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

Hiking

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.

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Sebastian Kowalke

January 12, 2018

Hiking

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.

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Best routes to Cwm Idwal

4.8

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885

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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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4.8

(107)

914

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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

(97)

1,347

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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

Details

Informations

Elevation 370 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 3 March

9°C

2°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

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

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Cwm 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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