Cwm Idwal is the ice-carved bowl above the Ogwen Valley holding Llyn Idwal, and the oldest National Nature Reserve in Wales. The National Trust’s circular walk around the lake covers 3 miles (4.8 km) and takes about three hours, passing the Darwin Idwal Boulders, the foot of the Idwal Slabs and the dark cleft of Twll Du, the Devil’s Kitchen.
Where it starts
The walk starts beside the Ogwen centre on the A5, where steps to the left of the building lead to the mountain gate and an oak footbridge. A stone path climbs to the lake, which you can walk round in either direction. The car park is small, charges by card only and fills early, so the National Park suggests the T10 or Bws Ogwen buses, with parking at Bethesda Football Club.
Underfoot
Expect rough, stony mountain paths with steep sections on the way up, then an undulating lakeside path with stepping stones over streams and a shingle beach on the far shore. A higher path towards the Devil’s Kitchen crosses loose rock and boulders and is only for competent hill walkers.
When to take care
- Walking boots and waterproof layers are essential; check the mountain forecast first.
- Cattle graze the approach, so give them space.
- Dogs must be kept on a lead, and swimming in the lake is discouraged.
Distance: about 5 km (3 miles), round trip, measured along the line on the route map below.
The line is a guide to the route, not a substitute for a proper map. Carry an Ordnance Survey map, check the weather before you set off and allow plenty of time.
Walk it with us
Our Snowdonia Trail (low level) holiday includes a circular walk around Cwm Idwal and Llyn Idwal. We book your accommodation, move your luggage each day and provide route notes.
Photo: Julian Herzog, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.