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 Explorer OL17 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer OL17 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
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 Garn | very hard | 8.0 miles |
Walk 2820 | Carneddau traverse from Llyn Ogwen | mod/hard | 14.0 miles |
Walk 1150 | The High Carneddau | hard | 10.0 miles |
Walk 1215 | Tryfan & Llyn Ogwen from Ogwen Valley | mod/hard | 5.5 miles |
Walk 3001 | Tryfan North Ridge from Ogwen Valley | hard | 3.5 miles |
Walk 3026 | Tryfan & the Eastern Tops from Ogwen Valley | hard | 5.8 miles |
Walk 1232 | Carnedd Llewelyn, Llyn Eigiau & Llyn Cowlyd | hard | 16.0 miles |
Walk 2855 | Gallt yr Ogof & Braich y Ddeugwm | moderate | 4.0 miles |
Walk 3056 | Pen yr Helgi Du from Ogwen Valley | moderate | 5.5 miles |
Walk 1074 | The Glyders Traverse | very hard | 12.0 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
The Wales Coast Path
A 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.
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Mountain Walking in Snowdonia
Guidebook to 40 of Snowdonia's best day walks, with routes up Snowdon and Tryfan, including the Snowdon Horseshoe, Cadair Idris, Y Garn and The Rhinogs. The routes range from Grade 1 scrambles like Crib Goch or Bristly Ridge, to riverside and forest walks. Includes details of a 2-day traverse of all 15 of Snowdonia's 3000ft peaks.
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Mountain Weather
Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.