Llyn Idwal

A lakeside walk in the midst of mountains within the heart of craggy Snowdonia

Google Maps Open Source Maps

Statistics and Files
Start: Idwal Cottage Distance: 3.1 miles (5.2 km) Climbing: 382 metres
Grid Ref: SH 64998 60387 Time: 2 hours Rating: Moderate
GPX Route File Google Earth File About Llyn Idwal
Statistics
Start: Idwal Cottage Distance: 3.1 miles (5.2 km)
Climbing: 382 metres Grid Ref: SH 64998 60387
Time: 2 hours Rating: Moderate
GPX Route File Google Earth File
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk: This walk gives a real sense of adventuring into a wild mountain region and yet it is both easy and safe. Llyn Idwal lies in a great hollow under the shadow of craggy mountains, ranging from the looming bulk of Tryfan to the spiky ridges of the Glyders and the shattered sinister rocks of the Devil's Kitchen. The Idwal valley was the first National Nature Reserve in Wales, declared in 1954, and is one of the finest. It offers an abundance of plant and bird life on the shores of the lake and up on the crags. The lake itself is shallow, and in its sparkling clear waters you can see minnow and trout.

Llyn Idwal, Tryfan and Glyder FachLlyn Idwal, Tryfan and Glyder Fach
Llyn Idwal and Devil's KitchenLlyn Idwal and Devil's Kitchen

The mountains around the lake change in character along the route. The Idwal slabs are hard, smooth rocks of rhyolite, a type of lava, and devoid of alpine plants. Their gentle slopes offer good toe and hand holds to would be mountaineers and they have become a popular nursery for fledgling climbers. The dramatic Devil's Kitchen is a deep, dark chasm slicing into the crags at the south-west corner of the lake. The down-folded volcanic rock either side of it is evidence of a former mountain range and its ledges are home to a wide variety of mountain plants, including the rare Snowdonia Lily (Gagea Serotina).

The best view of the ring of mountains is on the west side of the lake. straight across is the massive bulk of Tryfan which can only be summited by rough scrambling. Following the ridge south you can see first Glyder Fach and second Glyder Fawr, both rising high to the left of Devil's Kitchen. On the right is the imposing foothills of Y Garn.

To see wildlife in this area requires patience - and chances are better still with a pair of binoculars. Mountain goats, for instance, are shy creatures, but impressive with their long horns. Peregrine falcons can be seen hovering before swooping swiftly on their prey. Peregrines fight for territory with the ravens which build their huge stick nests on the high ledges. In spring, the common sandpiper can be seen on the edges of the lake, and in summer, flocks of choughs search for food in the grasslands.


Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.


Feedback and Suggestions: To suggest a link for inclusion on a this page please complete the Walking Englishman Feedback Form. Thank you.


Copyright © 2003-2024 Walking Englishman. All rights reserved.
Facebook Twitter You Tube Linked In Google +

Homepage