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A walk around Cwm Idwal
This moderately strenuous walk offers some of the most dramatic mountainous scenery in the UK at the oldest National Nature Reserve in Wales. Explore beautiful ice-sculpted Cwm Idwal – a bowl-shaped hollow filled with the crystal clear waters of Llyn Idwal, world famous for its rock formations and rare and fragile plant life. If we are lucky, we may see snowy mountains and goats!
What to expect - The Terrain & Activities
- No Paddle Sport Available
- No Swimming Available
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This is a moderately strenuous walk with some steep sections along rough mountain paths, leading up to the lake. The circular route mostly follows the lake shore along an undulating path. If you have walking poles, bring them along. The path may be slippery.
mixed weather
We’re expecting mixed weather on this walk – so make sure you bring waterproofs AND an extra warm layer!
Walk Leader - Rachael H.
Rachael is a qualified Lowland Leader & she’s also qualified in First Aid for Mental Health & Outdoor First Aid – so you know she’ll keep you safe and make your Wellness Walk a safe and supportive space.
Rachael is based in beautiful North Wales – she’s also a qualified Open Water Lifeguard so you’ll often find her combining two passions and heading out for a walk & a swim 🙂
Rachael’s favourite local walk is from Ogwen Cottage up to Llyn Idwal as the views are stunning and it’s super accessible. Her favourite walk anywhere is just down the road from Idwal – an exciting wander up Tryfan – from where you can see three different lakes and far into the surrounding hills and countryside.
Living in North Wales Rachael’s top tip is to invest in the best waterproofs you can afford – then you can always go for a walk – even in liquid sunshine.
Kit List
- Dogs MUST be well behaved- this means good recall & good around people, other dogs & livestock.
- Doggie essentials! (e.g. lead, harness)
- Waterproofs
- Spare warm layer
- Hat & Gloves
- We recommend layers!
- Money for the pub or cafe
MEETING PLACE - Canolfan Cwm Idwal, Ogwen Cottage, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, LL57 3LZ
We will be sat on the wall outside the snack kiosk, next to the toilets. Parking is chargeable and limited, so consider car sharing, or taking the bus. The T10 buses run frequently between Bangor and Corwen, alight at the Ogwen Cottage /Llyn Ogwen (lake) stop for this walk (bus arrives from Bangor at 12:36). We will finish in time to catch the T10 back at 15:22
Donations
All of our walks are provided free of charge thanks to our funders, generous donations and our passionate volunteers. If you’re interested in supporting wellness walks by volunteering or donating please follow the links below. We look forward to walking with you!
Facilities
- Cafe or Pub Available
- Toilets Available
- Public Transport Available
- No Transport Provided
- Dogs Allowed
There is a kiosk selling snacks, hot and cold drinks – it may not be open at the end of the walk so please don’t rely on it. There are toilets available. No swimming on this walk as Llyn Idwal is a nature reserve.
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Informed Consent - we want you to know what risk is involved
While we take every precaution to ensure your safety on our walks (physically, psychologically and emotionally), all outdoor activities involve an inherent and unavoidable risk of an accident occurring that could lead to personal injury. All of our Walk Leaders are qualified in First Aid and carry emergency equipment to deal with emergencies. Walk Leaders are also trained to dynamically alter the route or plan for the day based on numerous potential factors - any decision to do so is fully authorised and expected by Wellness Walks. All participants should take an active role in minimising risks - so if you have a concern please speak up, if you feel unwell or unable to continue tell the leader.
Lowland Walks
These walks will follow paths, trails and lanes that are clearly visible on both the ground and the map (with the exception of very minor alterations). The risk on these walks  is low - but traffic, waterways and other hazards may still be encountered.
Participants are required to read the walk description and kit list and may not be allowed to take part on the walk if they do not have suitable clothing or footwear.