logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Circuit of Llyn Idwal from Ogwen Cottage

Snowdonia/Eryri Walk

Nat Park - Snowdonia - Glyders Tryfan

County/Area - Gwynedd & Conwy

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 2.8 miles / 4.6 km    Ascent - 350 feet / 106 metres

Time - 1 hours 50 minutes    Grade - easy

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL17Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL17Digital Map1:25kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Circuit of Llyn Idwal
Click image to see photo description.

The Snowdonia (Eryri) 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 Snowdonia 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.

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.

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.

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 Cambrian Way

The Cambrian WayGuidebook to the Cambrian Way, a challenging three-week mountain trek through Wales from Cardiff to Conwy. The 470km un-waymarked route is presented from south to north. Often sticking to long, beautiful ridgelines, it crosses wild and rugged terrain and visits many of Wales's highest mountains, including Snowdon.
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.