwen Cottage (grid reference SH 650 603). The start can be reached by public transport.
Cwm Idwal is a textbook glacial corrie, a hollow scooped from the Glyderau with Llyn Idwal at its floor and the dark cleft of the Devil's Kitchen (Twll Du) above. Charles Darwin studied its geology, and in 1954 it became the first national nature reserve in Wales.
From Ogwen Cottage, a well-made path climbs to the lake and loops round it below the Idwal Slabs, where climbers learned their craft.
Route
-
1
To the lake
Climb the path from Ogwen Cottage into the cwm.
-
2
Round Llyn Idwal
Loop round the lake below the Idwal Slabs and return.
Summit
On the way
-
Devil's AppendixWaterfall · 300 m from the route
Questions about this walk
- How long does Cwm Idwal and Llyn Idwal take?
- Most walkers take 2–2.5 hours for the 5.6 km route, which has 290 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Ogwen Cottage (grid reference SH 650 603). Pay car park at Ogwen Cottage, full early on fine days; lay-bys along the A5.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- The Snowdon Sherpa bus stops at Ogwen. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. A well-built path, rocky in places.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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