logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Y Garn from Ogwen Cottage

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Glyders Tryfan

County/Area - Gwynedd

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km    Ascent - 2110 feet / 639 metres

Time - 4 hours 20 minutes    Grade - mod/hard

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL17Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL17Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 115Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 115Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Y Garn from Ogwen Cottage
Click image to visit gallery of 7 images.

An ascent of Y Garn is a rewarding experience offering superb views over the Carneddau, Ogwen Valley, the Glyders and Snowdon. This Snowdonia (Eryri) walk is short but should not be undertaken if you only have limited experience of mountain walking. The start is at Ogwen Cottage on the A5 Bangor to Capel Curig road (grid ref. 660603) where there is a small car park and refreshment kiosk.

Take the signed footpath to Llyn Idwal, which initially sets off in a south-easterly direction but soon turns south-west. The path has recently been improved and you soon reach the footbridge over the outlet from Llyn Idwal. Situated in a superb Cwm this lake is one of the "gems" of Snowdonia (Eryri). Cross the footbridge and follow the northern shore of the lake. Leave the shore path and take the obvious route heading almost due west to begin the ascent of Y Garn.

The first section of path has seen some excellent improvements and it is not until you have gained a fair height that the path becomes loose. The route is obvious and you soon gain the final north-east ridge of Y Garn. As height is gained the view improves with Pen yr Ole Wen and the Carneddau to the north-east. To the north-west is the beautifully valley of Nant Francon with the northern peaks of the Glyders (including the famous Atlantic Slab) lining the valley. To the south Tryfan, Llyn Ogwen, Glyder fawr and Glyder Fach all vie for your attention. Quiet often summits can be an anti-climax - this is not the case with Y Garn. Occupying a superb position on steep crags the view now includes Snowdon and its satellites.

Descend over easy slopes just east of south towards the Devil's Kitchen (Do not attempt to descend the gully). Reaching Llyn y Cwn pick up the obvious path that descends in spectacular fashion to the shores of Llyn Idwal. The descent is rocky but generally easy although there are a couple of tricky sections. Do not continue all the way down to the lake side. Instead take the path that heads right towards the Idwal Slabs. (Note - this route can be problematic after heavy rain as there is an awkward crossing of a stream. In this case you need to follow the path on the western shore of Llyn Idwal). Assuming you have successfully crossed the stream it is a case of following the path beneath the Idwal Slabs to reach the footbridge you crossed at the start of the walk. It is then a short stroll back to Ogwen Cottage.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2650 Tryfan, the Glyders & Y Garnvery hard8.0 miles
Walk 2820 Carneddau traverse from Llyn Ogwenmod/hard14.0 miles
Walk 1150 The High Carneddau from Ogwen Valleyhard10.0 miles
Walk 1215 Tryfan & Llyn Ogwen from Ogwen Valleymod/hard5.5 miles
Walk 3001 Tryfan North Ridge from Ogwen Valleyhard3.5 miles
Walk 3026 Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from Ogwen Valleyhard5.8 miles
Walk 1232 Carnedd Llewelyn, Llyn Eigiau & Llyn Cowlydhard16.0 miles
Walk 2855 Gallt yr Ogof & Braich y Ddeugwmmoderate4.0 miles
Walk 3056 Pen yr Helgi Du from Ogwen Valleymoderate5.5 miles
Walk 1074 The Glyders Traversevery hard12.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast PathA single guidebook to walking the whole Wales Coast Path - 1400km (870 miles) the length of Wales from Chester to Chepstow, including Anglesey, described in 57 stages. The route passes through the Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire National Parks and many AONBs and can be linked with the Offa's Dyke Path for a complete circuit of Wales.
More information

Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and easy walks - South

Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and easy walks - SouthGuidebook describing 30 walks in Snowdonia, Wales. Routes are mostly low level and on clear paths and showcase the region's beautiful scenery and rich history and culture. Part of a 2-volume set, this southern volume includes Trawsfynydd, Bala, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, the Harlech Coast and the valleys of the Mawddach and Dyfi.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.