A Complete Guide to the Cwm Idwal Walk
The Cwm Idwal walk is one of the most beautiful in the scenic Ogwen Valley in Snowdonia National Park. This three-mile circular route encompasses some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain and views that Snowdonia offers, ranging from lush greenery and rugged mountains to flowing waterfalls. It is a great natural wonder, we were so impressed with the scenery, and we are sure you will be too.
Cwm Idwal is a glacial valley and is probably one of the finest examples of a hanging valley in Britain. It’s also one of the best places to see Edelweiss flowers, which are native to the region and purple saxifrage. However, each season brings different wildlife and plants, so it will depend on when you go for what you see!
The name Cwm Idwal means ‘Valley of Idwal’, who was a king of Gwynedd in the 6th century. Cwm Idwal was created when two glaciers moved down from the highest peaks of Snowdonia National Park and melted into each other, creating a large lake at their meeting point. The ice formed a lake at least two miles long when the ice melted. It is a great place to imagine the Ice Age, and even Charles Darwin came here in 1842 to see the glacial boulders.
Cwm Idwal Walk Details
Distance: 3 miles (4.8km)
Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation:
Map: Ordnance Survey Map OL17 or Landranger 115
Terrain: stone path but can be rocky and uneven
Route type: circular
Signage: low
About the Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve
Cwm Idwal is the oldest National Nature Reserve in Wales and is now one of 70 in the country. It became a nature reserve in 1954 due to its geological features and exceptional wildlife and is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Alongside Cadair Idris, Cwm Idwal also was a frequent destination by Charles Darwin. He often visited the area to view the plants and rocks during his research into evolution. The lake’s surrounding area is full of fascinating botany and geology and is a popular place for hiking, climbing and, during winter and ice climbing.
Cwm Idwal Map
Cwm Idwal Parking
Ogwen Cottage, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, LL57 3LZ.
Please follow the Google Maps Directions here.
Grid Reference – SH 649 603
Where to park for the Cwm Idwal walk?
There are different car park options. The main car park is near the visitor centre and is run by the Snowdonia National Park Authority. It is at the bottom of the valley, close to the footbridge across Afon Glaslyn. There are many spaces, but arriving early or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid the crowds. It is quite busy, as it is the starting point for other popular hikes, including Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and Tryfan.
Due to the increase in the popularity of Snowdonia over the last few years, there has been an increasing demand for visitors to use public transport. The use of public transportation is strongly recommended if feasible, as you can catch the Snowdon Sherpa bus routes that are a part of the national parks. They offer regular services, and day tickets cost £5.00 per adult and £2.50 for children.
How much does it cost to park at Cwm Idwal?
The main car park costs £6 all day. There are some free spaces in laybys on the way and enough room for about 4 or 5 cars to park for free at the entrance to the car park. However, you mustn’t block gates or access roads and respect landowners when parking your car.
Good to know: you can pay by card using contactless or cash at this car park.
Top Tips for the walk
- Dogs are welcome, but you must keep them on their leads.
- There are some steep sections, so that you will need moderate fitness.
- Take all litter home with you and leave no trace.
- Take food and plenty of water with you. There is a small cafe at the Visitor Centre if you need to buy anything called the Ogwen Snack Bar, but it is only open on weekends in the winter.
- There are toilets at the start of the walk at the Visitor Centre, but there are no facilities once you set off on the walk.
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and check the weather before you go so you know what to expect. The route will change dramatically with each season.
- There are useful touch screens at the visitor centre, which have up-to-date information including bus timetables and the weather forecast.
- This walk is suitable for children (as long as the weather is on your side).
Cwm Idwal Weather
Remember to check the forecast before you go so you are prepared for the current conditions. We always check:
The Met Office – Idwal Youth Hostel
Cwm Idwal Walk Directions
Our guide describes a circular route around the lake. The walk is not signposted but is relatively easy to follow. Remember, if you feel like you’ve gone too far, you can always retrace your steps to the car park and visitor centre.
- Begin the walk from the Visitor Centre and go up the steps which are on the left. The scenery is already spectacular, and you will see some stone slabs that cleverly display the mountain range and heights.
- Cross over the bridge over the Afon Idwal and continue towards a junction. From here, take a right and continue walking towards the lake. You will reach it after roughly 500m.
- At the lake (Llyn Idwal), it does not matter if you go right or left around the lake and nature reserve. We followed the left side around where you can glance up towards the Devil’s Kitchen (if you want to venture up here, it is more of a climb). The path will go slightly up, and then at the junction, you should turn right, and you will cross a bridge over the Afon Clyd towards the shore of the lake.
- You will arrive at a beach, a popular place to relax, eat and take in all of the beautiful scenery of the mountain range. From here, you will need to continue around the lake until you rejoin your original path, and you can retrace your steps back to the Visitor Centre and Car park.
Cwm Idwal walk complete!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cwm Idwal?
Llyn Ogwen and the Ogwen Visitor Centre are situated on the A5 road that traverses the entire region of Snowdonia. The lake is 10 miles (20-minutes) from Betws-y-Coed, and it is at the borders of Conwy and Gwynedd counties. The nearest train station is Betws-y-Coed.
The A5 road is accessible from the A55 North Wales Expressway at Bangor, and the drive along the A5 takes about 20 minutes.
When is the best time to go to Cwm Idwal?
The best time to go depends on what you want to see, in winter you will see snow-capped mountains, in spring it might be windy, but you will see the incredible wildflowers in bloom. Summer will be the best walking conditions with less wind and more visibility. Please check before you go because the weather can be unpredictable when you go.
We recommend visiting as early as possible. If you come before 9 am, you will likely beat the crowds.
Can you see fossils at Cwm Idwal?
You might be able to see evidence of Brachiopod fossils, animals that lived on the seabed around 400 million years back. They can be found on the crest of Y Garn (SH632595) and in Y Gribin (SH651686).
Can you swim in Cwm Idwal?
No, it is a nature reserve and can get extremely cold. However, it is not unusual to see people paddle in the water from the beach in the summer.
How far up is it to Cwm Idwal?
The ascent is 133 m, and it should take around 30-minutes from the car park to reach the lake.
How many people visit Cwm Idwal?
It is unknown how many people visit Cwm Idwal, but roughly 350,000 people visit Ogwen Valley every year.
What fish are in Cwm Idwal Wales?
In Cwm Idwal, you can find lake trout (wild brown trout) as big as 1lb!
How big is the lake?
It is 800 metres long and 300 metres wide.
Who owns Cwm Idwal?
Cwm Idwal is managed by the Snowdonia National Park Authority and is administered through a Cwm Idwal Partnership. This Cwm Idwal Partnership includes the National Trust, Snowdonia National Park Authority and Natural Resources Wales.
What walks can I do nearby?
This area is incredible for walking. If you want to take on some more challenging walks, we recommend reading our guides to:
We hope you enjoy your Cwm Idwal walk. We were blown away by the dramatic mountains and crystal clear lake. Remember to leave no trace, take some beautiful pictures and make lifelong memories.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.