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Lake Idwal

Lakes

Lake Idwal

Highlight • Lake

Lake Idwal

Recommended by 318 hikers out of 319

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Gwarchodfa Natur Genedlaethol Cwm Idwal

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Location: Llandygai, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Lake Idwal

4.8

(138)

870

hikers

1. Llyn Idwal loop from Ogwen Cottage — Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

4.77km

01:32

200m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.8

(106)

896

hikers

2. Y Garn to Glyder Fach loop — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri | Snowdonia National Park

9.04km

04:21

850m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.8

(98)

1,315

hikers

3. Llyn Idwal loop from Ogwen Cottage — Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

4.18km

01:11

100m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Jo | The Wandering Wildflower

February 25, 2022

A beautiful lake with stunning views to Tryfan and Pen Yr Ole Wen. There is a circular walk from the visitors centre which takes you around the lake or you can use this as a starting point for the mountains above.

Dominiek Van Dooren

July 1, 2025

Llyn Idwal is a lake (approximately 800 by 300 metres, or 28 hectares) in Cwm Idwal in the Glyderau Mountains of Snowdonia.
On the north-western edge of Llyn Idwal is a small pebble beach, which is occasionally used by visitors for recreation. Swimming is not permitted as it is in a nature reserve.

Translated by Google •

Sebastian Kowalke

January 12, 2018

The name of the small lake Llyn Idwal refers to an old Welsh legend. In the 12th century, Owain, Prince of Gwynedd, gave his only son Idwal into the care of his retainer Nefydd Hardd. Nefydd was commissioned to look after his master's son, but Nefydd's son Dunawd was jealous of the talented Idwal. So he pushed Idwal into this lake and he drowned. Owain banished Nefydd and his son from the kingdom and named the lake in mourning for his only son.

Translated by Google •

Details

Informations

Elevation 370 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 14 January

6°C

0°C

54 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h

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Location: Llandygai, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Lake Idwal

1. Llyn Idwal loop from Ogwen Cottage — Eryri / Snowdonia National Park

2. Y Garn to Glyder Fach loop — Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri | Snowdonia National Park

3. Llyn Idwal loop from Ogwen Cottage — Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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