Llyn Idwal loop from Ogwen Cottage — Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Llyn Idwal loop from Ogwen Cottage — Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
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Llyn Idwal loop from Ogwen Cottage — Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
01:11
4.18km
100m
Hiking
Embark on an easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) hike around Llyn Idwal, a crystal-clear lake nestled within the dramatic glacial landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. This loop, which you can complete in about 1 hour and 11 minutes with an elevation gain of 312 feet (95 metres), offers breathtaking views of ice-sculpted Cwm Idwal and towering peaks like Tryfan. While the path is generally stony and clear, be prepared for sections that can be rugged, rocky, or slippery, especially as you pass under Devil's Kitchen, an area known for its huge boulders.
Starting from Ogwen Cottage, the trail is easily accessible, making it suitable for most skill levels. The cottage itself provides convenient amenities, including a car park, information, and refreshments, ensuring a smooth start and finish to your adventure. Although the loop itself avoids significant climbing, some sections leading up to the lake involve steeper, rough mountain paths, so wear appropriate footwear and be ready for varied terrain.
This trail offers a unique opportunity to experience a dramatic mountainous environment without excessive physical effort. Cwm Idwal holds the distinction of being Wales' oldest National Nature Reserve, showcasing a unique ice-sculpted valley and world-famous rock formations like the Idwal Slabs. The combination of the serene Llyn Idwal and the imposing surrounding peaks makes this a distinctive and memorable walk within the national park.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
10 m
Ogwen Visitor Centre and Snack Bar
Highlight • Parking
There are a number of facilities including toilets, disabled toilets, an information room, public wifi and a small kiosk selling hot and cold snacks.
From the visitor centre you can start a range of walks and climbs in the area. The most popular is the walk to Wales' first ever national nature reserve, the beautiful Cwm Idwal, a glacial lake with a mountainous backdrop.
(Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
979 m
Cwm Idwal
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
4.18 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.24 km
663 m
135 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
1.57 km
1.24 km
1.02 km
213 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Tuesday 5 May
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Beautiful route to breathe in the Snowdonia mountain air in stunning surroundings, without any climbing, which is just not that easy in some weather conditions. The path simply goes around Llyn Idwal, you can extend the route towards Tryfan, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr etc., but really just well prepared for climbing even in wet conditions, Devil's Staircase and Heather Terrace are not to be underestimated in rain and wind. The path around Lyyn Idwal leads over stones, very slippery in places, muddy, flooded, but nothing that you can't do carefully and with surefootedness. The views of waterfalls and 900m high rock faces of the corresponding peaks are unique. Although easily accessible, the path is not overcrowded when rain showers are forecast; In September, when there was a heavy shower halfway along the route, only 5 people were hit, if with dogs, then on a short leash in an exemplary manner.
We did this hike on our trip to Snowdonia. The outward route was clearly marked by the cobblestones, and the path around the lake was also easy to see. For the return route, Komoot had drawn lines on the map that weren't recognizable as paths on the ground. So, turn your smartphone so that the location symbol always points in the direction of the navigation line and walk cross-country. The photos not only show the landscape, but you can also make out the "path." Komoot rated the tour as "easy." However, I wasn't so sure about that in some places. The weather was sunny with cool temperatures. It was an all-round wonderful tour.