Llyn Idwal lies in a spectacular location under the Glyder Mountains in Snowdonia. This walk provides a mountain experience without too much effort walking through a rocky amphitheatre in the mountains.
(D/A) The start is the small car park at Ogwen Cottage (grid ref. SH649603) on the south side of the A5 between Bangor and Capel Curig. In fine weather and at weekends parking can be in short supply. National Park information is available with up to date weather forecasts and refreshments are also available here.
After parking walk over the Ogwen Falls footbridge and follow the clear stony path. After a short way the path divides and here you bear right and continue across to the shores of Llyn Idwal. Reaching the lake, turn lefty and follow the clear path in a clockwise direction around Llyn Idwal. You soon realise the rugged nature of this rocky amphitheatre and you make steady progress along the path, which initially stays close to the lakeshore.
(1) The path then gains some height at the southern end of the lake and bears right under Devil's Kitchen, a rocky mass of huge boulders and scree. The path then turns right again and joins the path descending down through the Devil's Kitchen to follow the western shores of the lake. A circuit of the lake is soon complete and you need to take the path on your left that follows the outward route back down to Ogwen Cottage(D/A).
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 1010ft - Car park
1 : mi 0.94 - alt. 1286ft - The path then gains some height
D/A : mi 2.6 - alt. 1014ft
The Snowdonia National Park is one of the most mountainous areas in England and Wales with towering peaks, rocky landscapes and cascading streams adding to the dramatic landscapes. This easy walk takes you into this wonderful environment without too much physical effort. However, do bear in mind that there can be dramatic changes in weather so do make sure you have suitable footwear and clothing.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4.33/5
Number of opinions : 1
Description quality : 4/5
Routemap quality : 4/5
Walk interest : 5/5
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 21/02/19
Description quality
: Good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
We really enjoyed the walk. It was short but beautifully located. Great for the whole family.
This walk takes in the three key summits in the Glyders - Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and Tryfan. It also includes the Y Gribin ridge with its excellent opportunuties for scrambling. Do choose a fine day as the views are spectacular throughout.
This challenging route to the summit of Tryfan is one the great walks and scrambles of Snowdonia. Starting from the Ogwen Valley, much of the ascent up Tryfan's north ridge involves the use of hands. In winter this route takes on a different character when ice and snow are present and should only be attempted by those experienced in winter mountaineering.
This Snowdonia walk starts from Pen-y-Pass and uses the Pyg Track towards the summit of Snowdon. The route then crosses Y Lliwedd to pick up the Miner's Track for the return to the start. Good navigational skills are essential when leaving Snowdon and because of this, the walk is recommended for experienced walkers only.
The Carneddau in Snowdonia provide for some tough walking and this route is no exception. Good navigational and map reading skills are required in the early stages of the route.
Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, is the objective of this walk. This route is the easiest way to Snowdon's summit. Starting in Llanberis, it must be remembered this walk is a serious mountain expedition so you should go fully prepared.
A Snowdonia walk that explores two less frequented summits from Llanberis. The walk offers grandstand views over many of the high peaks of Snowdonia and is more challenging than first impressions might suggest.
The minor Snowdonia summit of Crimpiau provides an excellent walk from Capel Curig. The route crosses quite mountainous terrain and the view down Llyn Crafnant is one of the great panoramas in the area. Do make sure you are suitably equipped for this walk.
This walk on the eastern side of the Carneddau mountains in Snowdonia offers a sense of solitude and excellent mountain scenery. The route is generally easy to follow although careful navigation is needed on the section from Dulyn Reservoir back to the start.
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.