Cwm Idwal Walk
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Cwm Idwal Walk
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Cwm Idwal is a short and super family-friendly walk that will challenge and delight everyone! A short climb unveils a spectacular hidden lake and multiple waterfalls. This feels like a wild and remote adventure despite the quick walk in. This is an excellent option for a mixed ability group. No one will be disappointed.
Getting there
To get to the start of Cwm Idwal walk, from Bangor, travel on the A55 then turn onto the A5 towards Bethesda, continue on A5 to Ogwen Lake, upon arriving at the lake turn right into the car park at the Ogwen Cottage Ranger base, park costs £2.50 for 4 hours.
About
| When to do | April - October |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | At trailhead |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Poor |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Loop |
Cwm Idwal Walk
Elevation Graph
Weather
Cwm Idwal Route Description
To start the Cwm Idwal walk, from the Ogwen Ranger Base, take the steps to the left of the building. Follow the main footpath ignoring the right-hand fork that leads up through a rocky crevice. Continue ahead through the gate a short distance further and cross the wooden bridge over the small, but roaring stream. There is a nice viewpoint from here down to Llyn Ogwen, don’t forget to look!
The footpath climbs gently, winding away from the stream. Approximately 1640ft further up, the path again forks. Take the right-hand fork which follows the well-trodden stone path towards the lake.
Upon reaching the lake, Llyn Idwal, you can turn left or right depending which way you would like to go around the lake. We at 10Adventures prefer heading left, which is reflected on the map.The route around is pretty simple and extremely pleasant. The path is well maintained and it should be straightforward to follow. At the far end of the lake, you will need to drop off the main path and turn right to continue around the lake. This path leads you down to a levelled area where you will use stepping-stones to cross a gentle stream.
Follow the path around the lake shore, eventually crossing a slate bridge to finish the circular route of Llyn Idwal. From here, turn left to retrace your steps back to the Ogwen Ranger Base for a pick me up (ice-cream, tea and plenty more available)!
Walking Route Highlights
Cwm Idwal Cirque
Cwm Idwal Cirque is a unique mountain range, stretching across northern Snowdonia. While popular among hikers and cyclists, the area is of extreme significance to geologists and naturalists thanks to mountainous and rocky terrain, which is uncommon in the UK.
The Cwm Idwal Cirque is ranked the 7th natural wonder of Britain and hikers from across the globe come to discover this rare phenomenon, while taking in the beautiful views the mountain provides.
Llyn Idwal
Discover the tiny lake Llyn Idwal within Cwm Idwal in the Glyderau mountains of Snowdonia.It is named after Prince Idwal Foel, the grandson of one of the ancient Kings of Whales. Legend has it that the King’s son was murdered by drowning in the lake and the mystery continues to draw hikers to the lake.
During your hike, Llyn Idwal makes for a perfect spot to take a refreshing dip. The best place to dive in is the pebble beach on the north end. The lakebed eventually drops off, offering cool water to float and enjoy a warm, summery day.
Want to find more amazing walks in Snowdonia? Check out the Pyg Track to Snowdon, Llyn Ogwen or the Moel Siabod walks.
Insider Hints
Waterproof footwear is a good idea, as there are several streams to negotiate (stepping stones available) and some boggy ground.
Great fun for kids - lots to see,explore and enjoy the outback nature.
Plas Curig Hostel is just a few miles east and is a great place to stay with the entire family (5* Hostel).
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veeb 3 years ago
Absolutely stunning views. Was thinking of doing Llyn Ogwen afterwards, but the views around this walk were so spectacular that we didn't bother - next time I would do Llyn Ogwen first and then this one. Was very busy when we arrived - the car park at the start was full and we were lucky to find a space at the nearest car park east up the A5. However the trail itself was not too busy once we started making our way around Llyn Idwal. We missed the path where the descent begins and so did a bit of easy scrambling before we found our way back to the path.
Felix Legrand 4 years ago
Fantastic place to visit, It feels like you are in the middle of the wilds. It's one of my favorite walks in Wales
Kantinka B. 5 years ago
Easy hike with charming views.
colormylife 5 years ago
Nice loop trails! Not that crowded and very peaceful!
Danielle v. 5 years ago
Exceptional views! A great adventure for all of us. Fun and easy to do.
rosaline.oh 5 years ago
One of the 2 most beautiful experiences in Snowdonia is walking from Ogwen Cottage alongside Tryfan & Glyder Fawr to Llanberis. The other is on Tryfan itself... but I digress. Instead of just walking around the lake, I walked around the lake, up Devil's Kitchen, through the bog and went down the other side towards Llanberis. Sheer joy and beauty at every step. Devil's Kitchen is steep and slippery, requiring good scrambling shoes (or barefeet for agility and grip as I do, but I'm a strange one).
Terrance Gyro 5 years ago
Perfect remote adventure for the whole family. One downside iwe don't like is the lack of signages though.
Roaming489er 5 years ago
A cool little hike to get some exercise before you hit the pub!
Agnieszka P 5 years ago
Nice and easy hike. There were many families around, all enjoying the trail. Really great place to be.
Sammy89 5 years ago
I absolutely loved the waterfalls.